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Washing Your Breast Pump Parts (& when is sterilising necessary?!)

Washing Your Breast Pump Parts (& when is sterilising necessary?!)

Answering your questions about washing, sterilising, sanitising, and everything in between.  When you’re navigating the world of breastfeeding and pumping, you quickly realise that one of the most important aspects of keeping your routine smooth is maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic pump parts. You might be wondering: do I really need to sterilise my breast pump parts every time, or is regular washing enough? It's a great question, and we’re here to give you the scoop on how to keep your Melony wearable breast pump in top shape without unnecessary extra steps.

Why Cleaning Your Pump Parts Matters

First things first: cleaning your breast pump parts is non-negotiable. After every use, milk residue can remain on the parts that come into contact with your breast and milk. This can lead to bacteria growth if not cleaned properly, which can cause both contamination and unpleasant smells.

Proper cleaning not only keeps your pump in great condition but also helps ensure the milk you're pumping stays safe and hygienic for your little one.

How to Wash Your Melony Pump Parts

Here’s the good news: cleaning your pump parts is easy, and you don’t need a lot of special equipment to get it done. Melony’s wearable breast pump parts are designed to be user-friendly and easy to clean. Here's a quick guide on how to do it:

  • Remove non-washable parts: Separate your pump motor and charging cord from your washable accessories (valve, diaphragm, flange, breast shield, bottle, and bottle connector).  Your pump motor and charging cord should never come into contact with liquid.  To keep your pump motor clean, you can wipe it down with a clean lightly damp cloth or baby wipe. 
  • Rinse: Immediately after use, rinse all pump parts with cold water to remove milk residue. This step helps prevent milk from drying on the parts and makes them easier to clean later.
  • Wash: Use warm, soapy water and a bottle brush to clean all the parts thoroughly. Focus on hard-to-reach areas like valves, connectors, and tubing.  Remember, your valve and diaphragm are delicate, so be gentle with these.  
  • Dry: After washing, let the parts air dry on a clean towel or drying rack. Make sure everything is completely dry before storing.

See below for a reminder on your accessories, vs your pump motor.  

It’s that simple! But what about sterilisation? Do you need to take that extra step every time?

Sterilisation: Is It Necessary?

Sterilisation is often the subject of confusion. The truth is, while washing your pump parts thoroughly is absolutely necessary after each use, sterilisation may not be required after every single use.  For a detailed overview, read our full blog post on how to sterilise your Melony Pump Parts.  Recommendations around sterilisation can also vary depending on the health of your baby, and if you are unsure please seek advice from your health care provider.  

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Daily Sterilisation: Most experts recommend sterilising your pump parts once a day—typically, at the end of the day after you've finished all your pumping sessions. This gives you peace of mind that your parts are free of germs and bacteria. You can do this by boiling your pump parts in water for 5 minutes, using a steam steriliser, or placing parts in a microwave steriliser bag.

  • Before the First Use: If your pump parts are brand new, sterilising them before the first use is always a good idea. This helps eliminate any potential manufacturing residues or bacteria that could be present from packaging.

  • When Necessary: If your pump parts have been exposed to germs, dropped on the floor, or come into contact with something potentially unclean, it’s a good idea to sterilise them, even if you’ve already cleaned them earlier.

  • When to Sterilise More Frequently: If your baby is premature, has a weakened immune system, or is unwell, it’s advisable to sterilise pump parts more frequently or after each use. The same applies if you’re using the pump for multiple babies or sharing it (though sharing pumps should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary and with proper sanitisation).

Additional reading: 5 ways to sterilise your wearable breast pump parts

Convenience with Melony Wearable Pump Parts

The best part about your Melony wearable breast pump is that it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life. That means no complicated disassembly or complicated cleaning routines. 

A Quick Recap: How to Keep Your Pump Safe & Clean

Here’s a quick checklist for maintaining a hygienic pumping routine:

  • Before first use: Rinse and wash your parts with warm, soapy water and sterilise your parts.  
  • After every use: Rinse and wash your parts with warm, soapy water.
  • At least once a day : Sterilise your parts to give them an extra level of cleanliness.  Check with your health care provider if they recommend more frequent sterilisation.  
  • Whenever necessary: Sterilise if your parts get dirty or come into contact with something questionable.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your Melony breast pump functioning properly and ensure that your little one’s milk is safe and clean for every feeding.  

Over time, delicate silicone pump parts like your diaphragm and valve may become damaged or wear about.  Read more about when to replace wearable breast pump parts. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, cleanliness is crucial for both your peace of mind and your baby’s health, but don’t stress about making sterilisation a very frequent ritual unless your health care professional recommends it, or you feel that it's best. A good washing routine, combined with daily or occasional sterilisation, is a great place to start. Remember: your Melony wearable breast pump is here to make your pumping journey as easy as possible, so keep it clean, and keep it simple.


How do you keep your breast pump parts clean? Have any tips or tricks that make your routine easier? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts with other pumping mums!

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