*This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember my first time returning to work after being out on maternity leave with my first. I brought everything I thought I needed to work to successfully pump except- cleaning supplies! Thankfully, I was able to use dishwashing soap, warm water, and paper towels that was available in the kitchen for that day. Eventually, I figured out exactly what I needed to be able to clean my pump parts at work safely and become more efficient at it. Read on below to learn about 3 methods you can use at work for safely cleaning your breast pump parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And don’t forget to grab your FREE guide on How to Plan a Stress-Free Week without Burnout<\/a><\/em>, which includes my top hacks and an editable weekly planner to help busy, working moms achieve a calmer, more productive week!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 3 different ways new moms can clean pump parts at work, whether you use an electric breast pump or manual pump:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the CDC guidelines<\/a> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the most recommended and best way to clean your breast pump kit is to use soap and water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the steps I used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re one of the lucky ones that has access to a dishwasher at work, it’s perfectly acceptable to wash your pump parts in there. Read the pump manufacturer’s instruction manual to ensure that all of the pump parts are dishwasher safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some general guidelines for using the dishwasher to clean your pump parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a good idea to stick to the CDC guidelines as closely as possible, especially if you have a preemie or baby with a weakened immune system. However, the truth and reality is it’s not always possible at work to hand wash or use a dishwasher after every pumping session. Perhaps you don’t have access to a sink because you’re on-the-go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only other safe option is to bring multiple pump part kits to work if you can afford it and use a clean set for each pumping session. After each pumping session, wipe down your used pump parts quickly using a disinfectant wipe specifically made for cleaning pump parts and infant feeding items (my favorites are these<\/a> plant-based wipes). Note that quick clean wipes can’t reach all surfaces, so this is just a temporary solution until the first opportunity you have to properly wash your pump parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your hands are clean and you wipe off all of the milk residue with the wipes. Then air dry if possible on a clean paper towel in a dirt and dust -free area or place pump parts in a tightly sealed ziplock bag. You can also use Medela quick clean micro-steam bags<\/a> at the end of the day to quickly sanitize your pump parts in the microwave before bringing them back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once home, wash ALL of the pump parts you used that day by safely hand-washing or adding to dishwasher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past, it was acceptable to stash your pump parts in a ziplock in the refrigerator in between pumping sessions to avoid constantly cleaning the pump parts (the “fridge hack”). This method was especially useful for multiple night feedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it might be tempting to reuse unwashed pump parts from a prior pumping session, DON’T DO IT<\/strong>. That method is no longer recommended<\/em> by the CDC after a preemie died<\/a> from being infected with deadly bacteria from improperly cleaned breast pump parts. The convenience and amount of time you save with the fridge hack is simply not worth the risk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumping at work is not easy and you have to allot extra time after each pumping session to clean your pump parts. Thankfully, over time you can become efficient at it and clean all your pump parts in less than 5 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, pat yourself on the back for doing an amazing job! You’re doing everything you can while at work to keep up your milk supply to feed your baby- and that’s an honorable thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you found this helpful, Pin and share with a friend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more breastfeeding resources<\/strong>, check out these helpful posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\nCleaning Breast Pump Parts at Work- 3 Easy Ways!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1: Soap and Water [Recommended]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2: Use a dishwasher.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3: Bring another set of pump part kits to work and disinfect until you get home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the “fridge hack” for pumping safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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