After every pumping session, wash all parts that have come in contact with breast milk. This includes breast shields, diaphragms, duckbill valves, bottles, bottle caps, and nipples.
Care Instructions
A regular wash routine for your breast pump parts is essential for a healthy and safe pumping experience. Here a some of our cleaning recommendations.
Which pump parts do I clean?
Are there pump parts that I do not have to wash?
It is very important to never sterilize or wash the tubing or pump motor. It is not necessary to clean the breast shield body and diaphragm cap after every pumping session, and only if they come in contact with breast milk.
How to get started:
Before you use your breast pump for the first time, you’ll need to prepare by sterilizing all parts that will come in contact with your breast or breast milk. This includes the breast shields, diaphragms, duckbill valves, bottles, bottle caps, and nipples. There are a few different methods you can use to sterilize your breast pump parts. The simplest and easiest sterilization method is the boiling water technique.
- Use a pot large enough to fit all the pump parts without touching. Parts need to have plenty of room to move around, as this can cause irreparable warping.
- Fill your pot with enough water to cover and fully saturate the parts, leaving plenty of room for a rolling boil.
- Place on a stove top and bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, and then remove from heat.
- Allow to cool to a manageable temperature, and then carefully remove parts.
- Set sterilized parts on a clean paper towel away from a high traffic area (we do not recommend using a cloth towel because they can harbor bacteria).
- Allow to completely air dry prior to assembly.
How to wash pump parts:
Please remember that frequent sterilization can cause your pump parts to deteriorate faster. If you follow a regular wash routine, you shouldn’t need to sterilize more than just once.
We recommend you hand wash all parts whenever possible. For this method, you will need a separate wash basin, a dedicated sponge or bottle brush, clean paper towels, standard dish soap, and access to warm water.
- Fill up a wash basin with warm, soapy water.
- Add your pump parts and move them around.
- Wash each part individually with a sponge or bottle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water.
- Set to air dry on a clean paper towel away from high traffic areas.
- Allow to completely dry prior to assembly.
Are my pump parts dishwasher safe?
All Zomee breast shields, bottles, and other hard plastic accessories are BPA-Free and can go through the dishwasher without worry of harmful residue. Keep in mind that this will cause them to wear down more quickly. Do not wash silicone parts like duckbill valves, membranes, and diaphragms in the dishwasher. These parts are delicate and should be hand washed whenever possible.
Is steam sanitizing safe for my pump parts?
Yes! Always remember that for microwave steam cleaners or cleaning solutions, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If your care provider has instructed you to steam sterilize your pump parts, you should do so. In this case, please be aware that you may need to replace your parts more frequently.
Tips
- Washing your breast pump parts after every session can be time-consuming for an exclusive pumper. It is safe to put your pump parts in a clean bag after each session and place them in the fridge or freezer. Then at the end of the day, you can wash everything with soap and warm water.
- To guarantee that your breast shield kit has a good seal, check that all the individual pump parts that have been washed are thoroughly dry before assembly.
- To get rid of stubborn calcium build-up, try this: soak in vinegar or lemon juice (or both together), then wash with water and a bottle brush and rinse.
- If your pump parts become worn out or damaged, replacement parts can be purchased. Our warranty does not cover pump parts. Check with your insurance provider to see if your coverage includes replacement pump parts.