Not even boiling at home will completely sterilize your breast pump parts; it’s impossible to completely sterilize your breast pump at home. Some hospitals offer free or fee-based sterilization services, but you should be able to effectively wash away germs and bacteria after each use. Consult your instruction manual for proper breast pump cleaning instructions.

Take apart your pump, and wash each piece separately using liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. Rinse each piece with hot water for 10-15 seconds, placing the pieces on a clean paper towel or in a drying rack to allow them to air dry. Avoid using a cloth towel to dry your pump since it can carry harmful germs and bacteria. When the pump and pieces dry, reassemble before storing away.