For many Aussie mums, a reliable breast pump is the ultimate sidekick, offering the flexibility to manage work, a cheeky beach walk, or a weekend BBQ while ensuring bub stays well-fed. However, the secret to a successful expressing journey isn't just the pump itself; it’s the hygiene routine that follows. Properly cleaning and sterilising breast pump parts is non-negotiable for protecting your little one from nasty bacteria and keeping your gear in top-notch condition for the long haul. Beyond your feeding kit, many local parents swear by a baby nasal aspirator to gently clear those tiny nostrils, ensuring bub breathes easily during our humid Aussie summers or chilly Melbourne winters.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps of washing, sterilising, and drying your equipment to keep your pumping sessions safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Before you even think about attaching a flange, setting the right environment is key. Whether you're at home or expressing in a parents' room at the local Westfields, follow these steps to keep things hygienic:
Scrub Up Properly. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This simple act is your first line of defence against transferring germs to your pump parts.
Sanitise the Area. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the surface where you’ll be setting up. This is particularly vital if you’re using a communal space or a shared hospital-grade pump provided through Medicare or a local pharmacy rental.
Inspect Your Kit. Before you start, check your valves, tubing, and backflow protectors for any signs of wear, moisture, or—heaven forbid—black spots of mould. Only ever use a kit that is bone-dry and spotless.
Shared Pump Protocol. If you’re back at work and using a communal pump, wipe down the exterior unit, including the power buttons and dials, before and after use. It’s just good Aussie manners, and it keeps everyone safe.
Aussie Mum Tip: If you're navigating the early days of expressing, check in with your midwife or GP. Many prenatal and postnatal hygiene resources are covered under Medicare, and they can provide local leaflets on safe milk handling.
Once you’ve finished expressing, it’s time to clean. All components that have touched breast milk need a thorough wash. You can take the hard yakka out of it with a specialised machine like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Steriliser, or do it the old-fashioned way in the sink.
Generally, you need to wash everything except the electrical motor and the tubing (unless milk has leaked inside):
If you're after a setup that is a breeze to pull apart and clean after a busy day out with the pram, the Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Hands-Free Breast Pump is a brilliant choice. Its parts are designed for quick disassembly and straightforward sterilisation.
Using the Momcozy KleanPal Pro is a total game-changer for time-poor mums. It handles the washing, sterilising, and drying in one go, so you can actually sit down and enjoy your babyccino.
Step 1: Prep the Parts
Empty any leftover liquid, then take the pump kit apart completely. Pop out the valves and membranes—don't leave them attached, or milk residue will hide in the gaps.
Step 2: Load the Machine
Arrange the parts inside the washer. You can adjust the internal racks to fit larger items or those extra collection cups.
Step 3: Add Water and Tablet
Drop in one cleaning tablet and fill the reservoir with fresh water. Ensure the level is above the minimum line so the jets can work their magic.
Step 4: Select Your Cycle
Switch it on and choose your mode. If you're in a rush before heading to the park, the 19-minute Rapid Wash is a lifesaver. For a deeper clean, go for the Normal Wash.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Wait about 10 minutes after the cycle finishes before grabbing your parts. They’ll be hot! The machine can even keep them sterile for up to 72 hours, which is perfect for planning ahead.
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If you prefer a hands-on approach for your breast pump, stick to these guidelines:
Step 1: Take it Apart. Every single piece that milk touches must be separated. Don't skip the tiny membranes!
Step 2: The Initial Rinse. Run the parts under cold water first to shift that initial milk film.
Step 3: Scrub with Care. Use a dedicated wash basin and a bottle brush with warm, soapy water. Note: Never use the kitchen sink directly, as it’s a haven for bacteria from raw meats or veggies.
Step 4: Final Rinse. Wash away all the suds under running water.
Step 5: Air Dry. Lay everything out on a clean, fresh tea towel or paper towel. Avoid using a used towel to wipe them dry, as this can introduce bacteria back onto your clean parts.
You might notice the tubing wasn't on our "must-wash" list. Most modern electric breast pumps use a closed system, meaning the tubing provides the vacuum suction but never actually sees a drop of breast milk.
However, life happens, and sometimes you'll need to intervene:
Aussie Mum Tip: If your pump is losing suction during a hot, humid week, check your tubing for moisture. A quick wipe of the exterior is fine for dust, but internal moisture usually means it's time for a new set.
While washing removes the milk, sterilising kills the invisible bugs. How often you do it depends on your baby’s age and health.
Not necessarily. If you have a healthy older baby and you're washing thoroughly with hot soapy water, you don't need to sterilise your breast pump after every single use. However, for newborns under 3 months, premature babies, or those with underlying health issues, daily sterilisation is the gold standard in Australia.
The Momcozy KleanPal Pro is the ultimate "set and forget" tool. Unlike the two-step manual process of washing then boiling, this machine uses high-pressure steam to kill 99.9% of germs while also drying the parts. It’s an essential bit of kit for busy parents who’d rather spend their time at the park than standing over a stove.
1. Empty & Load: Clear out the milk and arrange the parts. Use the flexible racks for your wearable pump components.
2. Add the Essentials: Add your detergent tablet and fill the water tank.
3. Start the Cycle: Hit "ON/OFF," select your program, and let it rip.
4. Cooling Down: Safety first—let the parts cool for 10 minutes before assembly.
If you're keeping it traditional or expressing while on holiday:
Leaving parts damp is an open invitation for bacteria to grow. Especially in our warmer climate, ensuring parts are "bone dry" is vital.
Keeping your breast pump hygienic is the best way to ensure your milk remains safe for your little one. While the daily grind of washing can feel like a chore, tools like the KleanPal Pro can help you automate the boring bits—washing, sterilising, and drying. To make the actual expressing part more comfortable, consider using a nursing pillow to support your back and shoulders. Whether you choose high-tech automation or the traditional boiling method, the goal is the same: a happy, healthy baby and a confident mum.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
