How to Clean and Dry Breast Pump Tubing

Breast pump tubing is one of the breast pump parts that be a little confusing to care for. Maybe you’ve seen condensation in your tubing and wondered how to dry breast pump tubing? Or wondered if you’re supposed to wash them like the rest of your pump parts?

In this post, we’ll go over how to dry breast pump tubing, the cleaning process, when to replace them, and more!

How to Dry Breast Pump Tubing

This may be different depending upon the breast pump manufacturers. Some breast pumps have backflow protectors that make them closed system breast pumps. They prevent any breast milk residue from backing up into the tubing.

Other breast pumps are open systems, meaning nothing prevents breast milk or condensation from collecting in the tubing.

It’s really important to ensure your breast pump tubing stays dry to protect the pump motor. If any breast milk or condensation backs up into your pump motor, it may damage your breast pump.

Medela Breast Pumps

Medela has a few different pumps on the market. Medela’s closed system breast pumps consist of the Pump in Style with Maxflow, Freestyle Flex, Symphony, Sonata, and Swing Maxi. They also have open system pumps which include the Pump in Style Advanced, Freestyle, and Swing.

This means that breast milk should not back up into the closed system pumps. However, condensation can build due to humidity, so you may still need to follow the steps for how to dry the breast pump tubing.

Here’s how to dry breast pump tubing for Medela pumps:

Disconnect the breast shields and breast milk bottles from the breast pump tubing
Leave the tubing connected to the pump and turn the pump back on
Run the pump for 3-5 minutes or until you don’t see any more condensation in the tubing

Spectra Breast Pumps

Spectra recommends never washing your breast pump tubing, as it will never come into contact with your breast milk due to the backflow protectors.

They also state to not use your breast pump with wet tubing as it will ruin your pump. So in this case, if your breast pump tubing were to become wet some way, you would need replacement tubing.

Ameda Breast Pump

Ameda recommends not washing the silicone pump tubing or adapters, as they will never come in to contact with breast milk. And if the tubing becomes wet, to discard and purchase replacement tubing.

BabyBuddha Breast Pump

BabyBuddha recommends inspecting the tubing after each pumping session. If there is any signs of breast milk or condensation, clean the breast pump tubing and lay out or hang to dry.

How to Clean Breast Pump Tubing

Check with your breast pump manufacturer or within your breast pump manual if you should clean your breast pump tubing. Some closed systems will actually be damaged if you clean and wet the tubing. The brands that recommend not cleaning your tubing include:

Spectra
Ameda
Some Medela closed system pumps (check your owner’s manual)

Medela open system pumps and the BabyBuddha can have their breast pump tubing be cleaned.

Here are the steps for how to clean breast pump tubing (if recommended):

Remove your breast pump tubing from all other parts and the power source.
Rinse your breast pump tubing to remove any breast milk residue.
Place in a basin (specific for baby products) with warm, soapy water.
Wash each piece with warm water and rinse with hot water.
Shake the tubing or roll between your hands to get as many water droplets out as possible.
Place the tubing on a clean paper towel to air dry or by hanging to dry.

It’s only necessary to clean your breast pump tubing if you get breast milk, condensation, or other dirt or debris within the tubing. If your tubing becomes moldy, discontinue use and replace immediately.

Tip

I recommend always keeping an extra set of replacement tubing on hand. Just in case you notice mold in your tubing or are having troubles with pump suction.

If you don’t have replacement tubing on hand, make sure you either have a manual pump or know how to hand express in case you suddenly can’t use your breast pump.

If you want to know more about how to care for your breast pump parts to keep your breast pump in the best shape, head over to the Complete Guide for How Often to Replace Your Breast Pump Parts. It also includes a free printable that you can print and keep with your pump supplies!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you boil breast pump tubing?

It is not recommended to boil breast pump tubing. It can cause warping of the tubing and is not necessary. Follow your specific breast pump manufacturer’s guidelines.

How do you remove mold from breast pump tubing?

You don’t! If you find mold in your breast pump tubing, they need to be discarded immediately and replaced. This is why I always recommend keeping an extra set on hand just in case!

Where can you purchase new tubing if it needs to be replaced?

You can purchase some breast pump tubing at Walmart or Target depending upon your breast pump. You can also purchase through your direct breast pump manufacturer. Amazon is also a great option because they carry most replacement tubing brands.

How do you get moisture out of breast pump tubing?

This is such an easy hack that many new moms haven’t heard about! When you’re finished with your pumping session, let the pump run with the tubing still connected. You should hear the air pushing out of the tubing.

Let it run while you store away your breast milk and when you’re finished, you can shut the pump off. Most of the moisture should be gone!

What happens if milk gets into breast pump tubing?

This depends upon the brand and type of breast pump you have! Follow the guidelines listed above for specific breast pumps!

Are you supposed to clean breast pump tubing?

Again, this depends upon the brand and type of breast pump you have! I will say with many pumps switching over to be closed system pumps, most of them don’t require you to clean breast pump tubing. This is because of the backflow protectors that prevent breast milk or condensation from entering the tubing.

But always check with your specific breast pump!

I hope you learned a little more about how to care for your breast pump and its parts! Are there any other pumps I’ve left off that you would like for me to cover? Leave a comment below if you’ve ever experienced issues with your breast pump tubing!

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How to Clean and Dry Breast Pump Tubing