How to Clean Medela Breast Pump

Keeping your Medela breast pump clean is essential for your baby’s safety and the longevity of your pump. Whether you’re using a Medela Pump in Style, Freestyle Hands-Free, Swing Maxi, or even the hospital-grade Symphony, regular cleaning and sanitizing will help you maintain hygienic pumping sessions and peace of mind.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to clean Medela pump parts after each use, what you should (and shouldn’t) sterilize, and tips to make cleanup quicker and easier.

Editor’s note: All thoughts are my own. Pumping Milk is reader-supported, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you buy after clicking an affiliate link. Learn More.

How Often Should I Clean My Medela Pump?

You should clean your Medela breast pump parts after every use to remove milk residue and prevent bacteria growth. The CDC recommends sanitizing pump parts at least once a day if your baby is under 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Medela Breast Pump

Before you begin cleaning your Medela pump parts, it’s helpful to have all your cleaning supplies on hand as it makes cleaning your Medela pump easier and more hygienic. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mild dish soap: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free soap safe for baby items.
• Clean wash basin: Use a separate basin just for pump parts—avoid washing in the kitchen sink.
• Bottle brush: Ideal for cleaning small parts like valves and membranes.
• Drying rack or clean towel: Let parts air dry on a dedicated rack or clean surface—avoid dish towels.
• Optional sterilizing tools: Use Medela Micro-Steam™ Bags, an electric sterilizer, or a pot of boiling water for daily sanitizing, especially if your baby is under 3 months or was born prematurely.

With these essentials, you’ll be ready to clean your pump thoroughly and safely after each use.

How To Clean Medela Pump Step By Step

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Before handling your pump parts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Step 2: Disassemble All Parts

Take apart all pieces that came into contact with breast milk. This usually includes:

• Breast shields (flanges)
• Valves and membranes
• Bottles and bottle lids
• Connectors
• Backflow protectors (depending on the model)

Important: Never wash or sterilize the tubing, power cord, or pump motor—these components should be kept dry and wiped clean as needed. If milk enters the tubing, it should be replaced.

Step 3: Rinse Parts After Use

Rinse each part under cool running water as soon as possible after pumping. This helps remove milk residue and makes cleaning easier later.

Step 4: Wash in Warm Soapy Water

Wash all parts thoroughly in warm, soapy water using a clean basin (not the kitchen sink, which can harbor bacteria). Use a small brush to clean inside valves or tight spaces.

You can also place dishwasher-safe parts on the top rack of your dishwasher if your model allows.

Step 5: Rinse Again

Rinse each part under clean running water for 15–20 seconds to remove all soap residue.

Step 6: Air Dry on a Clean Surface

Place parts on a clean paper towel or a designated drying rack. Avoid using cloth towels to dry, as they can introduce germs.

How To Sanitize Medela Breast Pump Parts

Sanitizing your Medela breast pump parts daily is highly recommended, especially if your baby is under 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. Here are four safe and effective methods to sanitize your pump parts:

Option 1: Boiling Method

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge all pump parts.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Carefully place disassembled pump parts into the water using clean tongs.
4. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. Remove parts with tongs and place them on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry completely.

Option 2: Microwave Steam Bags

1. Place clean, disassembled parts into a Medela Quick Clean™ Micro-Steam™ Bag.
2. Add the correct amount of water (usually 60 ml/2 oz—check the bag instructions).
3. Seal the bag and microwave for the recommended time (typically around 3 minutes).
4. Allow the bag to cool before opening—be cautious of hot steam.
5. Remove parts and let them air dry on a clean surface.

The Quick Clean Steam Bags can also be used up to 20 times making them a convenient option when pumping on the go.

Option 3: Electric Steam Sterilizer

1. Disassemble all pump parts.
2. Arrange parts in your sterilizer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Add the recommended amount of water.
4. Run the full sterilizing cycle.
5. Let parts cool before removing and leave them to air dry completely.

Option 4: Milton Sterilizing Solution

1. Prepare a clean container (with lid) and fill it with cold water.
2. Add Milton Sterilizing Tablets or liquid solution according to the package directions.
3. Submerge fully disassembled pump parts in the solution, making sure there are no air pockets.
4. Leave parts to soak for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
5. Remove parts with clean tongs and let them air dry—no need to rinse.

Whether you prefer boiling, steaming, or using a cold-water sterilizing solution like Milton, daily sanitizing gives you added peace of mind—especially during your baby’s most vulnerable months. Choose the method that best fits your routine and setup.

Option 5: Bottle Washer, Sterilizer & Dryer

If you’re looking for an all-in-one, hands-off solution to wash, sterilize, and dry your Medela pump parts, I think the Momcozy KleanPal Pro is a game changer. It’s especially helpful for busy moms who pump frequently and want to streamline their cleaning routine.

Here’s how to use it with your Medela pump parts:

1. Disassemble all parts and give them a quick rinse to remove any milk residue.
2. Place parts in the KleanPal Pro basket—breast shields, bottles, valves, membranes, and connectors are all safe to use (double-check tubing is excluded).
3. Choose your preferred cycle:
   • Wash Only
   • Sterilize & Dry Only
   • Full Cycle (Wash + Sterilize + Dry)
     Each cycle uses hot water and steam to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitization, followed by warm air drying.
4. Once the cycle is done, parts are clean, dry, and ready for storage—no air-drying rack needed!

Why moms love it:

• Kills 99.9% of bacteria with high-temperature steam
• Dries pump parts completely, helping prevent mold
• Saves time and counter space
• Ideal for Medela users who pump multiple times a day

Just be sure to check your Medela model’s instructions to confirm that your parts are heat-safe. While most Medela pump parts are compatible, do not include the tubing or motor in the washer.

Get 15% off the KleanPal Pro on the Momcozy website with code: PUMPINGMILK

Watch the Video: How to Clean Your Medela Breast Pump

Prefer to see the cleaning steps in action? Watch my full video walkthrough where I show you exactly how to disassemble, wash, sanitize, and dry your Medela pump parts—plus tips on what not to clean and when to replace tubing.

FAQs About Cleaning a Medela Breast Pump

Final Thoughts on Cleaning a Medela Pump

Keeping your Medela breast pump clean doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a simple routine and the right tools. By washing after every use, sanitizing regularly, and knowing which parts to clean or replace, you’ll protect your baby’s health and extend the life of your pump. Whether you prefer boiling, steam bags, or a hands-off sterilizer like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro, the key is consistency.

Once your parts are clean and ready, make sure you’re also storing your expressed milk safely. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide on how to store breast milk properly for helpful tips and storage guidelines every pumping mom should know.

A clean pump means safe milk, peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about on your breastfeeding journey.