Cleaning expressing equipment

If your baby is full term and healthy, keeping your expressing equipment clean is simple. There is no need to disinfect or sterilise your own expressing equipment.  

If your baby is sick or premature, or you have a breast or nipple infection, follow the advice of your doctor or child health nurse about cleaning your equipment. 

You need to thoroughly clean all your expressing equipment at least once every 24 hours. This includes: 

• the milk collection parts of your pump
• all containers used to collect or store your breastmilk.

Expressing once a day or less often? Clean your equipment after each use.

Expressing several times a day? Store unrinsed expressing equipment in the fridge after use in a clean, closed container or plastic bag until next use. If you can't access a fridge, rinse the parts in cold water before storing them in a closed container.

The tubing on electric breast pumps doesn't come in contact with breastmilk and does not need to be cleaned unless directed by the manufacturer. 

1. Wash your hands well with soap and hot water. Dry them on paper towel or a clean, unused cloth towel.
2. Take apart the breast pump collection kit and all storage containers so each part can be cleaned well.
3. Rinse everything in cold water to remove any milk from all parts. If you have different water supplies for drinking and washing, use drinking water.
4. Wash all parts using hot water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Take care to remove all traces of milk. Use a brush kept just for this purpose.
5. Rinse everything at least twice in hot water.
6. Drain bottles and containers upside-down on clean paper towel or a clean cloth or towel. Cover while they air dry.
7. Before putting away, ensure no water droplets remain in containers or on any parts. If any water remains, dry carefully.
8. Store the dry kit in a clean, covered container or closed bag.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association August 2026