To clean your pump accessories at work, you will need to follow a specific process involving disassembly, rinsing, and washing.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Cleaning your pump parts after each use is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of expressed milk. Based on recommended guidelines, here is how you can clean your pump accessories while at work:
1. Take Apart All Pump Accessories
After finishing your pumping session, the first step is to completely disassemble all parts of your pump kit that came into contact with milk. This typically includes flanges, connectors, valves, and membranes. Taking everything apart ensures that all surfaces are accessible for thorough cleaning.
2. Rinse Under Running Water
Once disassembled, take the pump accessories apart and rinse under running water. This helps to remove any milk residue immediately after pumping, making the subsequent washing step more effective.
3. Wash in Hot, Soapy Water
For the washing stage, you will need a dedicated basin. In a plastic basin that you will bring from home, wash all parts in hot, soapy water using a mild, unscented dish soap. Using a separate basin that you bring from home helps to avoid using communal sinks which may not be sanitary. Hot water and mild soap are effective in breaking down milk fats and proteins.
- Required Supplies:
- Plastic basin (brought from home)
- Hot water
- Mild, unscented dish soap
- Brush designed for cleaning infant feeding bottles (optional, but helpful)
A brush designed for cleaning infant feeding bottles may be helpful to reach all surfaces and corners of the pump parts.
4. Rinse Again
After washing, rinse all parts thoroughly under running water again to remove any soap residue.
5. Air Dry
Place the clean parts on a clean surface or drying rack that is used only for pump parts and feeding equipment. Allow them to air dry completely before storing or using again. Avoid using cloth towels, which can harbor germs.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your pump accessories at work using the recommended method.
