Maintaining hygiene is essential when using a breast pump. While full sterilization methods like boiling or steam are common steps, the provided reference specifically details the crucial cleaning process for your Philips Avent breast pump parts, which is the necessary first step before sterilization.
Here's how to clean the parts of your Philips Avent breast pump according to the provided reference dated 13-Nov-2019:
Cleaning Steps for Philips Avent Breast Pump Parts:
Before cleaning, always disassemble the breast pump completely. Note that the motor unit and adapter should not be cleaned using these methods.
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Manual Cleaning:
- Take all separable parts (excluding the motor unit and adapter).
- Clean them in hot water with some mild washing-up liquid.
- After washing, rinse them thoroughly under running water.
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Dishwasher Cleaning:
- Alternatively, you can clean the parts in a dishwasher.
- Ensure the parts are placed on the top rack only.
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Special Care for the Valve:
- The valve requires gentle handling during cleaning.
- To clean the valve, rub it gently between your fingers in warm water with some washing-up liquid.
These steps ensure the removal of milk residue and prepare the parts for subsequent sterilization. While the reference outlines cleaning, additional steps like boiling the parts in water for five minutes or using a steam sterilizer (electric or microwave) are typically performed after cleaning to complete the sterilization process, killing remaining germs.
