Always read the instructions provided with the breast pump before cleaning. All parts of the breast pump (except the pump itself) are dishwasher safe. The best way to clean the tubes is to flush them through with soapy water then rinse clean with warm water. We advise against putting them through the dishwasher as the tubes do not come out clean enough. All breast pump parts, including the tubes, are suitable for sterilising in boiled water or a microwave steriliser. Sterilise all parts once a day.
Always wash all parts thoroughly with washing-up liquid first to degrease. Sterilise only after washing, to kill excess bacteria. Sterilising alone is in fact not enough, because it does not wash or degrease the parts.
Tip: If the milk tube pops out of the splitter, this indicates that the connector and tube are too greasy. Clean the ends of the tube with washing-up liquid and dry them afterwards by twisting the corner of a piece of kitchen towel around in the opening. Dry the connectors on the splitter also. The surfaces will now have more traction and the tubes will stay put.
NB: Breast milk is very fatty. The breast pump will only function properly if the parts have been degreased. Silicone parts in particular can stick if they are still a little greasy.