How to Clean Your Breast Pump

Ardo Breast Pump Cleaning Guide

Keeping your breast pump clean is an important part of safely pumping and storing breast milk. But not every breast pump is cleaned the same way. Some breast pump parts can be washed in the dishwasher or boiled, while other components should never be submerged in water.

The correct cleaning method depends on your breast pump and the specific part being cleaned.

Below, learn the basics of cleaning a breast pump and find cleaning instructions for your Ardo breast pump or milk collection system

For additional breastfeeding and pumping tips, visit our Helpful Resources.

How Often Should You Clean Breast Pump Parts?

Breast pump parts that come into contact with breast milk should be cleaned according to the instructions for your specific breast pump.

For many Ardo breast pumps, washable pump parts are cleaned before first use and after subsequent uses. Some models also have separate disinfection or sterilization instructions.

Because cleaning requirements vary by pump, always follow the instructions for your specific Ardo model.

Learn more about choosing the right breast pump in our Breast Pump Comparison Guide.

What Breast Pump Parts Need to Be Cleaned?

Generally, the parts of a breast pump that come into contact with breast milk require regular cleaning. Depending on your pump, this may include components such as:

• Breast shells or breast shields
• Inserts
• Valves
• Membranes or diaphragms
• Milk collection containers
• Other milk-contact parts

The pump motor is different. Never assume that a breast pump motor, tubing, or other electrical component can be washed or submerged in water.

Do I Need to Wash My Breast Pump Parts After Every Use?

Washable components should be cleaned according to your pump’s specific instructions after use. Several Ardo pump systems instruct users to clean the appropriate pump parts after each use.

The pump motor itself typically does not require washing. Instead, certain Ardo pump motors can be wiped as directed in their individual cleaning instructions.

Each Ardo breast pump has its own cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance requirements. Select your pump below for model-specific instructions.

• Ardo Melia Wearable
• Ardo Alyssa Hands-Free
• Ardo Alyssa
• Ardo Iris
• Ardo Calypso
• Hands-Free Collection Cups
• Ardo Amaryll Hand Pump

Keeping your Ardo Melia clean helps maintain proper performance and keeps milk-contact parts ready for your next pumping session. The milk-contact components and pump motor have different cleaning requirements, so be sure to follow the instructions for each.

Before First Use

Before using your Ardo Melia for the first time, sterilize the breast shell, breast shell insert, silicone diaphragm, lip valve, and milk collector by boiling them in water for 5 minutes.

Make sure there is enough water to completely cover all parts. Do not boil the parts for longer than 5 minutes, as they may become damaged.

After boiling, allow the water to cool before carefully removing the parts with tongs. Place them on a clean surface or towel and allow them to air-dry completely before assembling your Melia.

Alternatively, these parts can be sterilized in an Ardo Easy Clean bag in the microwave according to its instructions.

How to Clean the Ardo Melia After Each Use

After each pumping session, clean the Melia breast shell, breast shell insert, silicone diaphragm, lip valve, and milk collector with mild dishwashing liquid and clean water.

For hand washing:

1. Place the pump parts in a clean wash basin used only for infant feeding items. Do not place the parts directly in the sink.
2. Add soap and hot water to the wash basin.
3. Clean the items using a clean brush used only for infant feeding items.
4. Rinse the parts under running water or by submerging them in fresh water in a separate clean wash basin.
5. Place the parts on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust and allow them to air-dry thoroughly.
   Allow the wash basin and cleaning brush to air-dry after each use as well.

Take special care when cleaning the lip valve. Gently clean it in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Do not insert objects into the lip valve, as this may damage it and prevent the Melia from working properly.

Can Ardo Melia Parts Go in the Dishwasher?

Yes. The washable Ardo Melia pump parts can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Place small items in a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag so they do not become lost during the wash cycle. Add soap and, if possible, use hot water and a heated drying cycle.

Remove the parts from the dishwasher with clean hands. If they are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and allow them to finish air-drying before storing them.

Do not rub or pat the parts dry with a dish towel.

How to Clean the Ardo Melia Pump Motor

The Ardo Melia pump motor should never be immersed in water.

As needed, wipe the pump housing with a clean cloth dampened with 70% ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Make sure the pump motor remains separate from the washable milk-contact components when cleaning your Melia.

The Ardo Alyssa pump and pumpset require different cleaning methods. The milk-contact components should be cleaned regularly, while the electric breast pump itself should never be submerged in water.

How to Clean the Ardo Alyssa Pumpset

Before using the pumpset for the first time and after every subsequent use, disassemble it into its individual parts.

Then:

1. Rinse the appropriate parts for at least 1 minute with cold tap water.
2. Wash them with standard washing-up liquid and warm water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all washing-up liquid.
4. Place the parts on a clean surface in a clean location and allow them to air-dry completely.

Be especially careful when cleaning the valve and membrane. Damage to these components can affect the vacuum of your breast pump.

Clean the valve gently between your thumb and index finger using washing-up liquid and warm water. Do not use brushes to clean the valve. Check the valve regularly for cracks and fraying.

How to Clean the Ardo Alyssa Pump

Before cleaning the Ardo Alyssa breast pump itself, disconnect the pump from the mains power.

As needed, wipe the device with a damp cloth and normal dishwashing liquid.

The breast pump itself does not need to be serviced as part of regular cleaning and maintenance.

Can Ardo Melia Parts Go in the Dishwasher?

Yes. The washable Ardo Melia pump parts can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Place small items in a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag so they do not become lost during the wash cycle. Add soap and, if possible, use hot water and a heated drying cycle.

Remove the parts from the dishwasher with clean hands. If they are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and allow them to finish air-drying before storing them.

Do not rub or pat the parts dry with a dish towel.

How Do You Disinfect Ardo Alyssa Pump Parts?

The appropriate Ardo Alyssa pumpset components should be manually disinfected once daily after cleaning.

After disassembling and cleaning the appropriate parts:

1. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to prevent the components from becoming damaged or deformed.
2. Boil the appropriate disassembled parts for 5 minutes.
3. Allow the parts to cool.
4. Place them on a clean surface and allow them to air-dry completely.

Inspect the individual parts for cracks or changes to their surfaces. If you discover damage or changes, replace the affected component.

Can You Wash Ardo Alyssa Tubing?

No. The Ardo Alyssa instructions specify that the tubing, tube connector, and carrying solution should not be washed or rinsed.

These components should also not be boiled during daily disinfection.

When using the Ardo Alyssa Hands-Free system, the breast pump itself and the pumpset have different cleaning requirements.

How to Wash the Alyssa Hands-Free Pumpset

Before first use and after every subsequent use, disassemble the pumpset into its individual components.

Then:

1. Rinse the appropriate parts for at least 1 minute with cold tap water.
   Wash them using standard washing-up liquid and warm water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C.
2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all washing-up liquid has been removed.
3. Place the parts on a clean surface in a clean location and allow them to air-dry.

Take particular care when cleaning the valve and membrane. A damaged valve or membrane can affect the vacuum. Clean the valve gently between your thumb and index finger with washing-up liquid and warm water rather than using a brush.

How to Disinfect the Alyssa Hands-Free Pumpset

The appropriate components should be manually disinfected once daily after cleaning.

Place the appropriate disassembled parts in a pot with enough water to prevent damage or deformation and boil them for 5 minutes.

After boiling, allow the parts to cool and air-dry on a clean surface.

Inspect the components regularly for cracks or changes to their surfaces and replace any damaged parts.

What Alyssa Hands-Free Parts Should Not Be Washed or Boiled?

The tubing, tube connector, and carrying solution should not be washed or rinsed.

The membrane cap, tubing, tube connector, and carrying solution should not be boiled during disinfection.

For the Alyssa pump itself, disconnect the breast pump from the mains power before cleaning and wipe the device as needed with a damp cloth and normal dishwashing liquid.

Cleaning and disinfecting are two separate processes for the Ardo Iris. Cleaning removes milk residue, while disinfection reduces the number of germs that may be present on the parts.

How to Wash Ardo Iris Pump Parts

Before using your Ardo Iris for the first time and after every subsequent use:

1. Disassemble the Iris pumpset into its individual components.
2. Rinse the appropriate parts in cold tap water for 1 minute.
3. Wash the parts with standard washing-up liquid and warm water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C.
4. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of clean water to remove all washing-up liquid.
5. Place the parts on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and allow them to air-dry thoroughly in a clean location.

Take special care when cleaning the valve and membrane. Damage can result in no vacuum or weak vacuum.

Clean the lip valve gently with washing-up liquid and warm water. Do not clean the lip valve with a brush.

Can Ardo Iris Parts Go in the Dishwasher?

Yes. The appropriate disassembled Ardo Iris pump parts, apart from the pump motor, can alternatively be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Place small items in a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag. Add soap and, if possible, run the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle.

Remove the parts with clean hands. If they are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and allow them to finish air-drying before storage.

Do not rub or pat the parts dry with a dish towel.

How to Disinfect Ardo Iris Pump Parts

Before first use and once daily after cleaning, disinfect the appropriate Iris pumpset parts.

1. Place the appropriate disassembled parts in a pot with enough water to prevent damage or deformation.
2. Boil them for 5 minutes.
3. Allow the parts to cool.
4. Place them on a clean surface and allow them to air-dry completely.

The membrane cap, tubing, and tube connector must not be boiled.

Once the parts are completely dry, the pumpset can be reassembled.

How to Clean the Ardo Iris Pump Motor

The Ardo Iris pump motor must not be rinsed or submerged in water and should not be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.

When needed, wipe the pump motor with a clean cloth moistened with 70% alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol).

The tubing, tube connector, and lanyard must also not be rinsed or immersed in water.

The Ardo Calypso pump unit and pumpset should be cleaned separately. Always unplug the Calypso from the power adapter before cleaning the pump unit.

How to Clean the Ardo Calypso Pumpset

Before first use and after each use:

1. Rinse the appropriate components for at least 1 minute using cold tap water.
2. Wash the components with commercial detergent and warm water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C.
3. Rinse with plenty of clean water, making sure all detergent residue has been removed.
4. Place the parts on a clean surface and allow them to air-dry.

A soft brush can be used for heavy soiling, but do not clean the lip valve with a brush.

Check the individual components for cracks or changes to their surfaces during cleaning and replace damaged parts.

How to Clean the Ardo Calypso Pump Unit

Unplug the Ardo Calypso from its power adapter before cleaning.

As needed, wipe the pump unit with a damp cloth and commercial detergent.

Do not place the Calypso pump unit in the dishwasher or a washing-up bowl, and never immerse the pump in water.

How to Disinfect Ardo Calypso Pump Parts

The appropriate pumpset components should be manually disinfected once daily after cleaning.

1. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to prevent damage or deformation.
2. Boil the appropriate parts for 5 minutes.
3. Allow them to cool.
4. Place them on a clean surface and allow them to air-dry.

Inspect the individual parts regularly and replace any component that shows cracks or surface changes.

The Ardo Hands-Free Milk Collection Cups should be disassembled before cleaning so the appropriate milk-contact components can be thoroughly washed.

How to Wash the Hands-Free Collection Cups

Before first use and after every subsequent use:

1. Disassemble the pumpset into its individual parts.
2. Rinse the appropriate components for at least 1 minute with cold tap water.
3. Wash them using standard washing-up liquid and warm water no hotter than 104°F / 40°C.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all washing-up liquid has been removed.
5. Place the components on a clean surface in a clean location and allow them to air-dry completely.

Take special care when cleaning the valve and membrane. Clean the valve gently between your thumb and index finger using washing-up liquid and warm water rather than a brush.

How to Disinfect the Hands-Free Collection Cups

The appropriate components should be manually disinfected once daily after cleaning.

Place the appropriate disassembled components in a pot with enough water to prevent damage or deformation. Boil them for 5 minutes.

Allow the parts to cool and air-dry on a clean surface.

While cleaning and disinfecting your collection cups, check the individual components for cracks or changes to their surfaces and replace damaged parts.

What Parts Should Not Be Washed or Boiled?

The tubing, tube connector, and carrying solution should not be washed or rinsed.

The membrane cap, tubing, tube connector, and carrying solution should not be boiled during manual disinfection.

Because the Ardo Amaryll is a manual breast pump, its cleaning process is different from Ardo’s electric and wearable pumps.

How to Clean the Amaryll Before First Use

Before using the Ardo Amaryll for the first time, disassemble the pump and boil all components for 10 minutes.

After boiling, allow all components to air-dry completely before assembling and using the pump.

How to Clean the Amaryll After Each Use

After every use, wash the Amaryll components with soapy water and rinse them well.

Allow all parts to air-dry after cleaning and check the components for signs of damage.

Do not clean the lip valve with a brush.

How Often Should You Boil the Ardo Amaryll?

In addition to washing the components after each use, the Amaryll instructions call for the components to be disassembled and boiled for 10 minutes once a day.

The appropriate components can alternatively be placed in the dishwasher and then dried with a clean cloth.

The lever, casing cover, and bottle stand can be boiled if needed but do not have to be boiled.

After cleaning, check all components for damage and allow them to air-dry before touching the parts that come into contact with breast milk.

Looking for more breastfeeding and pumping guidance? Explore these helpful resources:

• Breast Pump Comparison Guide – Learn the differences between wearable, electric, and hospital-grade breast pumps.
• Helpful Resources – Access product manuals, videos, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
• Insurance Eligibility – Find out how to order an Ardo breast pump through insurance.
• Melia Wearable Breast Pump – Learn more about the Ardo Melia and available accessories.

Choosing the correct flange size is just one part of a successful pumping journey. Explore our additional breastfeeding and pumping resources, product guides, and instructional videos to help you get the most from your Ardo breast pump.