How to Clean Breast Pump Tubing Without Damaging It
By Healthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the safest way to clean and dry breast pump tubing to prevent mold, maintain suction, and extend the life of your Medela pump parts.
Quick answer
Most breast pump tubing does not need routine washing — only rinse it if milk backs up. After any wet cleaning, hang the tubing in a warm, dry spot for 24 hours or use a dedicated drying rack. Never boil or put tubing in the dishwasher, as heat can warp PVC and ruin the fit.
When should you actually wash tubing?
Breast pump tubing is designed to carry air, not milk. Under normal use, it stays dry and clean. The main reason to wash it is if moisture or milk accidentally enters the tube — for example, when the bottle overfills or the pump is tilted. In that case, you need to clean and thoroughly dry the tubing to prevent mold growth.
If you use a closed-system pump like the Medela Symphony or Freestyle, the tubing never touches milk, so you can simply wipe the outside with a damp cloth. For open-system pumps, check your manual. Many manufacturers recommend replacing tubing every few months rather than washing it repeatedly.
What you need for safe cleaning
You only need a few items: mild dish soap, cool or lukewarm water, a clean basin, and a way to hang the tubing to dry. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or antibacterial soaps — they can degrade PVC over time and leave residue that may irritate your baby. A dedicated bottle brush can help if milk residue is stuck inside.
Step-by-step guide to clean and dry tubing
- Step 1: Disconnect and inspect: Remove the tubing from the pump and collection kit. Hold it up to light and look for moisture droplets, milk residue, or dark spots that could indicate mold. If you see mold, discard the tubing immediately — it cannot be safely cleaned. Checkpoint: If tubing is dry and clean, skip the wash. Only proceed if you see moisture or milk.
- Step 2: Rinse with mild soapy water: Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Submerge the tubing and gently squeeze water through it. Do not use hot water — it can soften PVC and cause the tubing to stretch or kink. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap. Common mistake: Using hot water or dishwasher cycles can warp the tubing and ruin the seal.
- Step 3: Remove excess water: Hold one end of the tubing and swing it in a wide arc (like a lasso) to fling out the water. Repeat several times. You can also use a manual pump or a bulb syringe to push air through the tubing. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible before drying. Checkpoint: After swinging, check that no standing water remains inside.
- Step 4: Hang to dry for 24 hours: Hang the tubing in a U-shape or loop over a drying rack, shower rod, or a clean hook. Do not lay it flat — water can pool inside. Let it dry in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Full drying takes at least 24 hours. Never use a hair dryer, oven, or microwave to speed up the process. Verdict: If you need the pump sooner, use a spare tubing set while the cleaned one finishes drying.
- Step 5: Test before next use: Before reconnecting, inspect the tubing again for any remaining moisture. Reattach it to the pump and run the pump for a few seconds to check that suction feels normal. If you hear a hissing sound or feel weak suction, the tubing may still be damp or the connectors may be loose. Next step: Replace tubing that shows signs of wear, stiffness, or persistent moisture.
Tubing options that make replacement easy
- Medela Symphony Hospital Grade Breast Pump Tubing 2 Pack: This Medela tubing set is designed for use with Symphony, Lactina, and older style Pump In Style breast pumps. It comes as a 2-pack to ensure you have a replacement on hand when needed. Made of PVC material. Having a spare set means you can rotate tubing while one set dries completely — no need to rush the 24-hour drying time.
- Medela Freestyle Replacement Tubing: Only Medela offers replacement tubing tested and designed to work with your Freestyle Breast Pump. One complete tubing set comes in each retail package. Using manufacturer-tested tubing ensures proper fit and suction. Third-party tubing may not seal correctly, leading to lost suction or moisture leaks.
