Washing Wearable Pump Cups
So, what's the deal with washing wearable pump cups?
Wearable pump cups are milk collection containers designed to sit in your bra for discrete and hands-free pumping. Compared to having bottles and flanges hanging off your breast for anyone around to see, these are highly desired pumping accessories. Most of these cups are expensive add-on items for most pumps, some are expensive parts designed for that pump exclusively. But they are costly compared to bottles and flanges, and if handled and washed incorrectly, they turn into inefficient, leaking, warped stealers of all the joy in your life.
MOST companies are upfront about the nature of these products, and the manuals which are available online or come with the product clearly state they are not dishwasher, microwave sanitizer, steam sanitizier, and sometimes even UV sanitizer friendly (most are UV friendly but read the manual). Most hands-free cups need to be boiled when new to prep them- this assures your cups get the best seal and suction possible. Then hand washed with hot, soapy water after each use.
The reality is all hands-free cups should be cleaned like this to ensure that they last- the brands that say it's good to toss in the dishwasher also intend these products to last 60-90 days before you need to replace the whole set up. So factor that recommendation into deciding who the dishwasher truly benefits. I'd argue the dishwasher and high-heat cleaning methods provide you minimal extra convenience at maximum additional cost.
Now I know some people can use their dishwasher just fine despite these warnings- there is no standardization of how hot a dishwasher gets. Some are weak sauce throwing lukewarm water, and your pump parts may enjoy this spa-day like experience. Others can melt your parts down with a speed a track star envies. The only way to know which type of dishwasher you have personally is to risk sacrificing your minimum $50 investment. It's not a risk I am happy to endorse taking.
How to wash your wearable cups
If you want your wearable pump cups to last, here is the wash routine you want to follow! This routine keeps your parts in optimal shape for the longest possible time.
Step 1: Boil your parts using the wash basin method
Step 2: Hand-wash your parts with hot, soapy water using a wash basin using breastmilk specific soaps like Dapple.
Step 3: If you have hard water or sticky milk fat, you may need to add vinegar to the water to soak for a few minutes as part of your wash routine. A few ounces of white vinegar in the basin while your pump parts soak breaks down this residue, keeping things squeaky clean.
Step 4: Every 4-6 weeks consider using the boiling water soak in the wash basin again to keep the silicone parts from becoming prematurely stretched.
Step 5: Enjoy your parts and cups lasting as long as possible!
Here is your how-to video on this super easy wash routine:
You don't have to take my word for it on how to wash these cups, though- I've compiled a list of publicly available manuals that show that these are best hand-washed across the industry. I'm not here to scare you away from your dishwasher- I'm here to give you the best shot at success with your wearable cups. And that starts with proper care.
Wearable Cup Manuals and Directions For Your Reading Pleasure
Not all companies keep these manuals online! They will however answer questions if you contact customer service!
Medela Hands Free Cups
Manual Link: https://www.medela.us/dam/jcr:5b3c001b-14c1-4398-8e00-9cd8e8a7e92d/instructions/medela-hands-free-collection-cups-instructions.pdf
Directions: Boil to prep first time before use. Hand wash in hot soapy water. Boil, use a microwave sterilizer or the top rack of the dishwasher daily in addition to handwashing after each use. Do not boil, use the dishwasher or microwave sterilizer more than one time a day.
Rumble Tuff Cups
Manual Link: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3178527/Rumble-Tuff-Go-Cups.html
Directions: Boil before first use. Hand wash in hot soapy water after each use. Do not use steam sterilizers, microwave sterilizers or dishwashers.
Legendairy Silicone Cups
Manual Link: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2833523/Legendairy-Milk-Silicone-Collection-Cups.html?page=4#manual
Directions: Boil before first use. Silicone parts can not be boiled again. Do not use UV sanitizer or sanitizing tablets. Hand wash only after each use with hot soapy water.
Youha The One Express Cups
Manual Link: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3182292/Youha-Theone-Express-Cups-Plus.html?page=4#manual
Directions: Boil before first use. Silicone parts can not be boiled again. Do not use UV sanitizer or sanitizing tablets. Hand wash only after each use with hot soapy water.
Freemie Cups
Manual Link: https://freemie.com/pages/slimfit5-collection-cups-user-manual and https://freemie.com/products/freemie-closed-system-collection-cup-set (manual on page)
Directions: Boil before first use. Do not use dishwasher, microwave or steam sterilizer. Hand wash only after each use with hot soapy water.
Spectra Cups
Manual Link: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CaraCupsManual.pdf?ltclid=
Directions: Boil before first use. Hand wash after each use with hot soapy water.
Idaho Jones Cups
Manual Link: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0265/7668/3054/files/Idaho_Jones_Pump-A-Collect_Collection_Cups_User_Guide.pdf?v=1662983335
Directions: Boil before first use- do not boil again. Hand wash with hot soapy water after each use. No dishwasher or steam sterilizer. Only cold water sanitizing or UV Sterilization.
Elvie Stride Cups
Manual Link: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2426862/Elvie-Stride-Eb01-02.html?page=9#manual
Directions: Boil before first use. Can be washed by hand or top rack of dishwasher. Microwave santitizing or steam sanitizing is okay for up to 5 minutes.
