My breast pump always grows mold?

Question

I use the Medela Swing manuel pump (got it free from the hospital)... And for some reason the valves always grow mold! I really don't know why and it's so frustrating! Anybody else have any problem like this or know of a solution or anything? I hand wash my dishes and let them air dry, could that be my problem for it growing mold? But no dish grows mold, just this and ONE of her bottle nipples.

Answer 1

I never had that problem. Can you get new valves? What soap do you use? Try some mild soap and clean with hot water, then blow out the air.

Answer 2

i don't know but i'm so glad you brought this to my attention.  I'm going to clean my pump  valves tonight.

Answer 3

I never had that problem. After every use I would sterilize it in boiling water then let it sit there for 5 Min's and let it dry over night.Maybe you are sterilizing it and not letting it dry? Do u use it right after u clean it?  

Answer 4

when you rinse, use hot hot hot water and let it dry, then come back in half hour or something and shake the excess water off. That should help

Answer 5

I would be sure to sterilize after each use and I totally agree with the person who said she would throw them out!!! You can buy replacement valves at Target and Babies R Us in a pack for around $5.  Also other than the microwave sterilizing bags there are larger bowl-like sterilizers for the microwave as well.  I have the Dr. Browns one which can be used with other bottles as well as all of the breast pump parts from Medela, unlike the bags you can use them continuously and not just the 20 or so times you can use the bags-  the bags are great for travel though!!

Answer 6

Are you sterilising it after every use?

Answer 7

I would get some Quick Clean bags for the microwave and use those. I use them and they are great! Medela makes them:

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/pro...

or you can buy other brands. I am pretty sure Munchkin even makes them.

Answer 8

YIKES

Thats a ruff one because you could soak them in bleach... but then I dont know if I'd be comfortable giving it to a child.

If it were me I think I'd be throwing them out.