Hello smart mommas. I am hoping that you either know of a product out there that I don't know about, or have more creativity than I do. You know in the breast pumps how there is that tiny chamber that separates the air flow from the milk flow? You know how milk can sometimes build up in there and get gnarly? Anyone have any tricks to clean that? It is too tiny for a bottle brush, and q-tips aren't strong enough and can't get in the crevice. it is really grossing me out, and I really want to get rid of it. Soaking might make it softer, but I still don't have a tool to get in there to wipe it once it is softened. I have both an Ameda and a Medela.
Thanks in advance!
Update: This is that little tiny section that a toothbrush won't fit in, I have a little nipple thing and can't get it in there, and the swishing is what has led to this build up. Thanks for the thoughts though.
Some bottle brushes have the detachable 'nipple cleaner', I used to use that on my pump, it's pretty good about getting those nooks and crannies. Also, maybe try a toothbrush... I had a Medela as well. OR just soak it in hot water until it 'uncrusts', swish it around in the soapy water like crazy, and stick your finger in a clean dishtowel to wipe the rest of the gunk away.
Maybe try the medela steam clean bags to steam it in the microwave and that might make it easier to clean it out.
You can get spare parts to replace the pieces that are problems without having to by a whole new pump. See http://www.bosombuddies.com/index.php?main_page=index&...
We carry all the parts for Ameda, Hygeia and Medela.
I think the way to prevent the problem is to be sure to wash/rinse the parts and let them air dry completely. Tubing is a problem because it is difficult to dry once condensation gets in there. After each pumping session leave the pump running w/o the parts on as others have mentioned.
My understanding is Medela will replace face plates if you have proof you purchased the pump yourself, since they will not allow their dealers to carry face plates as a replaceable part. You may be able to buy spare parts from them, but I don't know.
I hope this helps.
suep
www.bosombuddies.com
I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about...inside the tubing?? If it's inside the tubing then sanitize the tubing either on the stove or in the microwave. Take the tubing and then swirl it around in the air (maybe outside) lasso style so any rouge droplets fly out and then hook it back up to the pump with nothing attached to the end that fits into the falanges and run the pump so that the air shoots through the tubing. This will dry it out so there aren't any little bubbles of water to create spotting or mildew.
I have been known to use fish tank cleaning supplies. They make small filter brushes. I saw my husband had some for our fish tank and thought. . . "hmmm. that'll work!" then went to a pet store and bought some for cleaning:)
I also use pipe cleaners for tight spaces, but sometimes they just aren't strong enough.
I actually got mold build up in my tubing. We had to use a very thin wire to break it up. I put it in the medela sanitizing bags with 4 oz of water, then used the lasso trick (swing it round and round)to get the water out. For good measure I hooked it to the pump and left it on for about 10 minutes. You can also order new tubing from medela (I think it's free if you can prove you bought the pump).
The first thing that comes to mind is pipe cleaners. You could fold one in half and use the closed end for sturdier cleaning and it would be easy to bend into the shape to get it up into the corner where you need it. Soften the gunk by soaking in 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water first.
