Question on cleaning pump accessories

[Hannah'sMommy]

I work full time and so I pump 3 times while I'm away from my DD. I have 3 sets of accessories (valves, etc), so I just use a new one each time. But this also makes for a lot of washing at night. Can I just refrigerate the accessories between uses without cleaning? Or should I rinse them and then refrigerate and reuse? Or just not reuse and continue using a different set each time?

I'm trying to simplify our nightly routine so we have more time to spend with our DD and relax.

Thanks!

[_betsy_]

I reuse, wiping the milk out as best I can with a paper towel. I refrigerate the accessories.

Way easier!

[Red Pajama]

When I was pumping frequently I just put the pump parts into the refrigerator and washed at the end of the day at home.

[LindsC]

I rinse the parts and dry them after each use and then wash them at night once I am home.

[TexasMum]

I have been pumping for a couple years now just occasionally and this is the first I have ever heard of refrigerating the breast pump accessories. Can you guys tell me about this?

[Hannah'sMommy]

TexasMum, I've just heard it mentioned somewhere and am curious about it, although I need some convincing (and also how it's done) to be able to trust that it's safe to do for my LO. From what I understand, it would be if you are going to use the pump accessories within a few hours and then wash them that evening. I'm just not sure if I'm supposed to just put in refrigerator as is or rinse and dry...

Breastmilk is some amazing stuff, and I've heard that among everything else, that it has good antibacterial properties.

Congratulations on your new LO!

[Megan73]

You don't need to use clean ones every time. BM is fine at room temperature for 12 hours - so are your pump accessories.
My LC told me this when I was pumping after every feed to build supply and it saved me so much time and sanity. I did put them in the fridge because it was hot but she didn't think it was necessary.
HTH