Tubing Discoloration

Yes, it probably is mold. I just discovered this problem in my own tubing this week!

The good news is that the boiling will have killed it, but it won't remove the discoloration. So, it is probably just fine. I noticed a recommendation somewhere to inject alcohol down the tubing after you clean it to dry it out - I'm planning on giving it a try!

Though this also will likely not remove the color (bleach would, but seems like a bad idea!)

N.

You know the bleach squirt bottles for cleaning? I pay a dollar for mine and refill it. You squirt the bleach down the tube. wait a minutes then rinse with hot water. Let it dry completely before re-using. It will clean and sterilize it.
I also use this method on the cups with the swirled straws wrapped around them.
Good luck.

You might be able to use a craft pipe cleaner or the little attachment on a bottle brush. I've always been able to clean mine by boiling it. You just have to make sure that the tubing fills with water.

tyr soaking in hydrogen peroxide.

Try some hot soapy bleach water

You can't. You'll need to buy new ones. They are fairly inexpensive. And if you care for them correctly they should last the rest of your pumping life. ;) LOL! Anyway, not sure where you are located but... Punky Doodlebugs in Vancouver WA sells them. I think I got mine for less than $10. And a little tip for you to prevent the mold issue in the future....after you are finished pumping leave the tubes attached to the pump and leave the pump turned on while you store your "earnings" and clean up the breast shields etc. By the time you are done, the tubes will be dry. Either that or... when you are done, hang the tubes up somewhere.

I had the same problem. The tubes can't be safely cleaned. You can order new ones directly from Medela. They are cheap, about $5 if I remember correctly.

I would recommend getting rid of your tubing and getting replacements. I wouldn't want to take the chance that it is still in there and if it is, then while you are pumping it it just going into your pump to let it live a happy life in the tubes later when you aren't using it.

When I cleaned my tubes, I had a can of that computer keyboard air cleaner that I would use to spray through them. I used a mini brand new can that I just put in my pump bag to have with me wherever I was. It seemed to have worked well for me as I never had any issues with my tubes having residual moisture.

You didn't mention what kind of pump you have but I also know each one has different suggestions for keeping them clean and dry.

Good luck and keep up the good work breastfeeding!

I had that happen too, but was told that it was not actually mold...the tubes are really hard to clean and dry. Try a very small brush (like the one used to clean the straw part of the Dr. Brown's bottle). That worked, and I also bought a couple extra sets of tubing. The good news is that the milk doesn't actually go through the tubes, just air (at least on my pump)...

I would throw it out and buy new tubing. Better to be safe than sorry. :)

You need a pipe cleaner. I have a camelback for running and I had to buy a cleaning kit which included a kit with a brush head at the end that I could run through the tubing to get it clean. That was the only way to get rid of it.

Bleach water. Bleach is one of the few things that will get rid of mold. A small amount in your wash water will do the trick each time you clean. Wash in soapy water, 1st rinse in bleach water and then the 2nd and final rinse in clear hot water.

It's best to buy new tubing. It's difficult to get that stuff out. New tubing is the best way. In the future, the best way to dry out your tubing after pumping is to leave your pump going after you finish with just the tubing hanging without equipment on the end. You can just let it run until the tubing is dry inside. I pumped for my little one for over a year and I'm currently in the process of weaning so if you have any questions or just want to chat about pumping feel free to e-mail.

I had a Medela pump and I know I could only get the tubing online or at the hospital (mine happeded to be providence).

Hi T.-
Not worth the trouble to try and clean or take a chance in using. Just go to your local hospital supply store or lactation clinic and you can buy them they should be less than $10

You can buy new tubes in several stores in Seattle if you don't want to do it online.

I didn't have mold in my tubing by calcium deposits (grey spots) from dried water vapor, here is what I do so they look like new:
- fill tubes with white vinegar - let sit for 15 min
- rinse with dishsoap and water
- rinse with clear water
- rinse with rubbing alcohol
- swing the tubes to get as much of the liquid out as possible (centrifugal force).
The alcohol evaporates faster and cleaner than water and also destroys germs.

I used the steam bags made by Medela that you use in your microwave to clean and sterilize the parts.

However, if it is mold, you need just buy new ones. You can usually find parts online or see where parts are sold locally.