By Dr. Blue, Founder of J&J Baby | Educational Psychologist | Lactation Counselor | Former Chemist
As a mom who pumps multiple times a day, managing your Imani handsfree breast pump and keeping everything hygienic (without losing your mind) is a real challenge. But what if we told you there’s a safe, efficient way to reuse your breast pump accessories without washing after every session?
If you're pumping 3 times or more per day, this article is for you. Read on to discover how to properly store your handsfree breast pump parts between sessions, prevent slipping issues from milk fat on silicone funnels, and make your pumping experience smoother and stress-free.
🍼 Why Storing Your Handsfree Breast Pump Parts Properly Matters
In Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, hygiene is non-negotiable—especially when it comes to breastmilk storage and pump part care. Improper storage of your pump accessories can lead to bacterial growth, contamination, and a poor pumping experience.
This method is suitable for moms with full-term healthy babies. If your baby is premature or immunocompromised, please consult your healthcare provider before reusing parts without immediate washing.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Store Breast Pump Accessories Between Sessions
After pumping, remove the Imani handsfree breast pump cup and accessories (funnel, valve, connector, etc.).
Seal all used parts in a clean ziplock bag or a food-safe container.
Place it in the refrigerator (NOT the freezer).
Freezing will damage silicone and plastic parts and may affect suction performance.Do NOT store with raw meat, raw vegetables, or raw fruits.
(You wouldn’t want that near your baby's milk supply, would you?)
This helps reduce the time spent washing parts after every single session—perfect for working moms, exclusive pumpers, and busy Malaysian mothers balancing a million things.
🧼 Daily Sterilization is Still Necessary
Even when storing in the fridge, all pump parts should be:
Washed thoroughly at least once a day with warm soapy water
Sterilized using hot water / boiling water
This maintains overall breast pump hygiene, preventing mold, bacterial build-up, and damage to silicone accessories.
💡 Common Issue: “My Breast Pump Parts Keep Falling Off After Taking Out from the Fridge!”
We get this complaint a lot—especially from new moms using silicone handsfree breast pumps. But here’s the science:
❗ It’s Not a Product Defect. It’s Your Milk Fat.
After storing your Imani handsfree pump parts in the fridge, you might notice that the silicone funnel feels slippery. This happens because:
Your milk contains fat, which leaves an oily layer on the funnel
Condensation in the fridge adds moisture on the surface
When combined, the silicone becomes slippery, which is a natural physical property of silicone when it's wet or oily
As a result, the handsfree cup may loosen or open during pumping—not because of poor product quality, but simply because of milk fat and moisture.
👉 Please wipe the funnel, valve, protector and cup with a clean, dry towel or tissue before pumping again.
This quick step restores grip and prevents accidental slips.
✨ Quick Fix: How to Prevent the Funnel from Slipping
Before your next pump session:
Take out the parts from the fridge
Use a clean, dry towel or tissue to gently wipe off any moisture or milk oil from the silicone funnel and cup
Reassemble and start pumping confidently.
This small but important step removes that oily film and ensures secure attachment and suction—so you won’t have to hold your cups in place or worry about spills.
💬 Final Thoughts
Being a pumping mom isn’t easy—but with the right tools and knowledge, you can make it a lot less stressful. By following this guide, you’ll protect your milk, your pump, and most importantly—your peace of mind.
Remember: Just because the funnel slipped, doesn’t mean it’s a “lousy” product.
Your milk fat is the slippery culprit. 😉
Want more breastfeeding and pumping tips for Malaysian moms?
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