Is the Haakaa Pump Dishwasher Safe? I Tried It

Let’s be real — cleaning baby gear feels like a full-time job. When I had my first newborn, one question kept popping up at 2 a.m.:
“Can I just toss this Haakaa in the dishwasher?”

Short answer? Yes — the Haakaa pump is dishwasher safe. But before you load it in, there are a few things you should know.

I found out the hard way. After one late-night wash, my pump came out foggy and not quite right. It still worked, but it didn’t feel the same.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• Why so many moms love the Haakaa
• If dishwashing is a good idea
• What can go right — and what can go wrong
• The best way to clean it (with less stress)
• Real mom tips to make your life easier

If you’re juggling feedings, blowouts, and cold coffee — this one’s for you.

What Is the Haakaa Pump — and Why Moms Love It

Never used a Haakaa? Let me explain. It’s a soft silicone pump with no cords, batteries, or noise. You just suction it to one breast while feeding or pumping on the other. It catches all the extra milk that would’ve gone to waste.

Sounds like magic? It kind of is.

I started using mine when I was too tired to set up my electric pump. What I loved most? No parts to put together. No tubes to clean. Just one simple piece that worked — quietly and gently.

That’s why so many moms grab a Haakaa in those early weeks. It’s great for hands-free milk collection and makes building a stash feel easy.

Why moms swear by it:

• 100% food-grade silicone
• No cords, tubes, or motors
• Easy to clean and pack
• Gentle suction — no pain or noise

Whether you breastfeed full-time or combo-feed, a Haakaa is one of those “wish I knew sooner” tools that really works.

So… Is the Haakaa Pump Dishwasher Safe?

Quick answer: yes, the Haakaa pump is dishwasher safe. But — and this matters — Haakaa still recommends hand-washing.

I learned that the hard way. I tossed mine on the bottom rack during a 2 a.m. cleanup (big mistake). It came out cloudy and a little sticky. Not ruined, but not great either.

Why the warning?

Because high heat and strong soap can wear down the soft silicone. Over time, it might change how the pump feels, smells, or even works.

Think of it like your favorite water bottle. Sure, you can wash it in the dishwasher. But it’ll last longer if you treat it gently.

So if you’re thinking, “Can I do it once in a while?” — yes, you can. Just know it’s a trade-off: a quick clean now, or a longer life later.

What Happens If You Wash It in the Dishwasher?

So, what really happens when you toss your Haakaa in the dishwasher?

I’ve done it — more than once — on days when I had three hours of sleep and zero energy. Sometimes it came out fine. But other times? Not so much.

Pros of Dishwasher Use

Let’s start with the good stuff:

• It saves time. No scrubbing or soaking — just load and go.
• The sanitize cycle kills germs. Great when you don’t have time to boil or steam.
• It’s quick and easy. When you’re in survival mode (been there), it feels like a win.

Cons and Risks

But after a few washes, I noticed some changes:

• Cloudy silicone: My clear Haakaa turned foggy. It still worked — but it didn’t look the same.
• Sticky texture: It felt tacky and picked up lint from towels and clothes.
• Weird smells: Dishwashers trap odors, and silicone soaks them up. Once, mine smelled like garlic (yuck).
• Loss of suction: This was the worst. It didn’t seal as well, so I lost more milk than I saved.

These things don’t happen right away. But over time, the dishwasher can wear your pump down — slowly but surely.

Manufacturer’s Official Cleaning Guidelines

So, what does Haakaa say about washing their pump?

I checked the real care guide — because let’s be honest, most of us only read it after something goes wrong.

Here’s what Haakaa recommends:

• Hand-wash with warm, soapy water
• Rinse well
• Let it air dry

They also warn against using things like:

• Bleach
• Scrubbing pads
• UV sterilizers

Yes, the pump is dishwasher safe. But Haakaa still prefers hand-washing. It helps the soft silicone last longer.

Why no UV sterilizer?

It can weaken the silicone over time. I learned that with a pacifier — and never used it again (oops).

Best Way to Clean a Haakaa Pump (Mom-Tested Method)

After a few cloudy Haakaa fails, I found what works best. Here’s my easy, go-to routine — tested by me, approved by my tired brain.

Step-by-step: How to clean a Haakaa pump

1. Rinse it right away: Even if you can’t wash it yet, rinse out the milk ASAP.
2. Use warm water and mild soap: Skip harsh cleaners or anything with strong scents.
3. Scrub gently with a soft brush: No scouring pads — they can scratch the silicone.
4. Rinse it well: Soap left behind can mess with suction.
5. Air dry upside down: Place it on a clean rack or towel.

Want to sterilize it?

Here are two safe ways:

• Boil for 2–3 minutes
• Use a steam sterilizer (not UV!)

I boil mine every few days and hand-wash in between. It’s quick and doesn’t mess with the shape or feel.

Can You Use the Dishwasher Safely? A Harm-Reduction Guide

Let’s be real. Some days, you just need to toss it in the dishwasher and move on. No shame — I’ve done it too.

If you’re going that route, here’s how to keep your pump safe:

Tips for safer dishwasher cleaning:

• Top rack only: It stays cooler up there.
• Use mild, unscented detergent: Stay away from pods or strong cleaners.
• Skip the heat-dry setting: Let it air dry to avoid damage.
• Don’t wash it with smelly dishes: Silicone soaks up odors — garlic milk is not the vibe.
• Watch for changes: If it gets cloudy, sticky, or weird-smelling, go back to hand-washing.

The dishwasher won’t ruin it right away. But it might shorten its life. I like to use it as a backup — not my daily plan.

What Real Moms Are Doing: Tips from the Parenting Community

Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from manuals — it comes from other moms. I’ve picked up smart tricks just by scrolling parenting groups during 3 a.m. feeds.

Here are a few cleaning hacks moms actually use with their Haakaas:

The fridge hack

This one’s a lifesaver. After using your Haakaa, rinse it and pop it in a clean zip-top bag in the fridge.
Why it works: Cold slows bacteria, so you can reuse it during the same day without washing every time.

Own a few pumps

Many moms (me too!) buy two or three. That way, you don’t have to clean one over and over.
I rotate them and wash all at once — usually during nap time.

Real-life routines

Some moms run the dishwasher once a week as a deep clean and hand-wash the rest of the time.
Others skip the dishwasher to protect the suction.

It all depends on your day, your baby, and your energy. And that’s okay.

There’s no perfect way — just what works for you right now.

When to Replace Your Haakaa Pump

So, when should you let go of your trusty Haakaa?

I used mine for six months — but I kept an eye out for wear.

Here’s when to replace it:

• The suction doesn’t hold: If it slips or stops collecting milk, the silicone might be worn out.
• It feels sticky after washing: That tacky feel means the silicone is breaking down.
• It smells weird: Silicone holds onto odors. If boiling doesn’t fix it, it’s time to replace.
• It looks cloudy or discolored: A little haze is okay. But if it’s deeply foggy, it may be past its prime — especially if you use the dishwasher often.

When in doubt, swap it out

It’s a small tool, but it does a big job. I always kept a spare on hand — just in case.

Final Verdict: Should You Use the Dishwasher?

So, is the Haakaa pump dishwasher safe?

Yes — but with care. It won’t melt or fall apart in one wash. But if you want it to stay clear, soft, and strong, hand-washing is best.

I still use the dishwasher now and then — especially on rough days. But most of the time, I stick to warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.

Let’s be real — we’re all doing our best.

If the dishwasher saves your sanity today, go for it.
If hand-washing helps it last longer, that’s great too.

FAQs: Haakaa Pump Dishwasher Safe