Discolored pump parts and bottles?

[@llli*worknpump]

I wash my pumping bottles and pump parts (everything except the white membranes) in the dishwasher each night on the sanitizer cycle. They are all developing an increasingly orange tint. DH says it from "tomato sauce" on other items in the dishwasher. But it's not like we have tomato sauce every night! Anyone else experience this? Is it the plastic breaking down? Maybe it's just normal?

[@llli*joshuas.mommy]

Dunno I wash my pump parts (Medela) in the dishwasher as well, and haven't noticed this. I doubt it's harmful, though. Are they Medela parts?

[@llli*worknpump]

Yes - they are Medela.. We use the "Method Dishwashing tabs" which are relatively chemical free and mild. It doesn't really bother me - I was just curious. I wonder if I could soak them in a little bleach?

[@llli*goldentoes]

Do you have well water?

The other thing to think about is that most of the plastics used for pumping and milk storage containers are now BPA free (among other things) - those chemicals were often used to harden/stabilize plastics. Without them, plastics may discolor more easily, especially with the very high heat of the dishwasher and presence of abrasive dishwashing soaps. (clear plastics often discolor over time anyway, from things like heat and sun exposure, to become a little yellowed).

If it bothers you, you could try these methods to un-stain them:

http://www.ehow.com/how_6305173_remo...e-plastic.html

But it's probably not harmful to anybody (though it may mean the plastic is degrading a little bit). If you're still worried about it you can call the manufacturer and ask them what's up.

That said, not sure there's any need to sanitize your pump parts every night. Repeated exposure to very high heat is likely the cause of the issue.

[@llli*worknpump]

No, we don't have well water. I was thinking it has something to do with most plastics being BPA free now (which is good!). I mainly just use the dishwasher for sanitizing so avoid having to boil or use the microwave bags each night, or even handwashing. Maybe I'll try a different cycle on the dishwasher? Again, it's not really a big deal, I was just curious if others have experienced this. Thanks all!

[@llli*goldentoes]

heh, I feel like such a slacker, I haven't sanitized anything in months.

[@llli*worknpump]

Ha. No worries! I'm generally pretty slack about it all. But I pump so much and hand-washing is such a pain that the dishwasher is easy!

[@llli*aprilsmagic]

Mine never did that. But I hand wash plastics.

[@llli*milkmonstermama]

heh, I feel like such a slacker, I haven't sanitized anything in months.

***fist bump***