When first purchased, is the hygienikit marked "sterile" or must it be cleaned prior to use? Also, for those who have used the pump for a while, would you recommend purchasing a spare hygienikit (how durable are the valves, etc.)?
245803
Mine was not marked "sterile," so I boiled all the parts the user guide indicated I should. I would absolutely buy extra valves, tubing, and plastic diaphragms for the pump, as it won't work at all if something goes wrong with the ones you have (I.e. they are punctured somehow or get a small tear). That being said, I've been using the original set that came with my pump since I bought it (7 months ago) without problems, so the advice is just a precaution.
2062594
I wash the bottles, flanges, white rubber pieces that fit at the base of the flange and the cylindrical pieces that fit at the top of the flange. Otherwise, nothing else needs to be washed. Do not clean the thin tubes or white plastic pieces. The pump should include an instruction booklet as well.
1216555
It is quite hygienic indeed! The spray is adjustable, I have been very pleased with it and I use it all the time. It was definitely worth purchasing and, when and if it stops working, I will replace it without hesitation.
218593
You dont have to sterilize the pump itself, but you do have to sterilize the accessories (flanges, bottles, etc...). I would recommend buying several sets of accessories so you dont have to sterilize after every use.
31679
take the pump out and remove the tube..look carefully inside (use a flashlight) gunk get built up along the sides of the tube (hard to see). If that is clear open up the pump it has 2 areas where u can put in a very small screwdriver to get it open. I have found tons of gunk in there. Good luck. I ended up not using mine anymore, much easier just to fill a bowl with clean water every day.
1925469
The pump and the fountain have to be cleaned. I use to clean them every week. It's water sediment !
1610896
The steam guard does not "clean"; it sterilizes. I put my sippy cups, bottles, nipples, pump accessories, etc in the dishwasher after I used the brush on them. (Formula and breast milk would leave a film the DW couldn't get off alone.) After the DW cycle, I would then sterilize my items. It's a great item for sterilizing but it isn't designed to " clean". Hope this helps.
1386263
I just refilled one of mine recently and didn't have any problem. I wonder if soaking the pump action portion in hot water with a little vinegar might clear any soap build-up that may be clogging the mechanism.
1509959
It's not necessarily true that you are not cleaning it enough, but you may not be cleaning it well enough. I usually rinse mine with Listerine every month or so, after thoroughly cleaning it, to kill off any stray bacteria. I have posted four pictures on how to properly disassemble the pump for cleaning, that should help.The type of water you use can also have a great impact on cleanliness. Bottled, spring or well water(non-chlorinated) will scum up much faster than chlorinated tap water. Also, if your pets are messy, and leave bits of dirt or food in the fountain it will scum much faster. It's not necessarily true that you are not cleaning it enough, but you may not be cleaning it well enough. I usually rinse mine with Listerine every month or so, after thoroughly cleaning it, to kill off any stray bacteria. I have posted four pictures on how to properly disassemble the pump for cleaning, that should help.The type of water you use can also have a great impact on cleanliness. Bottled, spring or well water(non-chlorinated) will scum up much faster than chlorinated tap water. Also, if your pets are messy, and leave bits of dirt or food in the fountain it will scum... » Read More It's not necessarily true that you are not cleaning it enough, but you may not be cleaning it well enough. I usually rinse mine with Listerine every month or so, after thoroughly cleaning it, to kill off any stray bacteria. I have posted four pictures on how to properly disassemble the pump for cleaning, that should help.The type of water you use can also have a great impact on cleanliness. Bottled, spring or well water(non-chlorinated) will scum up much faster than chlorinated tap water. Also, if your pets are messy, and leave bits of dirt or food in the fountain it will scum much faster. « Show Less
79067
Cotton swabs and a toothbrush cleans the pump perfectly fine. The ceramic parts are easily scrubbed with a kitchen sponge or in the dishwasher. Save your money, no need for any specialty tools - everything is accessible and easy to get at with household items!
1912058
to what product are you running thru it? I have never run into that problem! I do know in every system when something runs thru it, it does need some cleaning of the lines depending on how much you use it and what product you use. It is a good system but it is still a machine. I would research from the manufacturer. I know I didn't really help but I hope your research helps.
255881
I use mine about 3-4 times a week, this is my second container and I never had a problem with the pump. I also finish mine before the shelf life.
1040320
Hi again Robin,Can you give any advice on how you used the steamer to clean your tub? I just finally tried mine out last night and it didn't really lift off the soap scum. Maybe it was just too much scum for it to handle?Also, it left residue from what it had picked up on the floor the first time. Any tips?Thanks for your advice!Renee
1293331
I haven't had any problems with the pump and has been working great. Sometime I need to clean out the dispenser area where soap builds up but that is all. Sorry I couldn't answer your question.
2092490
I have not had to clean the unit - it comes with a "demineralization" cartridge that is built into the reservoir lid. If it will not be used for a period of several days, empty and let the reservoir dry to prevent mildew.
1311305
Everyday regular use. If you're after sterile, you probably need to look elsewhere - you can clean this (and keep it clean) quite easily
12123
We like the small pump a lot. But as you discovered, the small pump comes with a non-valve controlled multi-port manifold. We use heavy weight paper binder clips and soft hose on the extra valves since we had soft hose available. We also have access to a great store 5 minutes away that sells a metal 6 port valve-controlled manifold - $5. Janet, we've had a pump returned but it appears the entire pump was either in water or left outdoors, ruining the diaphragm. What issues did you experience?