I sterilize my equipment 1X a week. Wash in soapy water, let soak 15 minutes. Rinse. Sterilize in 4:1 ratio of purified water (I just boil mine) and white vinegar. I let the equipment soak for 20 minutes. Rinse in purified water. Let air dry. After every time I use my tubing, I detach any equipment, and let it run for 3-5 minutes to dry it out. And hang it up in airy place to continue drying. Tubing should be replaced every 3 months.