Why Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup Matters
Menstrual cup care is very important. While the vagina is a self-cleaning system, there is still a natural amount of bacteria and other pathogens that live in there. Anything that is inserted into the vagina, including menstrual cups, needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid giving pathogens an additional surface to multiply on. Not doing so can lead to fungal infections like thrush, or at worst, a condition like Toxic Shock Syndrome. The female body is not dirty, but infections will take any advantage they can get, so remove that chance to keep yourself safe. How to clean menstrual cups is mostly a straightforward process, so read on to find out how to do it.
How to Clean a Menstrual Cup Between Uses
Cleaning menstrual cups doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Start by washing your hands. Even before touching the menstrual cup, there can be pathogens on your hands that you don’t want to transfer onto it. Once you’ve washed your hands, remove the cup in the way that is most comfortable and safe for you. You can then cleanse it; the best methods for doing so are listed below. An app like the Mira App can be useful for setting reminders and logging any symptoms related to feminine hygiene, such as dry vulva skin or vaginal itchiness. Wash your hands after cleaning your menstrual cup to prevent any residue from the cup from being transferred to your skin or around your home. However, there are times when you aren’t home or need to do something different, so it’s good to learn about these options when learning how to wash menstrual cups.
At Home
For a general clean, empty, and rinse out your cup. Washing it out with unscented, oil-free soap can help both clean the cup and prevent it from being stained. Always wash with cold water to stop staining, as warm and hot water can set stains, making them difficult to remove. If you are concerned about a heavy flow staining your cup, you can use a monitor like the Mira Hormone Monitor and Wands, which link with the Mira App to provide insights into your cycle pattern.
In Public Restrooms
Some people say that you can just empty and then reinsert your menstrual cup if in a public restroom. While that is one way of doing it, it doesn’t ensure that the cup is clean. To clean it, use bottled water to rinse out the menstrual cup or wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth or toilet paper. After that, reinsert it and wash your hands.
While Traveling or Camping
When traveling or out camping, prioritize using safe water sources for rinsing out your menstrual cup. If you’re concerned, you can use menstrual cup cleaner sprays or cup-cleaning wipes instead.
How to Sanitize a Menstrual Cup
Sanitizing menstrual cups involves cleaning them to remove pathogens that may live on their surface. It’s done after the end of the menstrual cycle, before storage.
What Sanitizing Really Means
Sanitization is more than rinsing out the cup, but less than sterilization.
|
Feature |
Sanitizing |
Sterilizing |
|
Definition |
Reduces microorganisms to a safe level |
Eliminates all microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores) |
|
Goal |
Minimize the risk of infection during normal use |
Achieve total microbial elimination (medical-grade disinfection) |
|
When to Do It |
After each period, before storage |
Only if you’ve had an infection, dropped the cup in dirty water, or as a precaution before first use |
|
Common Methods |
Boiling for 5-10 minutes, steaming, microwave sanitation, isopropyl alcohol wipe |
Autoclave (not practical for home use), or extreme heat and pressure |
|
Safety for Silicone Cups |
Yes, especially steaming or boiling under supervision |
May damage the silicone over time unless using medical-grade equipment |
How to Sterilize a Menstrual Cup
Sterilization is a crucial step in the process, but what does it actually entail? Generally, boiling is an accepted (and easy) form of sterilization; however, you can also steam or microwave your menstrual cup.
What Sterilization Is (and Isn’t)
Generally, sterilization is intended to fully remove bacteria, viruses, and spores. However, that also assumes that how you store it afterward is also completely clean and free of these pathogens. Ensure that the area where you store your menstrual cup is sterilized to prevent cross-contamination.
How to Sanitize or Sterilize: Best Methods
There are several ways to sanitize or sterilize menstrual cups.
How to Boil a Menstrual Cup
Follow these instructions when boiling menstrual cups:
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First, wash your hands before you begin.
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Next, find the right pot. It must be big enough to fully submerge the cup inside it. Pour water into the pot.
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Bring the water to a rolling boil.
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Submerge the cup. Make sure it is entirely underwater.
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Once it has been boiled, turn the heat off, and let the cup cool down.
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After cooling, remove the cup, dry it thoroughly, and store it so it’s ready for next time.
How Long to Boil a Menstrual Cup
Generally, you should boil menstrual cups for no more than 5-10 minutes. To remove it from the water, use tongs to avoid burning yourself. Some people use a wire whisk to stop the cup from touching the bottom of the pot, but this is a personal preference, not a rigid rule.
How Often to Boil a Menstrual Cup
You should boil your menstrual cup once before use to remove any pathogens that may have been present before it came into your possession. Then, you should boil it once after each period to prepare it for your next one.
Using a Steamer
Using a steamer can be an effective and safe way to clean your cup. Steamers use vapor made of boiled water, so the water used for cleaning can reach similar or higher temperatures than the water used for boiling your menstrual cup.
Microwave Sanitizers
A lot of people may not realize that this is an option! You’ll need to place your menstrual cup inside a microwave-safe cup or a sterilization pot designed for menstrual cups. Pour a bit of water into the bottom and then microwave. You’re looking to microwave it for 3-5 minutes at 750-900 watts, but always check your manual before microwaving your menstrual cup.
What NOT to Use to Clean a Menstrual Cup
Never use vinegar or harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or bleach. As good as they are for cleaning surfaces, your cup and your body need a gentler touch. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide can damage your menstrual cup, and if any trace remains on the cup, it can harm you once reinserted. Vinegar may seem like the gentler option, but it can also disrupt the delicate balance inside your vagina.
Note: Keep in mind that menstrual cups aren’t dishwasher safe!
How to Store a Menstrual Cup Safely
Use a breathable cotton bag to store your menstrual cup. Make sure the bag is washed so it’s ready to contain your sterilized cup. While it’s tempting to grab an airtight container to keep pathogens out, it’s not a good choice. Airtight containers can actually trap bacteria or viruses. If some moisture remains on the cup after sterilization, an airtight container will encourage fungi to grow.
Dealing With Stains
If there is staining, you can leave your cup in direct sunlight for a few hours, scrub it with a toothbrush (that should only be used for cleaning the cup!), or boil it to remove or lessen stains.
When to Replace Your Cup
Replacing your cup is crucial for maintaining your hygiene. If you ever find cracks in your cup, find that it has a strong odor, or it has a sticky texture, it’s time to get a new one. Cracks are excellent places for pathogens to hide, and a strong odor or stickiness may indicate the presence of a pathogen that sanitization can’t remove.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues
Below are a few common cleaning issues or concerns that menstrual cup users have when looking into how to clean menstrual cups.
The cup fell into the toilet
It can happen even to the most dexterous of people. You’ll need to sterilize your cup before using it again. Do not re-insert it without sterilizing.
The cup smells bad
A cup smelling bad can be a sign of bacteria interacting with menstrual blood. Usually, this isn’t a problem, as the vagina cleans itself by pushing bacteria out. However, if this is accompanied by unexplained discharge changes that persist despite proper hygiene measures, this needs to be investigated. If you think this could be a hormonal issue, then an at-home finger-prick test like the Panorama Lab Test can put your mind at ease. However, if you believe it to be an infection, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
White residue from hard water
Water comes out of our taps in two varieties: hard and soft. These can feel like strange descriptors for water, but it’s more about what that water contains as opposed to the texture of the water. Hard water tends to contain high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This can be great for humans but not so great for their appliances or anything washed in water. Hard water brings with it limescale. If you find a white residue left in your cup, and you live in an area with hard water, this is likely why. You can install water softeners under your sink; however, there are times when you may not be able to do so (for example, some renters aren’t allowed to attach water softeners). Scrubbing out your menstrual cup should solve this issue. Some people suggest vinegar as it chemically breaks down the limescale; however, as mentioned before, there are reasons that this is not safe or recommended for cleaning a menstrual cup.
Cup used during or after vaginal infection
You will need to sterilize the menstrual cup fully before using it again, as the pathogen that caused the infection may still be on the silicone.
Final Takeaways on How to Clean a Menstrual Cup
The best way to increase the longevity of your cup is by doing daily cleaning on your period, along with post-period sanitization. Remember, boiling or steaming are the best methods to keep it clean, without using harsh chemicals that could damage you or the cup. And finally, it’s good to know when to replace your cup. Doing all of these will help your cup last longer and keep you clean and comfortable for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to sterilize a menstrual cup without boiling?
You can use a steamer or microwave it.
How do I sterilize a menstrual cup while I am on vacation?
You can use bottled water, cup-cleaning sprays, or cup-cleaning wipes.
I have been cleaning my menstrual cup with normal water. Is it necessary to use a menstrual cup wash?
It’s not necessary to use a menstrual cup wash as long as you take the necessary steps to sanitize the cup between periods.
Can we use a liquid soap to wash a menstrual cup?
Yes! As long as it is mild, scent-free, and oil-free.
What do I do if I re-insert the menstrual cup that fell into the public toilet without sterilization?
Remove the cup as it needs to be sterilized. Monitor yourself for signs of vaginal infections.
What are some tips for preventing odor when using a menstrual cup?
Wash your menstrual cup regularly and ensure it is sanitized between periods, and sterilized if necessary. If the smell doesn't go away, and you are healthy, it’s time for a new cup.
