Have you recently bought a menstrual cup and want to know how to keep it clean? We'll tell you how to clean your menstrual cup so that it stays hygienic and you can use it for a long time.
You decided to use menstrual cups during your period instead of tampons and pads? Good idea! The cups have several advantages over traditional hygiene products.
You save money, protect the environment and do something good for your health at the same time. Because menstrual cups are usually made of medical silicone or natural rubber. Tampons and pads, on the other hand, are often contaminated with harmful substances.
But if you use a menstrual cup, then proper cleaning is the be-all and end-all. Hygiene is very important here to prevent infections. In addition, you also have something longer from your cup.
By the way, I have already learned a lot about my experience with the menstrual cup summarized in a separate blog article.
Table of contents
The 5 most important menstrual cup care tips at a glance
To keep your menstrual cup hygienically clean and to ensure that you get the most out of your monthly companion for as long as possible, we have the 5 most important care tips for you:
- Boil your menstrual cup regularly
- Do not use aggressive cleaning agents
- Do not put the cup into the dishwasher
- Protect the silicone cup from sunlight
- Use specially formulated care products
How do I get my menstrual cup clean again?
Cleaning your menstrual cup is basically quite simple. Boiling water is usually enough to get the menstrual cup clean again. Occasionally, however, it doesn't hurt to use a small amount of selected cleaners or home remedies to clean the cup even more thoroughly.
We have summarized for you here which means are suitable for this and how you can best proceed in different situations.
TipYou have not found the right menstrual cup yet? I can give you the Lunette menstrual cup* recommend. I have these myself and am very happy with them. They are very tight, fit well and are not noticeable.
If you're still unsure, you can read the many good reviews on Amazon.
1. cleaning before first use
Before using your new menstrual cup for the first time, boil it to remove any production residue or other contaminants.
Wash your hands properly for this. Now clean the cup with warm water and some liquid soap. To sterilize it additionally, put it in a pot with boiling water.
It is best to carefully place the cup in a whisk so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. The cup should be completely submerged in water.
How long do I have to boil my menstrual cup?
Basically, the cup is boiled for 5-20 minutes. The heated water then disinfects the menstrual cup. However, you can find out how long you should really clean it in hot water from the manufacturer's instructions.
2. menstrual cup cleaning during period
When you are on your period, you should clean the silicone cup after each emptying. Depending on how heavy your bleeding is, this is done three to five times a day.
The more complex the surface of your menstrual cup is, the more thoroughly you should clean it. Especially existing air holes or punched holes should be cleaned well.
To clean the cup, empty it and rinse it under cold running water. Then clean it with warm water and liquid soap.
Make sure that your soap has a mild to acidic pH (5.5 to 3.5), which corresponds to the natural environment of your vagina. In addition, the soap should be oil-free and contain no perfume or dyes. It is best to use a cleansing lotion recommended by the manufacturer.
Once you have cleaned the menstrual cup with soap and water, rinse it again thoroughly with clean water. This removes all soap residues.
After that, you can use the menstrual cup again as usual.
How do I clean my menstrual cup on the go?
When you're out and about, you should always have special cleaning wipes for menstrual cups in your bag. After all, you may not have access to running water.
In this case, rub the menstrual cup well with it for about 10-20 minutes and let it air dry for a few seconds before putting it back in place.
However, do not use conventional moist toilet tissues or intimate hygiene tissues. These can be harmful to the material of the menstrual cup.
3. cleaning the menstrual cup between menstrual periods.
Your period is over? Then you should disinfect your menstrual cup well before storing it in a cloth bag or other container. This is especially important to ensure that all germs are removed.
To do this, wash your hands properly again and rinse the cup with warm water and a suitable liquid soap. Then boil the cup in water again. Again, pay attention to the time specified by the manufacturer.
Some models can even be cleaned in the microwave. To do this, simply place the cup in a microwave-safe container and cover the cup completely with water. Put the container in the microwave and run the microwave at 500-800 watts for at least five minutes.
Last but not least, let the silicone cup dry and stow it away.
This is how you get an irregular cycle under control!
Where should I store the menstrual cup?
Make sure that your cup is not stored in a damp place, such as the bathroom. After several weeks, germs can accumulate on the menstrual cup.
In addition, the cup should be safe from animals or small children. It is best to put it in the bag that comes with each menstrual cup. You should also protect the cup from direct sunlight.
Why does my menstrual cup stink?
When a menstrual cup is used, the smell can become unpleasant from time to time. This is due to the proteins in the menstrual fluid.
Even if you have cleaned your menstrual cup properly, it may take on a strange odor if the composition of the blood changes.
Normally, unpleasant odors will disappear if you keep your menstrual cup well cleaned in a dry, airy place (not in the sun) for a few days. The air causes the protein compounds to decompose.
To prevent the smell, you should always fill your cup first with cold Rinse water
As long as the unusual odor is not caused by a vaginal infection, it is harmless from a health and hygiene perspective. However, if you notice a change in the odor over time, please contact your doctor.
How do I get rid of discoloration?
The material of menstrual cups can discolor over time due to contact with blood. There are several ways to get rid of discoloration.
First, you can clean your menstrual cup by boiling it as usual and adding to the boiling water a teaspoon of Baking sodaadd *.
For stubborn stains, mix a teaspoon of baking soda powder with a few drops of water to make a paste. Brush the stain on the inside of the cup with the paste and a toothbrush.
Alternatively, you can use a special cleaner against discoloration on menstrual cups. When using this product, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Another way to get rid of discoloration is a mixture of lemon juice and light vinegar or a 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution. Put the cup in this for an hour. Then clean it well with clean water and boil it.
Our conclusion
When using a menstrual cup, you should always pay attention to hygiene. Even if the cups are made of medical, non-absorbent silicone, you must clean menstrual cups daily. This is the only way to prevent infections and prolong the life of your silicone cup.
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more
