How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup
Menstrual Cup Cleaning and sterilising your menstrual cup is really simple. There is nothing complicated about cleaning your menstrual cup properly, you can do it simply using things you'd have at home or we stock specialist cleaning products to help.
The difference between cleaning and sterilising is that daily cleaning of your cup only removes some of the surface bacteria and any smells. However, sterilising completely removes bacteria and prepares the cup to be stored until next time it's used.
When Does Your Menstrual Cup Need Sterilsing?
- When you first receive your cup, you should sterilise it before first use.
- It is recommended you sterilise your cup at the end of each period.
Methods To Sterilise Your Period Cup
There are a few methods you can use, all are very similar to the methods used for cleaning baby feeding bottles.
Method 1
Boil your cup for 10 minutes in a saucepan on boiling water. You need to keep an eye and make sure that it doesn’t sit at the bottom or touch the sides and it may burn.
Method 2
Using Milton sterilising tablets in a pot of water, leaving to stand as indicated on the Milton instructions.
Method 3
Using a Menstrual Cleaning Cup designed for use in the microwave (adding water so the cup steams). It is very important you follow the instructions carefully as some menstrual cup brands are not suitable for microwave cleaning.
Specialist Products To Make Cleaning Your Cup Even Easier
We do stock a few items that can be used to help sterilise your cup.Our best seller is the Thrive Menstrual Cup Steriliser but we also stock Meluna Cleaning cup- This can be used with the Melula cup either in the microwave or using Milton tablets. Please check your cup instructions that it is suitable to be microwaves
Ruby Clean- This has also been designed for microwave use, it is also collapsible for convenient storage.
Milton Tablets- These can be used to disinfect your period cups, if you are unable to boil the cup in a saucepan than then using this is a great way to thoroughly disinfect.
Meluna Intensive cleaner is perfect to help remove any menstrual cup stains.
Emptying & Cleaning Your Cup During Your Period
It's very easy to clean a menstrual cup during your cycle. Keeping your menstrual cup clean can help it last longer and makes sure you avoid infections.
When you go to the toilet if you have a sink available to you, rinse the menstrual cup with cold water (hot water can set stains), then give it a through wash with warm water and then reinsert. You can do this with just water or you can use a little mild non perfumed, oil free soap, if you prefer. If you are using soap make sure to give it an extra rinse before reinserting to avoid causing skin irritation. We recommend you use a specialist menstrual cup wash designed for use with medical grade silicone cups. Options are Meluna Cleansing Soap and Saalt Wash these are soaps specifically designed for this purpose.
If you are in a public toilet or have no sink available, where possible take a small bottle of water to rinse out the menstrual cup, wipe with toilet paper and then reinsert it. We also stock Lunette cleansing wipes from as another option when on the go.
To clean the suction holes in your cup throughly then look at the Me Luna Cleaning Brushes. These enable you to reach every little area where menstrual blood may get dried and stuck.
Menstrual cups usually have a higher capacity than tampons so many people find they rarely have to empty their cup when out and about during to the longer wear time.
Storing Your Cup Between Periods
To prevent mould or damage to your cup, always store it in a cotton bag or other breathable container that will allow for air flow. Keep it well away from lotions, perfumes and other liquids that could damage the cup (or cause you irritation) if they leak.
Cleaning Questions
Can I clean menstrual cups with bleach?
No absolutely not it can damage your menstrual cup.
Can I clean a menstrual cup with baking soda?
We do not advise the use of baking soda to clean a menstrual cup
How should you clean your menstrual cup after a yeast infection?
You should stop using your menstrual cup if you have any type of infection including a yeast or thrush infection. Sterilise your cup and do not use until the infection has completely cleared up.
Written by Roisin - Senior Advisor @The Period Lady