How to Clean a Menstrual Cup: The Complete Care Plan

Sounds like more work than changing tampons. It is not - once you know the routine.

A well-cared-for menstrual cup can last up to 10 years. Here is what to do, when to do it, and which mistakes to avoid.

Three Stages, Three Cleaning Routines

Before Your Period: Sterilize

Before you use the cup for the first time in a cycle, sterilize it. This removes bacteria that may have collected since your last period.

How to boil your menstrual cup:

Fill a pot with enough water

Bring the water to a boil

Place the cup in the water - it should not touch the bottom of the pot. Tip: place it inside a whisk

Boil for 5-7 minutes, not longer

Remove it and let it cool

Alternatives: use a microwave sterilizing cup with water for about 3 minutes, or sterilizing tablets suitable for baby items.

During Your Period: Clean Daily

Each time you empty the cup:

Empty the blood into the toilet

Rinse the cup with cold water first, which helps reduce staining

Wash with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap

Rinse the small air holes around the rim, where bacteria can collect

Suitable soap:

Fragrance-free, pH-neutral soap
Dedicated menstrual cup cleanser
Not suitable: fragranced soaps, disinfectants, alcohol, or soaps with added oils

No sink available? Empty the cup into the toilet, wipe it with clean toilet paper, and reinsert it. Wash it properly the next time you have sink access.

After Your Period: Sterilize Again and Store

Repeat the same routine as before your period: boil, let cool, and dry completely.

Storage: keep it only in the cotton pouch provided. Never store it in an airtight box. The cup needs airflow.

Common Boiling Mistakes

Mistake 1: the cup touches the bottom of the pot Direct heat can damage silicone. Keep the cup floating in water.

Mistake 2: boiling too long More than 10 minutes can weaken silicone over time. 5-7 minutes is enough.

Mistake 3: using a pot with limescale residue Limescale can leave white deposits on the cup. Rinse the pot first or use lemon water.

Mistake 4: storing it while damp Never store the cup wet. Let it dry completely first to help prevent mold.

Stains and Odor: What Helps?

Yellowish or brownish staining can happen over time. It is usually cosmetic, not a hygiene problem.

For stains:

Add 1 tsp baking soda to the boiling water
Soak the cup for 1 hour in diluted vinegar, 1:1 with water, then rinse well

For odor:

Use the same baking soda method
Place the cup briefly in sunlight; UV light naturally helps freshen and lighten it

LUNACUP Detail: Cleaning the Valve

The LUNACUP has a drain valve at the bottom. You can release blood without removing the cup: sit on the toilet, open the valve, and empty.

Valve cleaning: rinse the valve with water under pressure or use a small brush, such as a baby bottle brush. When boiling the cup, open the valve so water can flow through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to boil the menstrual cup after every emptying? No. Boiling or sterilizing is needed before and after your period. During your period, water and mild soap are enough.

Can I clean my menstrual cup in the dishwasher? Not recommended. Dishwasher detergent is too harsh for silicone and can leave residues.

How do I know when to replace my cup? Replace it if you see cracks, cuts, strong staining that does not improve, or a lasting odor despite cleaning. Normally, a menstrual cup lasts 5-10 years.

Can I use alcohol to clean it? No. Alcohol can dry out silicone and leave residues that may irritate the vaginal flora.

Quick Care Overview

| Time | Method | | --- | --- | | Before your period | Boil for 5-7 minutes | | During your period, after each emptying | Cold water + mild soap | | After your period | Boil for 5-7 minutes, dry, store in pouch | | Odor or staining | Baking soda or diluted vinegar |

A well-cared-for cup is highly hygienic. Unlike tampons, it has no fibers where bacteria can grow.

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