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 LUNACUP Classic 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 a maximum of 3 minutes, fully submerged

Remove it and let it cool

Alternative: the sterilization bag in the microwave, following its own instructions (1,100 W or more: 1.5 minutes; 800–1,100 W: 3 minutes; 500–800 W: 5 minutes; 20 uses per bag).

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 Longer boiling can weaken silicone over time. 3 minutes is the maximum.

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 Evolution

The LUNACUP Evolution has a drain valve, so you can empty it without taking it out.

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, LUNACUP Classic lasts about 10 years.

Can I use alcohol to clean it? No. Alcohol can dry out silicone and leave residues.

Quick Care Overview

| Time | Method | | --- | --- | | Before your period | Boil for max. 3 minutes | | During your period, after each emptying | Cold water + mild soap | | After your period | Boil for max. 3 minutes, dry, store in pouch | | Odor or staining | Baking soda or diluted vinegar |

A well-cared-for cup is highly hygienic.

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