Switching to menstrual cups often raises one practical question: how exactly do you clean them?
Unlike disposable products, menstrual cups are reused for 5-10 years. Proper menstrual cup hygiene helps prevent irritation, odour build-up, and bacterial growth.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to wash a menstrual cup properly, the best menstrual cup hygiene practices, and how to deep clean it to improve its longevity.
How to Wash a Menstrual Cup During Your Period
During your cycle, the cup should be cleaned every time you remove it.
Step-by-step cleaning
- Empty the collected blood into the toilet.
- Rinse the cup under clean running water.
- Gently rub the surface to remove residue.
- Reinsert the cup.
If you prefer using a cleanser, choose a mild wash designed for intimate products. Harsh soaps, oils, or strong antibacterial washes can leave residues that may irritate the vaginal area.
Don’t Forget the Air Holes
Menstrual cups have tiny air holes near the rim that help create the seal needed to prevent leaks. These holes can sometimes collect residue. To clean them:
- Hold the cup under running water
- Fill the cup with water and pinch the sides
- Allow water to flush through the holes
Keeping the air holes clean ensures the cup maintains proper suction and stays comfortable during use.
What If You’re in a Public Washroom?
Cleaning your menstrual cup outside the house can feel intimidating at first, but it’s manageable.
If the sink is outside the stall:
- Empty the cup into the toilet.
- Wash it using the hand jet.
- If a jet is not available, wipe it with unscented toilet paper
- Reinsert the cup
- Rinse it properly the next time you have access to water
Many users also carry intimate wipes or bottled water for convenience. For when you are travelling, the key is not perfection; it’s about removing the blood and neatly inserting it back in.
How to Deep Clean a Menstrual Cup: The OG Routine
While rinsing keeps the cup clean during your cycle, sterilizing it between cycles helps remove bacteria and keep it hygienic for the next use.
Boiling Method: The Most Common Method
Boiling is the simplest way to sterilize a menstrual cup if you do not have a sterilizer.
- Clean the cup manually using water and a mild cup wash.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the cup in the water for 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot to prevent damage.
- Allow the cup to cool and air dry before storing it in a moisture-free area.
Steam Sterilizing: Highly Recommended
Steam sterilisers designed for menstrual cups are also popular, as they help sterilise without any manual boiling and also help increase the longevity of the cup. They use heat and steam to disinfect the cup quickly and are especially useful if you want a dedicated cleaning method without using kitchen utensils.
Brands offer electric, collapsible (travel-friendly), and mini portable sterilisers that you can use in a microwave as well. So pick the one that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Shop Sirona: Electric Sterilizer | Microwaveable Sterilizer | Travel-friendly Sterilizer
Menstrual Cup Hygiene Tips
Maintaining menstrual cup hygiene doesn’t require complicated routines. A few simple habits make a big difference.
1. Wash your hands first: Always wash your hands before removing or inserting the cup.
2. Sterilise: Deep cleaning once your period starts and ends helps keep bacteria from building up.
3. Store the cup properly: Menstrual cups should be stored in a breathable cotton pouch, not airtight containers.
4. Let the cup dry completely: Moisture trapped during storage may encourage bacterial growth.
5. Inspect your cup regularly: Check the cup occasionally for cracks, stickiness, or damage.
How Often Should You Replace a Menstrual Cup?
Most menstrual cups for women are made from medical-grade silicone and can last five to ten years with proper care.
However, replacement may be needed if the silicone becomes sticky or damaged, the cup loses its shape or odors remain even after sterilizing. Taking care of your cup properly helps extend its lifespan.
FAQs: Maintaining Your Cup Properly
1. How often should you wash a menstrual cup?
You should rinse your menstrual cup every time you empty it during your cycle and sterilize it once your period ends.
2. Can I wash my menstrual cup with soap?
Yes, but the soap should be mild and fragrance-free. Strong soaps or perfumed washes may irritate sensitive vaginal skin.
3. How do you sterilize a menstrual cup at home?
Boiling the cup in water for 5–10 minutes is the most common sterilizing method. You can also use a steam sterilisation method (recommended) for your cup.
4. What happens if you don’t clean a menstrual cup properly?
Improper cleaning may lead to bacterial buildup, unpleasant odor, or irritation. Proper hygiene helps keep menstrual cups safe to use.
5. Can I clean my menstrual cup without water?
Yes. But only if water isn’t available. Wipe the cup with unscented toilet paper or wipes and rinse it properly later.
6. Can You Wash a Menstrual Cup With Just Water?
Yes. Clean water is usually enough to rinse a menstrual cup during your period. However, sterilising the cup between cycles helps remove bacteria and keeps it hygienic for long-term use.
Conclusion
A quick rinse during your cycle and a thorough sterilization between periods are usually enough to keep the cup clean and safe. With these simple menstrual cup hygiene habits, menstrual cups can remain a reliable and eco-friendly period solution for years.
Once you get used to the routine, cleaning your menstrual cup becomes just another small step in a period care routine that’s both practical and sustainable.
