Clean a Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is a cup made of silicone that is used instead of disposable pads and tampons. Since cups are reused they need to be cleaned between uses and between periods.
Steps
- Clean your cup between uses while on your period. Silicone is not a material that harbors bacteria, so it is safe to rinse with water and reinsert. If you want to be extra careful you can use a dab of fragrance free soap that is not antibacterial, such as, Dove Fragrance Free Body Wash. You can also use Summers Eve it's a soap for the vagina specifically. So it will not give you a yeast infection. However, any type of hand or body soap can irritate the vagina, so be sure to thoroughly rinse the cup of soap. Also make sure the air holes at the top of the cup are clear of fluid. Bend the cup at these holes while rinsing to ensure this happens.
- Choose a method to clean your cup after you finish your period. (You can also clean your cup right before you start it again next month.)
- Boil your menstrual cup either in a pot or in the microwave. (Consult the directions that came with your cup for how long you should boil it.) Make sure the cup stays floating at the top of the pot the whole time, because the bottom will be hot enough to burn or melt your cup. After boiling your cup, let it cool, dry with a paper towel or toilet paper, and store your cup.
- # Put 1 Tbsp of baking soda into a pot of near-boiling water. Put your cup in, making sure it's covered with the water, but not completely on the bottom of the pot. Let sit for 15 minutes, then add 1/2 Tbsp more baking soda, trying to dump it in on/in the cup if you can. The baking soda will get rid of any odors. Roll the cup over, boil for 5-10 more minutes, then remove from water. Let it cool and dry on a paper towel.
- Remove stains from your cup. If your cup starts to look grimy there are a few ways to remove those stains. One way is to leave the cup sitting in the sun while it dries from cleaning. You can also scrub it with a little baking soda and cold water.
- Store the cup in a clean, small space during the month. An example is the cloth, drawstring bag it comes with.
Tips
- If you have household pets, keep your cup in a place, such as a drawer, that they cannot nose into. A cup may seem like a chew toy to a dog. Also animals are attracted to the smell of menstrual fluid, so do not leave an unwashed cup lying in reach of pets!
- Bring feminine wipes, hypoallergenic baby wipes, or castile soap wipes to clean while on-the-go. The wipes are often sold in individual packets that can be stored in your handbag. Antibacterial wipes can be used to clean hands but you shouldn't use these on intimate areas or on your cup as they can cause irritation. If you're comfortable cleansing with just water, bring a water bottle. If you don't have any of these items, you can wipe off your cup with some toilet paper and clean it well the next time you remove your cup.
- It may be easier to boil your menstrual cup by putting it in a Pyrex jug, pouring water boiled by a kettle over it and replacing this water a few times. You don't run the risk of melting by sticking to a metal pot this way.
Warnings
- Do not wash your cup with a soap that has fragrance or is antibacterial. It could irritate the sensitive skin in your vagina or even cause a yeast infection.
- Do not over boil your cup or it can melt/burn. The cup should always stay floating, and should not touch the bottom of the pot. Consult the directions that came with your cup for how long you should boil it. Cups are made of different materials, so there is not a standard boiling time.
- Avoid using unorthodox cleaning methods. If you do use something like tea tree oil or another essential oil, make sure to dilute it quite a bit. You can possibly ruin your cup this way, so be very careful.
- When cleaning your DivaCup be sure to avoid using: vinegar, tea tree oil, scented/fragranced soap, castile/peppermint soap or any other oil based soap, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, pre-moistened wipes, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, bleach or harsh chemicals as some have been known to damage or compromise the silicone (may leave a sticky or powdery film, etc.) and may need to be replaced to avoid irritations, burning, etc. If you have cleaned your DivaCup with any of the non-recommended cleansers, replace the cup if there are any signs of deterioration or if you experience irritation.
Things You'll Need
- Menstrual cup
- Pot or mug for boiling
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton rounds
- Cloth bag for storage
- Wipes or water bottle on-the-go
