Menstrual cups are cups made of silicone and are used instead of pads and tampons. Since menstrual cups can be used multiple times, you should clean them after each use.
Step
Step 1. Clean the cup after use during the menstrual period
Silicone is not a material that bacteria can harbor. So, it doesn't matter if you just clean it with water and reuse it. If you want to be extra careful, use a drop of unscented soap and no contains antibacterial substances, such as Dove Fragrance Free Body Wash to wash it off. You can also use a soap specially made for washing your vagina to prevent yeast infections. Be aware that hand or body soap can irritate the vagina. Therefore, make sure you rinse the cup until it is completely clean of soap. Also, make sure there is no liquid in the air holes at the top of the cup. To do this, bend this part of the hole while rinsing.
Step 2. Choose a method to clean the cup after the menstrual period is over
You can also clean it right before your next menstrual period begins.
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Image Menstrual cup being boiled. Boil menstrual cups in a saucepan or in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the package to determine the required boiling time. Make sure the cup remains on the surface of the pot at all times as the bottom of the pan will be hot enough to burn or melt the cup. After boiling, cool and dry the cups with paper towels or toilet paper, then store them.
- When the water is almost boiling, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Insert the cup, making sure that the entire surface of the cup is covered with water, but not sinking to the bottom of the pot. Leave it for 15 minutes, then add tablespoon of baking soda. If possible, sprinkle baking soda on the inside/outside of the cup. The baking soda will remove the odor. Roll the cup to the other side, boil again for another 5-10 minutes, then remove from the water. Cool the cup and dry with a paper towel.
Step 3. Clean the stain on the cup
If your menstrual cup is starting to look shabby, there are several ways to get rid of the stain that's stuck to the surface. One way is to dry the cup in the sun after cleaning. You can also scrub it with a little baking soda and cold water.
Step 4. Store the cup in a clean, small container when not in use
For example, the drawstring bag included in the package.
Tips
- If you have pets at home, keep the cups in a closed place, such as a drawer, so they won't sniff them. The cup may look like a chew toy to a dog. In addition, animals are also attracted to the smell of menstrual blood. So don't leave unwashed cups lying around where pets can reach them!
- Take feminine wipes, hypoallergenic baby wipes, or Lactacyd wet wipes with you when you travel. You can buy wet wipes that are sold in sachets so you can put them in your bag. Antibacterial wet wipes can be used to clean your hands, but don't use them to wipe your vagina or menstrual cups as they can cause irritation. If you are comfortable using only water to clean the cup, bring water in a bottle. If these items are not available, wipe the cup with toilet paper. You can clean it thoroughly after you're done using it.
- You may find it easier to boil a menstrual cup by placing it in a Pyrex saucepan, and pouring boiling hot water in the kettle a few times. This method reduces the risk of the cup melting from sticking to the metal pan.
Warning
- Don't wash your menstrual cup with soaps that contain fragrances or antibacterial agents. Both can irritate sensitive vaginal skin or even cause a yeast infection.
- Do not boil the cup for too long or the cup will melt/burn. Try to keep the cup floating at all times, and not touching the bottom of the pan. Read the instructions included in the package about the boiling time. Cups are made of various materials. So, there is no standard boiling time.
- Avoid cleaning the cup using unconventional methods. If you want to use something like tea tree oil or another essential oil, make sure you dilute it slightly. This method can damage the cup. So, better be careful.
- When cleaning menstrual cups, do not use the following: vinegar, tea tree oil, scented soap, castile/peppermint soap or other oil-based soaps, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, moistened wipes, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, bleach or harsh chemicals as some are known to damage or degrade the silicone (may lead to a sticky or starchy coating, etc.) and you may have to dispose of them to avoid irritation, burning and so on. If you clean your menstrual cup with a non-recommended cleaner, and see signs of damage or if you experience irritation, just throw it away and buy a new one.
