Here are instructions for how to clean a menstrual cup and how to prepare it for storage:
- Empty out the cup as usual.
- Clean thoroughly with soap, as usual.
- Boil a pot of water.
- Put the cup inside for five to ten minutes to sterilize it. ...
- Remove the menstrual cup from the pot and dry it thoroughly using a clean towel.
- Place it inside a pouch to store it until the following month. ...
How often to empty your menstrual cup?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Emptying Your Menstrual Cup Download Article
- Remove your menstrual cup every 6-12 hours, depending on your flow. Menstrual cups are really convenient because you can wear them for up to 12 hours.
- Wash and dry your hands before removing your cup. Your hands carry germs and bacteria, so it’s important you wash them before you remove your cup.
- Squeeze your cup gently to remove it from your vagina. ...
How to recycle your old menstrual cup?
how to DIY recycle your menstrual cup at home Incineration (Burning). If you have a bonfire one of the best ways to dispose of your menstrual cup at home is to... Water Plants (Gardening). You can turn your old cup into a watering tool for your plants. It is perfect for cacti or... Cut and Dispense. ...
How to sterilize a menstrual cup?
You can follow these simple steps to properly sterilize your menstrual cups:
- Soak the menstrual cup in hydrogen peroxide after you have rinsed it clean with water after use. ...
- Pick it up from the soaking fluid and directly put in a boiling water bath.
- Boil the cup for not less than 20 minutes. Turn off the stove after 20 minutes and let it cool.
- Pick up the cup and dry it properly so that no moisture is left behind.
How to remove stains from your menstrual cup?
- baking soda
- white vinegar
- apple cider vinegar
- castille soap (distilled and undistilled)
- boiling
- boiling with vinegar
- baking soda and vinegar together
How do you sterilize a menstrual cup?
After washing your cup with hot water and soap, you can place it in boiling water to fully sanitize it before your next period. It's recommended that you place your cup inside of a metal whisk and leave it in a pot of boiling water for only one to two minutes. It's a quick way to sanitize your cup.
How often should you boil your menstrual cup?
We can't emphasize this enough – boil your cup for 20 minutes every time BEFORE and AFTER every cycle, rather than 10 minutes. You can also soak your cup in clear vinegar for an hour, and always remember to boil your cup for 20 minutes afterwards to remove any residue!
Do I have to boil my menstrual cup?
Do you have to boil your cup? No, but if you prefer that your cup be fully sanitized before or after each cycle you can safely do so. In fact, it is recommended by most brands. You can boil your period cup in a pot on the stove, or in a specialty container in the microwave (be sure to allow it to cool before opening!)
How often should I sterilize my menstrual cup?
No matter which brand you choose, the basic guidelines are pretty much the same: You should clean your cup at least every 12 hours during your period (whenever you empty and reinsert it), and you should sterilize it at the end of each period (at least once per month).
Can I clean my menstrual cup with just water?
If you have reacted to soaps or know that you're very sensitive, you can skip the cup washes and simply rinse well with water. Just be sure to boil your menstrual cups once a month.
Why does my menstrual cup stink?
Because of the variations of proteins in the blood it is possible that a menstrual cup suddenly takes on a strange smell, even though it has been cleaned as usual. Generally though the odor is often related to how long you have been wearing the cup between cleanings.
Do and don'ts of menstrual cup?
Menstrual cup: cleaning and care Empty the hygiene product at least twice a day or once every 12 hours. If you don't have a chance to wash it, pour out the contents and wipe the cup with a special napkin. Make sure your hands are clean. Don't use lubricants to insert the cup.
How do you clean a menstrual cup without a boil?
Hydrogen peroxide (1%): You can find this in most drug stores or pharmacies. Use one part 1% hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Submerge your cup and let it soak for 24 hours. Give it a good, thorough wash to remove all of the hydrogen peroxide residues before using it or storing it.
Can you use baby wipes on menstrual cups?
You could also just use some unscented baby wipes. Either way, this will make your life a lot easier if you find yourself needing to empty your cup in a public bathroom and don't want to leave the stall to take care of it in the sink. Just make sure to wash it at your next available chance.
Is it okay to leave a menstrual cup in for 24 hours?
Most menstrual cups can stay in for up to 12 hours before being emptied and rinsed. This means you can wear one when you're sleeping, or all day long. You may need to empty a cup more often if your flow is at its heaviest, but you can use the same cup for your heaviest and lightest days.
How do I know if my menstrual cup is full?
Menstrual cups can be worn safely for up to 12 hours at a time, but your cup may fill up well before that. And people with heavy periods may need to empty their menstrual cups sooner than others....Check for Signs That Your Menstrual Cup Is FullA “heavy” feeling. ... A bubbling sensation. ... Light warning leaks. ... A slipping cup.
Do you have to boil your diva cup every time?
While boiling the DivaCup can help with discoloration and give your cup a more thorough clean, it is not a required cleaning step. Note: the DivaCup will naturally discolor over time, but this will not impair its functionality. Boiling the cup is really a personal choice.
Should we sterilize menstrual cup after every use?
Your menstrual cup has to be clean after every use to prevent any bacteria from building up. A clean menstrual cup can also help you stay away from stains or bad odors. To clean the cup when you're indoors, drain it into the toilet.
Can I pour boiling water over my menstrual cup?
At the end of your period, it is best to sterilize it before storing for the next use. You can rinse your cup, submerge in water and boil for a few minutes. You can also put your cup into a mug filled with boiling hot water (from the kettle) and let it sit covered for a few minutes.
How long does menstrual cup have to boil?
Boil your cup in water for 4–5 min (not more than 7 min) to sanitize it before first use and again between cycles. Use tongs or a wire whisk to ensure the cup doesn't touch the bottom of the pot. Wash your hands with water and mild soap, and rinse thoroughly.
How to wash a cup after a period?
If you’re in a situation where you can’t discreetly wash and reinsert your menstrual cup, feminine wipes are an option. Purchase a pack of unscented cloths and carry it in your bag. If you have a bottle of water with you, rinse your cup with water after you use the wipes.
How does wikihow mark an article as reader approved?
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
How to empty a menstrual cup?
Empty your menstrual cup into the toilet or a drain. Simply pour out the fluids. If you’re dumping it into a drain, it’s best to do so while the water is running. Aside from your toilet, a sink or your shower are the best places to empty your cup.
How to clean a cup of soap?
Cleanse your cup with unscented soap and warm water. Rinse the cup in flowing water, then apply the unscented soap. Rinse the cup well to remove all of the soap.
What to do if you don't have soap?
If you’re in a location with no soap and water, wipe your hands clean with an antibacterial wet w ipe. It’s best to stick to an unscented option.
Where do you pull out a menstrual cup?
For example, some menstrual cups can be pulled out from a narrow stem at the bottom of the cup. Alternatively, you might need to insert your finger over the rim of the cup.
How to clean a cup that won't wash?
Wipe both sides clean with toilet paper as a last resort. If you’re unable to wash the cup, wipe down both sides and put it back in. Wash it as soon as you’re able to do so.
How to clean a cup before using it?
Use clean water from a water bottle to rinse off your cup before next use.
Why do you need to clean your cup?
Cleaning your cup regularly and in between each use ensures that you’re getting rid of bacteria, stains, potential odor, and other things that could end up being harmful to your body.
How long to soak a cup of water?
Bring still water to boil and then pour it on top of the cup. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
Can you sterilize a cup before use?
The perfect sanitizing container can make between-cycle cleanings so much easier. We always recommend sterilizing your cup before your initial use and in between cycles, if possible. Investing in a cleverly designed vessel that holds your cup is a must for easy, deep cleaning.
Can you clean a June cup at home?
Cleaning your June Cup at home is super easy because you’ve got all the options. Here are a few ways you can clean your cup properly at home after you’ve washed your hands and removed your cup:
Can you clean a cup outside?
Not even the great (and dirty) outdoors can keep you from cleaning your cup. Remember, how you dispose of your cup’s contents will depend on the rules and regulations of the area. Here are a few how-to suggestions for cleaning your cup in the wild:
Is the June cup safe to put in your body?
The June Cup is made out of 100% medical-grade silicone, is BPA and latex-free, and has been tested for cytotoxicity, skin irritation, and skin sensitization—that means it’s totally safe to put in your body. That being said, we always recommend sterilizing your cup before your initial use and in-between cycles.
Is a menstrual cup (and the cleaning regime) right for you and your flow?
If you’re still on the fence about whether to transition to a menstrual cup, you should consider your lifestyle and whether the cup makes sense for your day-to-day routine. You’ll also want to make sure the cup makes sense for your routines surrounding your period each month.
How to get stains off silicone cups?
You can scrub the menstrual cup with an unused toothbrush to help lift the stain off the silicone. Apply fresh lemon juice to help remove the stains. Rinse with cold water. Then, boil your cup for 2-3 minutes to sterilize it before your next use.
How to clean a menstrual cup?
Rinsing with water is the best way to clean a menstrual cup. Using any type of cleanser with extra ingredients could impact your pH levels, cause irritation, and potentially create more waste.
How long does it take to sterilize a coffee cup?
Remember, cleaning the cup usually only involves rinsing it with cold water, and sterilizing the cup only takes about 2-3 minutes.
What are menstrual cups?
You’ve probably heard that menstrual cups are an eco-friendly, easy-to-use replacement for disposable period products like pads and tampons—and you’re ready to take the plunge. But there’s one thing troubling you: how do you clean them!?
Can you sterilize a menstrual cup without boiling it?
The short answer is no. There’s no way to sterilize your menstrual cup without boiling it. You have to boil your cup between periods, no matter what.
Can you boil a menstrual cup?
We only recommend that you boil your menstrual cup to sterilize it. There isn’t enough information out there to tell us for sure that steaming the cup would properly sterilize it, and we aren’t sure what effects steaming the cup may have on the integrity of the silicone. For this reason, we recommend boiling your cup between each period.
How to clean a cup with a hole?
Do not try to clean these with a pin or other sharp object, which can harm the cup. Instead, hold the holes under running water to rinse them. If you must use something to clean them, try a soft-bristled toothbrush.
How to clean a cup in the restroom?
One is to bring a bottle of water with you into the stall, then rinse the cup over the toilet and pat it dry with toilet paper. The other is to simply wipe out the cup with toilet paper and then clean it at the next opportunity. Either option is fine.
How does cleaning differ from sanitizing?
Cleaning differs from sanitizing in that sanitizing is meant specifically to kill off dangerous bacteria whereas cleaning is meant to remove debris.
When to let your cup dry?
After you sanitize your cup or clean it at the end of your period, let it air dry. Some people like to put their cups someplace sunny, like a windowsill, to dry.
What happens if you don't clean your cup?
In short, if your cup isn’t cleaned appropriately, it is vulnerable to bacterial growth. Bacteria can lead to infections. And if left untreated, these infections can be pose a serious health risk.
Is it safe to use a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups, overall, are quite safe. However, it is important to use simple sanitary practices when using your cups. Failure to keep your cups clean and sanitized is a recipe for disaster. Blood, cells and tissue shedding is a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and other creepy crawlies…and no one wants that.
Do you sanitize your menstrual cup before or after your period?
We’ve now established that before you use your menstrual cup, you need to sanitize it. But how? Some people who use cups sanitize them between periods as well as immediately prior to insertion.
And now, we need to discuss taking it out in public
This is the big moment, and prob where people get the most nervous.
Once your period is over, it's time to sanitize again
Of course you don't have to boil the cup every time you reinsert it during your period (that'd be wayyy too much work), but that's the best move at the very end of your period. "After your period is over, sanitizing is essential to prevent bacteria growth," Dr. Ramsey says.
The bottom line
It sounds like a production at first, but you can totally make a menstrual cup work for you if you wanna try. Just remember to take it out at least every 12 hours, empty and rinse it, and then give it a good boil in between cycles. You got this!
How long does it take to soak a menstrual cup?
If you want to see your cup return to its lighter color you can do a hydrogen peroxide soak. Use the 80/20 mixture without diluting and soak for 2-3 hours. It’s simply miraculous how well peroxide soaks work on stained menstrual cups or discs.
How to keep a cup from scorching?
The best solution is to place your cup or disc into a whisk and placing that into the boiling water. Many cups have been lost to the bottom of the pan and the whisk keeps the cup away from scorching. As I say almost every day – boiling is the best option if you have a stove.
How to store a clean and dry cup?
Store your clean and dry cup in a breathable pouch or some sort of container that is not air tight. Pets, especially dogs, love to chew cups so make sure it’s out of reach. Most menstrual cups come with a breathable pouch for storage but if it doesn’t you likely have a pouch somewhere in your house.
How to disinfect a cup?
Try boiling your cup or disinfecting naturally by harnessing sunlight. Sit your cup in the sun outside (where it can’t be picked up by any animals) or sit on a sunny windowsill indoors. I haven’t tried it on cups but it definitely works for cloth diapers to help with stains and odor.
How to get suction holes out of a cup?
For cups with suction holes that get clogged simply fill the cup to the top with water, place your hand over the top, flip the cup and squeeze. This pushes any debris out of the holes. There’s no need to dry the cup before putting back in, in fact, you might find it easier to insert your cup when it’s wet.
Can you wash a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups and discs are all made from medical grade materials, either silicone or TPE. This means they’re less likely to harbor bacteria, a recent study found that menstrual cups are as safe to wear as tampons, but washing them is still needed. How to Wash Your Cup – The Daily Routine.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
