Here’s How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup

Here’s How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup

This article was originally published by Lunette.

For us gals who use Lunette cups, keeping it clean is the most important thing. After all, the cup is going into our bodies. Although some believe that reusable does not equal clean (they’re wrong), we should all remember that even disposable products are not completely sterile.

With proper care and a quick clean, your Lunette cup will be ready to serve you for another reuse.

 

First Use Cleaning

Wash your hands and clean the Lunette cup by washing with water and a mild liquid soap free of coloring agents and perfumes. Then boil it in a large amount of water for 20 minutes before first use. Make sure that there is enough water so that the cup does not burn on the bottom.

Pro tip: Place the cup in a wire whisk to prevent contact with the bottom of the pan during boiling.

 

Day-to-Day Cleaning

We of course recommend our Feelbetter Liquid Wash that is designed for washing a silicone cup. But you can also use some other liquid soap that is fragrance-free, oil-free, and has a mild to acidic pH (between 3.5 and 5.5). Just be sure it does not contain oils, since they can stick to the cup and create a film that could irritate the body. Do not use washing up liquid or wash your cup in the dishwasher! That’s a definite no no!

To disinfect the cup after your cycle so it is ready for the next time wipe down with rubbing alcohol or with our Cupwipes. Lunette can be boiled for a few minutes in a clean pan. Just remember to keep the cup submerged in water so that it doesn’t burn or get cooked. This happens all the time! That’s why using alcohol is the best option; it’s easier and quicker, not to mention accident-free.

 

Getting Rid of Lingering Odor

Set in sunshine for a day. The odor thing happens for some people; our scent and sense of smell is different. Also, just squeeze a lemon and wipe the cup with or soak in lemon juice.

 

 

Getting Rid of Stains

The best way to get rid of stains is to soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide, like the kind you can get at a grocery store. After a soak, it will make the cup look like brand new. If you want a more natural alternative, try spirit vinegar. And lemon juice works for stains, too.

 

Cleaning the Air Holes

Fill the cup with water, place your palm on it, turn upside down and squeeze. When the water squirts out through the air holes, they are instantly cleaned! You can also use a blunt toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol, or a toothbrush dedicated to this purpose. Do not use sharp items on your cup, like needles and such. They will do more damage than good.

 

Saving the Best for Last

Always wash your hands! Hands can be full of germs that can travel from your cup to your vagina. Hand hygiene is vital. If nothing else, remember that!

 

Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.