You can safely use a mild, unscented, oil-free soap (such as liquid castile soap) or water alone to clean your menstrual cup. Specialized washes are marketed specifically for cups, but simple, gentle alternatives are perfectly safe and effective.
Here are ways to remove stains or smells from your menstrual cup: 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.
Wash your menstrual cup with cold water and a mild, oil-free, and fragrance-free soap. Always use cold water first to prevent blood from staining the silicone. You can follow up with warm water and your cleanser.
You should use things like a dedicated menstrual cleanser such as our cup wash that is pH-balanced and designed to be free of fragrance and not cause irritation. Any other mild, unscented, and oil-free soap can safely get the job done too.
Yes, you must wash your cup every time you empty it. While you don't need soap at every single sink break, you must thoroughly rinse it before reinsertion.
While some users report success with small amounts of plain Dawn dish soap, it is generally not recommended to wash your menstrual cup with it. Dish soap can leave residue, alter the silicone's non-porous nature, or cause vaginal irritation.
Yes, you can sterilise a menstrual cup in the microwave using a microwave-safe menstrual cup steriliser. Using a menstrual cup steriliser makes cleaning simpler and more hygienic than boiling in a pan, especially if you want a discreet and reusable solution.
You do not have to boil your cup every month, but manufacturers highly recommend it. It is the most effective way to sanitize the silicone and prevent odor buildup before storing it away or starting a new cycle.
You can use Dove soap, but only if it is the unscented, fragrance-free version (such as Dove Sensitive Skin). Avoid scented and heavily moisturizing Dove soaps, as the perfumes can cause vaginal irritation and the heavy moisturizers can leave a residue on the silicone.
Yes, regular Dawn dish soap is generally safe for silicone products, as long as you use a gentle formula and rinse thoroughly. It is highly effective at cutting through stubborn grease.
The method: Fill the stained mug halfway with boiling water, and top with white vinegar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then scrub using a sponge. Wash when done. How it went: Vinegar can be an effective cleaning agent because of its mild pH, which helps break down tough grease and grime.
Most Hand soaps are fine to use on menstrual cups; you can also use castile soap. Any mild, unscented and oil- and dye-free soap will do the trick, but keep in mind many hand soaps may contain harsh antibacterial ingredients and fragrance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup
REMOVE STAINS WITH AN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SOAK
Here's how: Simply dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water and soak your cup in the mixture for 24 hours. Rinse your cup in cold water and sanitise it before use (we recommend boiling water).
Cleaning your menstrual cup requires a mild, water-based soap that is free of oils, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Using the wrong soap can degrade the medical-grade silicone and cause vaginal irritation. Always ensure you rinse the cup thoroughly under warm water after washing.
Yes, you can use hand soap to wash a menstrual cup, but only if it is mild, unscented, and free of oils, dyes, and antibacterial agents.
can i use dish soap on my menstrual cup? No, absolutely not. Dish soap is full of strong chemicals that will harm the cup's silicone and your body. Please don't use dish soap on your menstrual cup.
You can rinse your cup or disc at home in the sink using hot water and fragrance-free soap (it's also okay to use cold water). If you're not going to insert your menstrual cup or disc again, you can dry it with a micro-fibred towel or leave it on a safe and clean surface to air dry.
Disinfect your menstrual cup by boiling it for 3-5 minutes (making sure it doesn't touch the pan's sides or bottom) or microwave it in a cup steriliser, like the Ruby Cup steriliser.
Gynecologists generally view menstrual cups as safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional pads and tampons. Because they collect rather than absorb blood, they don't leave synthetic fibers or chemicals behind and are less likely to disrupt the vagina's natural flora.
Menstrual cups also known as vaginal cups are usually used as alternatives to other intravaginal products for menstrual blood collection. In rare cases, they can also lead to toxic shock syndrome. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome associated with vaginal cup use in a healthy menstruating woman.
3. Not cleaning it properly: Residue from blood, soap, or hard water can build up to cause an unpleasant smell. 4. Leaving it in for too long: It's best to empty and rinse your cup every 8-12 hours.
You'll need to place your menstrual cup inside a microwave-safe cup or a sterilization pot designed for menstrual cups. Pour a bit of water into the bottom and then microwave. You're looking to microwave it for 3-5 minutes at 750-900 watts, but always check your manual before microwaving your menstrual cup.
Sudden high fever, rash, dizziness, vomiting/diarrhoea, severe muscle aches, confusion, or fainting. Seek urgent medical care immediately if you have these symptoms, especially close to your period. TSS symptoms appear suddenly, usually about 2-4 days after the bacteria infect your body.
Menstrual cups are reusable, bell-shaped silicone or rubber devices worn internally to collect fluid. While they offer significant cost savings, eco-friendly benefits, and up to 12 hours of wear, they come with a steep learning curve and initial messiness.