How to Care for Your Menstrual Cup or Disc: Cleaning and Sterilizing

It’s important to follow the proper care instructions for your reusable menstrual disc or cup to avoid any risk of infection.

At a minimum, you should:

• Rinse your cup or disc before and after each use.

• Sterilize your cup or disc at least once per cycle.

 

Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup or Disc

Cleaning before and after each use is mandatory to eliminate bacteria.
To clean your menstrual cup or disc:

• Simply rinse it with water and remove any remaining menstrual blood.
• You can also use a mild, unscented soap.

• Avoid abrasive cleaners or vinegar, as they can damage the silicone.

 

How to Sterilize Your Menstrual Cup or Disc

It’s important to sterilize your reusable cup or disc at least once per menstrual cycle, preferably before your first use of each period.
Sterilizing helps disinfect the product and eliminate bacteria, keeping your menstrual protection safe and healthy for your body.

We also offer the option to purchase a sterilizer along with your menstrual cup or disc.
It makes sterilizing your protection quick and easy, and it also doubles as a storage case when you’re on the go.

 

How to Sterilize Your Protection with the Cup&Co Sterilizer

There are different ways to use a sterilizer.
Here are two easy methods, one with a microwave and one with boiling water.

Sterilizing Your Cup or Disc with a Sterilizer and Microwave

1. Fill the sterilizer with water.
2. Place your menstrual cup or disc inside, making sure it’s fully submerged.
3. Microwave for 5 minutes at around 600 watts.
4. Remove the cup or disc carefully and rinse with cold water.

 

Sterilizing Your Cup or Disc with Boiling Water

1. Fill the sterilizer with boiling water.
   
2. Place your cup or disc inside, fully submerged.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Remove carefully and rinse with cold water.

 

Sterilizing Your Cup Using a Pot

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot.
2. Place your menstrual cup in the boiling water.
3. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the cup carefully and rinse with cold water.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup and Disc

How Do I Clean My Menstrual Cup or Disc While Traveling?

When you’re traveling or on the go, it can be tricky to find water to rinse or sterilize your period protection.
Here are a few handy tips:

• Tip 1: Bring a small water bottle
  If you know you won’t have easy access to a sink, carry a small water bottle with you.
  You can use it to rinse your cup or disc discreetly in a bathroom.
  
  
• Tip 2: Carry a spare protection
  Take a second menstrual cup or disc with you.
  After using the first one, store it in a collapsible sterilizer or sealed container and clean it later when you have access to water.
  
  
• Tip 3: Use cleaning wipes
  Travel-sized cleaning wipes are a great option for disinfecting your cup or disc when you can't rinse it properly.
  
  
• Tip 4: Use disposable discs while traveling
  This way, you won’t have to worry about cleaning at all, just use it and toss it. 
  Shop Our Box of 10 Disposable Silicone Discs
  

How Can I Remove Stains from My Menstrual Cup or Disc?

Stains can appear due to minerals in tap water (like calcium) or the iron content of your menstrual blood.

To remove stains:

1. Place your cup or disc in a glass.
2. Fill it with two-thirds water and one-third hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice.
3. Let it soak overnight or for a few hours.
4. After soaking, rinse and sterilize it again.

Your cup or disc should look much clearer.

 

How Can I Get Rid of Bad Smells from My Menstrual Cup or Disc?

Usually, reusable menstrual products don’t smell as much as pads or tampons because the blood doesn’t oxidize.
However, sometimes odors can still develop.

To remove bad smells, sterilize your cup or disc for 5 minutes with one of the following:

• Baking soda
• A spoonful of white vinegar

• A few drops of colloidal silver (a natural disinfectant)

After sterilizing, make sure to rinse thoroughly and air dry to prevent any odor from moisture buildup.