The menstrual cup is a reusable hygiene product designed for internal wear, collecting menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Since the cup is reinserted multiple times throughout a cycle, maintaining cleanliness between uses is necessary for comfort and health. Routine cleaning removes blood and residue to prevent odor and the buildup of microbes on the cup’s surface. Proper hygiene protects the medical-grade material and ensures the delicate balance of the vaginal environment is not disrupted.
Immediate Cleaning Steps at Home
When you have access to a private sink, the preferred cleaning method is a thorough wash with water and soap. After emptying the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup first under cold running water. Starting with cold water prevents blood proteins from setting into the silicone or TPE material, which causes staining and discoloration.
Next, wash the cup with a small amount of mild, unscented, oil-free soap, cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces. Use your fingertips or a dedicated soft toothbrush to gently scrub the cup, paying attention to the rim and the tiny suction holes. If the suction holes are blocked, fill the cup with water, cover the opening, and squeeze the cup to force water through the holes, clearing debris.
Once scrubbed, rinse the cup completely with clean water until all traces of soap are gone. Any residue left on the cup can lead to irritation or discomfort upon reinsertion. While a dry cup is ideal, a quick shake to remove excess moisture is usually sufficient before placing it back into the body.
Cleaning When Water Access is Limited
Cleaning the cup in a public restroom or while traveling requires alternative, temporary methods when a sink is unavailable. Always empty the cup into the toilet first and ensure your hands are clean before handling the cup. If you carry a small bottle of drinking water, you can use it to rinse the cup over the toilet, minimizing the need to leave the stall.
If bottled water is unavailable, simply wiping the cup clean is an acceptable temporary solution. Use clean toilet paper or a wet paper towel, ensuring all visible residue is removed before reinsertion. The cup can also be wiped with a dedicated, individually packaged menstrual cup wipe, which is formulated to be safe for the cup material and intimate use.
These limited-water methods are intended for immediate reuse and should be followed by a full wash with water and soap at the next opportunity. When using toilet paper, be mindful that wet tissue can sometimes leave small pieces of residue clinging to the cup, requiring a thorough wipe. The goal is to remove the bulk of the collected fluid so the cup can be safely reinserted until a proper wash is possible.
Protecting the Cup and Your Health
The choice of cleaning product is important, as the cup material (typically medical-grade silicone or TPE) can degrade when exposed to certain ingredients. Use a mild, pH-neutral, unscented, and water-based cleanser, or one specifically formulated for menstrual cups. Products containing oil-based ingredients, such as common hand soaps or cleansers with added moisturizers, should be avoided.
Oil can adhere to the cup’s surface, creating a film that is difficult to rinse off, potentially trapping bacteria or leading to material degradation. Similarly, harsh chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, abrasive cleaners, vinegar, or highly fragranced soaps can damage the cup and leave irritating residue. This residue can disrupt the natural, acidic pH of the vagina, potentially leading to irritation or yeast imbalances.
Daily Rinsing Versus Full Sterilization
It is important to distinguish between routine cleaning performed between uses and the process of sterilization. Daily cleaning methods involving rinsing and soap remove blood and surface microbes, preparing the cup for immediate reinsertion. This process is sufficient for maintaining hygiene throughout the menstrual cycle.
Sterilization, which usually involves boiling the cup in water, is a deeper cleaning that eliminates virtually all bacteria and pathogens. This deep cleaning is not required every time the cup is emptied. Instead, it should be done once before the first use and again after the conclusion of each menstrual cycle, before storing the cup.