Staining or discoloration is a common, normal, and harmless side effect of using a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup. This color change is a reaction between the silicone material and the iron content naturally found in menstrual blood. The resulting tint is purely cosmetic and does not affect the safety, performance, or longevity of the product. While a stained cup is perfectly safe to use, there are effective methods to restore its original appearance.
Differentiating Between General Cleaning and Stain Removal
Understanding the difference between sanitizing your cup and addressing discoloration is important. General cleaning, often involving boiling the cup for three to five minutes, focuses on sanitation, killing bacteria, and preventing microorganism buildup. This process is necessary for maintaining a safe product and should be performed at least once per cycle.
Stain removal, by contrast, is a cosmetic treatment aimed at breaking down the pigment left behind by the blood’s hemoglobin. Boiling is an effective sanitizer, but it does little to lift deep-set color stains chemically bonded to the silicone. Specialized treatments are required to chemically or physically lighten the discoloration without compromising the medical-grade material. Stain removal is an optional, periodic activity, separate from the mandatory routine of sanitization.
Proven Methods for Eliminating Discoloration
One widely recommended method for removing set-in stains is a soak in household hydrogen peroxide. The standard 3% concentration is safe for medical-grade silicone and works by releasing an oxygen molecule that acts as a gentle bleaching agent, breaking down the organic pigment. For effective treatment, submerge the clean cup in a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide, either undiluted or mixed with an equal part of water.
The cup should soak for a minimum of 8 hours, and up to 24 hours for more stubborn discoloration. Following the soak, it is important to thoroughly rinse the cup with water to remove all chemical residue before use. Because peroxide is a strong oxidant, this method should only be used periodically, perhaps once or twice a year, to maintain the cup’s integrity.
A gentler, all-natural technique utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light through sun bleaching. UV rays naturally break down the compounds that cause discoloration in the silicone material. To perform this, wash the cup and place it in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill, for several hours or days until the stain fades. This method also helps eliminate any lingering odors.
For targeting specific areas, such as the suction holes or the rim, a gentle abrasive treatment can be effective. Create a mild paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Gently rub this paste onto the stained spots using only your fingers or a very soft cloth. Harsh brushes or abrasive pads can damage the smooth surface of the silicone, so avoid them. After scrubbing, rinse the cup completely to ensure all fine powder is removed.
Preventing Future Staining
The most effective strategy for preventing future discoloration involves changing cleaning habits right after emptying the cup. Immediately rinsing the cup with cold water before applying any soap or warm water is a crucial step. Cold water helps wash away the blood before the hemoglobin binds to the silicone. Warm or hot water can actually “set” the stain into the material.
Another proactive measure is ensuring you use the correct cleaning products for your cup. Avoid using harsh soaps, oil-based cleansers, or highly scented detergents, as these can degrade the silicone, making it more porous and susceptible to staining. It is best to use a mild, unscented, pH-balanced soap specifically designed for menstrual cups, or simply use water for rinsing.
Frequent emptying and rinsing can also significantly reduce the opportunity for stains to set. The longer the menstrual fluid remains in contact with the silicone, the more likely discoloration becomes. Stains may be accelerated by hard water or tap water with a high iron content. Rinsing with distilled or purified water can sometimes help maintain the cup’s clear color.