Menstrual Cups- The Cleaning Procedure to Follow

Every brand of a menstrual cup comes with its own cleanup instructions. Though the cleaners used may vary, but the below mentioned suggestions are recommended as the perfect guideline.

It is vital to wash the cup a minimum of 2 times daily during the period cycle and generally every 5-8 hours. Post removal of the cup and clearing the content wash the cup using warm or cold water and after this re-insert it. The soap that you use should be water-based and scent free or use a menstrual wash or cup wipes. Rinsing the cup initially with cold water and then with warm water will work wonders in preventing discoloration as warm water may cause the color in setting in the silicone.

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If you require cleaning it the public restroom, empty its contents in the toilet followed by wiping clean using wipes or toilet paper or wet paper towel. Then re-insert as normal. Thoroughly clean the cup's rim and holes. Carefully stretch the silicone to wash such areas thoroughly under running water. A soft toothbrush can also be used or maybe a toothpick for removing the stubborn debris.

Clean Up Procedure

Generally, it is suggested to sterilize the cup before and post every cycle. For sterilizing and storing the cup towards the end of the cycle, rinse as usual. Boil 1 pot of water, put the cup in it but make sure this will not sink. Boil it for about a few minutes, remove it and then air dry. To stop the menstrual cup touching the pot's base, try to set it inside the whisk which sits on the boiling water. Dry the cup under the sun to prevent discoloration. Other steaming/boiling choices may be highly convenient while cleaning the cup during the end of the cycle which includes microwave sterilization bags and a silicone menstrual cup sterilizer. After it is dry, store the cup in a carry pouch allowing the moisture to evaporate properly.

Tips to Clean the Carry Pouch

You can wash the pouches used for carrying menstrual cups in the machine as usual. Based on the brand you use, do not use the following ingredients to clean the pouch,

·         Bleach

·         Hydrogen Peroxide

·         Pre-moistened wipes

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Rubbing alcohol

·         Oil based soaps

·         Tea-tree oil

·         Vinegar

·         Fragranced/scented or any anti-bacterial soap

·         Other harsh chemicals

To keep away from such cleaning agents is crucial because they are not suitable for internal use and can compromise the cup’s condition. Never wash the cup under the dishwasher. Though it can come out clean from the wash cycle, it is likely to have chemicals from the detergent on the surface. Such chemicals have not for internal use. Silicone in itself does not possess any odor.

In some cases, the cup is likely to have some odor. It can result from some cleaners or factors that are different for every female. The cup can be boiled as mentioned above but if the odor exists either the up can be used further, or you may get a new one as per your choice.