Keeping your menstrual cup clean is simple and important. A clean cup stays safe to use and lasts longer. Most women find cup cleaning is easier than they expected. Let's go over the basic steps and helpful tips.

Quick Rinse Between Uses

During your period, you need to rinse your cup each time you empty it. Use cold water first to rinse away blood. Then use warm water with a gentle soap. Make sure to rinse all the soap off before putting your cup back in.

If you're in a public bathroom, you can wipe your cup with toilet paper or a damp paper towel. Then wash it properly with soap and water when you get home. Some women also carry a small water bottle for rinsing in public stalls.

Daily Cleaning

At the end of each day during your period, wash your cup with mild soap and warm water. Use unscented soap without harsh chemicals. Gently scrub all surfaces with your fingers or a soft brush.

Here's what to wash with:

Mild unscented soap
Gentle dish soap (clear or unscented)
Special menstrual cup wash
Castile soap

Avoid these cleaners:

Scented soaps
Antibacterial soap
Harsh detergents
Bleach
Rubbing alcohol
Tea tree oil (too strong)

Cleaning the Air Holes

Your cup has small air holes near the rim. These holes help with suction and removal. They can trap blood and residue, so clean them well.

To clean the air holes:

Fill the cup with water
Place your hand over the top
Squeeze the cup to push water through the holes
Or use a soft toothbrush or interdental brush to gently scrub the holes

You can learn more about how air holes work in Chapter 7: Air Holes.

Deep Cleaning Between Cycles

At the end of your period, you need to sterilize your cup before storing it. Boiling is the most common method. Place your cup in a pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the cup doesn't touch the bottom of the pot.

Tips for boiling:

Use a pot you don't use for food
Set a timer so you don't forget
Keep the water at a gentle boil
Let the cup cool completely before touching it

Some women use a microwave method instead. Put your cup in a microwave-safe container with water. Microwave for 3-5 minutes. Be very careful with hot water and steam.

Dealing with Stains and Odors

Over time, your cup might get stained. This is normal and doesn't mean your cup is dirty. If stains bother you, try these safe methods:

Soak in cold water with a denture tablet
Rub with lemon juice, then boil
Soak in diluted hydrogen peroxide (3%), then rinse very well
Leave in sunlight for a few hours (UV light helps bleach stains)

If your cup smells bad after cleaning, it might not be rinsed well enough. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after every wash. A slight silicone smell is normal for silicone cups.

When to Replace Your Cup

Most menstrual cups last 5-10 years with proper care. The material your cup is made from affects how long it lasts. Learn more about cup materials in Chapter 5: Material.

Replace your cup if you notice:

Tears or holes
Sticky or tacky texture
Bad smell that won't go away
The rim is damaged
Discoloration that bothers you

Cleaning While Traveling

Cleaning your cup while traveling takes a little planning. Pack unscented soap or cup wipes. If you don't have access to clean water, you can use bottled water.

Travel cleaning tips:

Bring a small bottle of mild soap
Pack cup wipes for emergencies
Use bottled water if tap water isn't safe
Boil your cup at the start and end of your trip
Store your cup in a breathable bag (learn more in Chapter 6: Storage)

Make Cleaning a Simple Routine

Once you get into a routine, cleaning your cup becomes second nature. Most women spend less time cleaning their cup than they used to spend buying and changing disposable products. Clean your cup well, and it will serve you reliably for years to come.

Not sure which cup is easiest for you to clean and maintain? Take our Cup-Figurator quiz to find cups that match your lifestyle and needs.