A menstrual cup is a reusable period product that has an edge over its disposable counterparts—sanitary pads and tampons. Unlike these, a cup is inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. It’s environment-friendly, provides long lasting leak-proof protection, and helps save a ton of money. But in order to cash in on all these benefits, you’ve got to keep it squeaky clean! Here are all the deets on how to clean your menstrual cup in order to use it safely:
Why Do You Need To Clean Your Menstrual Cup?
Folks, cleaning your menstrual cup properly can protect from you from the following dangers:
Vaginal Infections
Inserting a dirty menstrual cup can introduce harmful bacteria into the vagina. This can disturb its natural flora and cause inflammation and bacterial infections.
UTIS & Infertility
The bacteria from the dirty cup can also infect your urinary and reproductive tract. This can lead to serious recurring UTIs and infertility!
Genital Infection
If a germ-laden cup comes in contact with your sensitive genital skin, it can cause fungal and bacterial infection on your precious privates. Ouch!
Instant Death
The bacteria from the contaminated cup can also enter your bloodstream through an open wound or cut in the vagina or your genitals. If it releases toxins in the blood, it can lead to instant death due to the toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup
Broadly speaking, thorough menstrual cup cleaning involves washing the cup with water and soap, and sterilising it before each use. But here’s a detailed overview of how to clean it during each stage of your period:
How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup Before First Use
Even though a good-quality menstrual cup is sanitised before getting packed and sent to you, it is advisable to clean it before using it for the first time. Follow these two simple steps to do so:
Step 1: Wash
Wash your cup with soap and water to get rid of any germs on its surface.
Step 2: Sterilise
Boil some water in a pan and dip your menstrual cup in the piping hot water for five minutes. This will further help kill germs and keep you safe from infections. Let it cool before you use the cup for the first time.
How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup Every Day During Your Period
Follow this easy three-step cup-cleansing procedure every day during shark week:
Step 1: Hot ‘N’ Cold Rinse
Rinse the cup with a shot of cold water first. This is because hot water can lock in the odour. Once you wash off all the blood, you can give it a hot-water dip or rinse to kill the bacteria and get rid of any irritants on its surface.
Step 2: Scrub The Cup
Menstrual cups have holes to create a suction grip with your pelvic floor muscles. These holes can get clogged with blood if not cleaned properly. As a result, the cup may not create proper suction and lead to leakages and stains. But you can use a fresh toothbrush to unclog these holes. Remember to be gentle here. We don’t want any scratches or abrasions on cuppy dear, after all.
Step 3: Sterilisation For The Win
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, you need to sterilise the menstrual cup to get rid of bacteria on its surface. It is most effectively eliminated by steeping the washed cup in boiled water for five-ten minutes. However, you can make your life easier by using a menstrual cup steriliser to do the job more quickly and effectively.
How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup After Your Period Week
Before you store your menstrual cup for your next period, follow these four-step cup cleansing procedure:
Step 1: Empty The Cup
After removing your menstrual cup, empty it in a drain or a pot. Make sure to get rid of the blood before you go on to the next step to avoid any spillage.
Step 2: Wash
Wash your cup with water first to get rid of the blood on the walls of the cup. Make sure to unclog the suction holes on its rim. Next, rinse it with a mild soap thoroughly to remove the germ and fluid buildup on the cup’s surface.
Step 3: Sterilise
The jugaadu way of sterilising menstrual cup involves boiling water in a pan and immersing your menstrual cup in it for five minutes. You can also use a steriliser instead.
Step 4: Store
Once the menstrual cup is sterilised, pat it dry with a clean cloth and store it in a cotton pouch.
How To Clean Menstrual Cup While Travelling
A high-quality menstrual cup can offer leak-proof protection for up to eight hours straight. However, you can’t take this granted and go on without cleaning the cup properly while you’re out and about. Now, it may sound a bit daunting, but it’s rather simple to clean a cup while on the go. All you’ve got to do is empty the cup in a drain/ pot, wash it with water and put it back on. Pro tip: you can keep a water bottle or some alcohol-free wet wipes handy and use them to clean your cup in case you don’t have access to a clean loo.
How Do I Deal With Stains & Odour From Menstrual Cups?
Thorough cup cleansing is the ultimate answer to your cup odour-related woes. Clean your cup with soap and water every day and sterilise it at least once-twice during shark week. Make sure to unclog the suction holes of the cup and scrub it gently to get rid of the germs and blood completely. We promise you that if you clean your menstrual cup properly, odour and stains won’t be an issue.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Clean Your Menstrual Cup
Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash
Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash is made with mild and natural surfactants. It removes microbes without degrading the silicone of the menstrual cup. It also deodourises the cup and is super-safe for the skin.
Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer
This machine is a must-have if you’re a menstrual cup user. It helps decontaminate the cup minus the hassle of boiling water. It kills 99.9% of germs in only three minutes and makes your cup super-safe for reuse. All you’ve got to do is to add water into the holding area of the device, place your washed cup inside the sterilizer and switch on the device. Wait for three minutes, let the device cool and tada! Your cup’s ready to be reused safely.
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Sirona Menstrual Cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone. This funnel-shaped device is super-safe to use. It has a whopping capacity of 28 ml and gives leak proof protection for eight hours straight.
Follow these tips on how to clean your menstrual cup and have a safe and healthy period!
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How to Remove Stuck Menstrual Cup: Menstrual cup stuck? Here’s what to do
How to Use Intimate Wash: Here’s how to use an intimate wash on your sensitive genitals.
Can a Virgin Use A Menstrual Cup?: The most-asked menstrual cup question answered.
Menstrual Cup Size Guide: Wondering how to choose the right size of menstrual cup? Follow this guide.
How to Use Sanitary Pads: The best way to use a sanitary pad for a leak proof period explained.
