Cleaning a menstrual cup is an important part of maintaining good menstrual hygiene. Here are some tips on how to clean a menstrual cup:
What to avoid when cleaning a menstrual cup:
- Scented/oil-based/antibacterial soaps
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lubes
- Bleach
How to clean a menstrual cup:
- Rinse with cold water. Using any type of cleanser with extra ingredients could impact your pH levels, cause irritation, and potentially create more waste.
- Periodically clean the suction holes of your cup by filling it with water and squeezing it from the top down. This pushes the water through the holes and removes any debris that may have accumulated during your period.
- Sterilize your menstrual cup in between each period to avoid infections. To sterilize, boil your cup in a pot of water for 2-3 minutes or use a sterilizer in the microwave or oven before next use.
- Use a mild, unscented, oil-free soap to clean your menstrual cup. You can find cleaning solutions dedicated to menstrual cups, but if you don’t have one, any mild, unscented oil-free soap will do.
- Avoid using any kind of acidic or basic chemicals like vinegar, boric acid, alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide as they can cause major irritation.
- Wash your hands before and after insertion of the cup to reduce the risk of infections and ensure you keep your vagina and the surrounding area clean.
- Store the menstrual cup in a cold, dry location such as a pouch.
Positive aspects of cleaning a menstrual cup:
- Cleaning a menstrual cup is easy and can be done with just water and a mild soap.
- Menstrual cups are reusable, which means that they are more environmentally friendly than disposable menstrual products.
Negative aspects of cleaning a menstrual cup:
- Using the wrong soap can coat the cup in a film that is difficult to get rid of, disrupt the bacteria and pH of the vagina, and irritate the vagina, which is sensitive to soap.
- Discoloration of the menstrual cup can occur, but it is still safe to use.
Materials used in menstrual cups:
- Most menstrual cups are made out of 100% medical-grade silicone, which is bacteria-resistant.
- Some menstrual cups are made out of other materials such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or latex.
In summary, cleaning a menstrual cup is an easy process that involves rinsing with cold water and using a mild, u...
