How to wash your menstrual cup, in 7 steps

The menstrual cup has become an excellent alternative to towels, pads and tampons. In the search of women for a comfortable and hygienic option to pass menstruation in the best way, the menstrual cup has become a great solution: comfortable, reliable and economical.

There are many brands on the market, they have different shapes and sizes and each woman can find the one that feels most comfortable. Nevertheless, a very common concern when acquiring one is how to wash the menstrual cup. Here are the 7 steps to do it.

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Learn how to wash and care for your menstrual cup

One of the advantages of the menstrual cup is that it does not require great care. They tend to be very durable, for this reason they become inexpensive alternatives to the common use of feminine pads, also known as compresses, and tampons.

However, you have to learn how to wash and care for it. Although it may seem difficult or time-consuming at first, once you get the hang of it, it will be very easy to wash your menstrual cup and keep it in peak condition.

1. Handwashing

The most important step when handling the glass is to have perfectly clean hands. The menstrual cup may require washing when emptying during a menstrual day and also at the end of the cycle.

But we must remember that whenever the glass is to be handled, our hands must be clean. Soap and water are enough, although it is important to make sure that no soap residue remains on our hands.

Only with water if for some reason there is no soap on hand. If for some reason you do not have hand soap, it is enough to wash them under running water. Another option is to use baby wipes, so it will always be very practical to carry a small package in your bag.

This step is essential to avoid any infection. The chances of there being one from the use of the menstrual cup is much lower than from the use of the menstrual cup. handling it with dirty hands, therefore the importance of washing your hands before touching the cup.

2. Washing during period

The second step will help us to wash the glass during the period. The cup requires that you empty it between 8 to 12 hours depending on the flow of each woman. For this, the cup must be removed, emptied and rinsed before reinserting..

However, the menstrual cup is made of silicone, which makes it resistant to bacteria, so washing it with a jet of water is more than enough between emptying and emptying. Tap water is enough for this.

But if for some reason you can't wash it with water, cleaning it with toilet paper is more than enough. Some people prefer to wash with a little soap, although this is not necessary but, if done, there are to take care that it is a neutral one without perfumes, so soap for washing hands is not good option.

If the menstrual cup has some holes, then it is advisable to wash with water. Bottled water can be used if tap water cannot be used. In these cases, it is best to fill the glass and cover it with one hand while pressing with the other so that the water comes out under pressure through the holes and cleans them.

3. Deep wash

Once the period is over, it is recommended to do a deeper wash. This step is not necessary between each emptying of the cup. A simple wash is sufficient and there is no risk of infection if the recommendations are followed.

But at the end of the cycle and before the next step, you have to thoroughly wash the menstrual cup. This second wash aims to remove residues from the holes or reliefs that some menstrual cups have as part of their design.

For this it is useful to use a small brush, it can be a toothbrush. You have to assign a special brush for this and not use it for anything else. Cotton swabs or toothpicks can also be used to reach very small areas.

This is done directly in the tap water, and as with washing during your period, soap may or may not be used. It must always be remembered that the soap must be neutral, without perfumes and that it must be rinsed very well to remove residues.

4. Disinfect with boiled water

The fourth step is to disinfect the menstrual cup. This should be done once a month. It is not necessary to do this during the menstrual cycle. In other words, between each emptying of the glass, it will be enough to wash it with a jet of water.

But once your menstruation is over, it is advisable to disinfect the cup. This step can be done immediately after the bleeding has stopped or a few days before the next cycle to ensure that it has remained sanitized.

For this step you only need a saucepan and fill it with water. Before putting the menstrual cup, you have to let the water boil. Once this happens you can put it in and leave it there for no more than 3 minutes, it is important not to leave it for longer to prevent it from being degraded by the heat.

This will be enough to sterilize the menstrual cup. Afterwards, you simply have to let it dry on a clean and dry surface and store in its assigned bag or case. This way it is ready for its next use.

5. Other disinfection options

If disinfecting the menstrual cup in boiling water is difficult for you, there are other alternatives. Sometimes putting the glass to boil in a saucepan directly on the stove is not a viable or comfortable option for all women.

If you share the kitchen with someone else or it is simply a step you prefer to avoid, you can use sterilizing tablets or boil in the microwave. In both cases the effectiveness is exactly the same as disinfecting in boiling water.

In the case of sterilizing tablets, they are easily available in pharmacies or supermarkets, they are used to sterilize baby bottles. They are used in cold water, so you will not have to use a stove.

To disinfect in the microwave, place the menstrual cup in a microwave-safe container, do not cover it and leave for approximately 3 minutes. This will be enough for the menstrual cup to be disinfected.

6. Dry and store

Drying the menstrual cup is an important step in keeping it clean. During the emptying that is carried out during the period, it is not necessary to allow it to dry completely. After washing it with water, a little shaking to remove the water is sufficient.

Toilet paper can also be used to remove most of the water, although great care must be taken not to leave any paper residue stuck to the cup. For this reason it is best to simply shake a little and replace.

On the other hand, when the menstrual cup is thoroughly washed, or is sterilized, then it must be allowed to dry very well. For this you just have to let it air dry in a ventilated place and on a clean and dry surface.

Once the cup is dry and without any residue, it must be stored in its cover or special case and stored there until the next menstrual cycle arrives. In this way, it is guaranteed that when the menstrual cup is used again it is completely clean.

7. What to do if spots appear

It is common for menstrual cups to stain over time. Although this does not represent any risk to health, it is best to remove these stains to preserve their usual color and not to be confused with stains that can be removed.

White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove stains from a menstrual cup. If the stain is darker and deeper, it is always better to use hydrogen peroxide as vinegar is usually lighter.

If hydrogen peroxide is to be used, one part hydrogen peroxide must be emptied for an equal part water and the menstrual cup immersed for 24 hours. After this time has passed, it should be washed regularly.

In the case of vinegar, the process is similar. The glass is immersed in a container that contains one part of white vinegar for two of water. After 24 hours it is removed and washed with plenty of water to remove any remaining vinegar.