How to clean, sterilise, dry and store your Ivy Cup or Ivy Disc so it stays safe and lasts for years. Pick the sterilising method that suits you, or scroll for the full guide.
Updated September 2026
Your cup or disc needs two kinds of care. Cleaning happens every time you empty it. Sterilising is a deeper reset that kills germs, and you do it a few times each cycle. New to discs? The Ivy Disc user guide covers inserting and removing yours.
Rinse with cool water first, since hot water can set stains. Then wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or Ivy Intimate Wash, and rinse well.
Before you use it for the first time, at the start of each period, at the end of each period, and any time it falls somewhere unclean.
There's no single best way. Boiling in a pot, the foldable Ivy Sterilizer and the Ivy Electric Steamer all kill germs, so choose the one that fits your routine.
A foldable silicone sterilizer that collapses flat to fit in your bag.
A plug-in steamer that does the work for you and switches itself off.
No steriliser yet? You can also boil your cup or disc in a pot of water for 5 to 7 minutes. Use a pot you keep only for this, keep it fully covered in water, and don't leave it unattended.
Power cut? You can still sterilise. The hot water method with the Ivy Sterilizer and the pot method both work with water boiled on a gas or kerosene stove.
Wash your cup or disc first. Then pull the sterilizer open to its full height and choose a method.
Place it inside the open sterilizer.
Pour until your cup or disc is covered. Leave some space at the top so it doesn't spill.
Press the lid on and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Carefully pour the water away. Once your cup or disc is cool enough to touch, lift it out with clean hands and let it air-dry.
Place it inside and pour in room temperature water until it's covered. Leave some space at the top so it doesn't bubble over.
Don't press it shut. The lid has no vent, so steam needs a gap to escape. A sealed lid can build up pressure and pop off or overflow.
Microwaves vary. If the water bubbles up towards the lid, stop it early.
The sterilizer will be very hot. Leave it to cool for a few minutes, or use an oven glove. Lift the lid away from your face to avoid the steam, then pour out the water and let your cup or disc air-dry.
On the go? You can carry a clean, fully dry cup or disc in the closed sterilizer for the day, for example in your bag while you're out. Don't use it for storage between periods. The silicone isn't breathable, so it traps moisture. Store your cup or disc in its cotton pouch instead.
The steamer has two modes: steam and boil. Both sterilise your cup or disc, and you can do up to two cups or two discs at a time. The timer dial is marked 5 (steam), 15 (boil) and 20 (boil), and the steamer switches itself off when the time is up.
Place the steamer on a flat, dry surface near a wall socket, with the dial at 0.
Pour a small amount of clean water onto the metal plate, just enough to cover it.
Wash them first, then place up to two inside and put the lid on.
The light comes on while it steams. It switches off by itself when the timer runs out.
Pour clean water up to the boiling water level marked inside. Don't go above it.
Place up to two washed cups or discs in the water and put the lid on.
Turn the dial to 15 or 20. The steamer switches itself off at the end.
Wait a few minutes before opening. Lift the lid away from your face, as steam can burn.
Use the heat-resistant tongs that come with your steamer, and place your cups or discs on a clean towel.
The steamer doesn't dry your cup or disc, so let it air-dry completely before storing.
Once it's cool, pour out any leftover water and wipe the inside dry.
Leave your cup or disc on a clean towel until there's no water left, inside or out. Storing it damp can lead to mould and odour.
Between periods, keep it in its breathable pouch, somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
Never store your cup or disc in an airtight container, a plastic bag, or the Ivy Sterilizer. Trapped moisture lets bacteria grow.
Pour out the water straight away. Wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap, then rinse until there are no bubbles left. You can also put it in the dishwasher.
Leave it fully open until it's completely dry before collapsing it. Folding it damp can lead to mould.
If it's been folded away for a few weeks, rinse it with clean water before your next use to remove any dust.
Never use bleach, harsh detergents, scouring pads or strong disinfecting wipes. They can damage the silicone.
Unplug it and let it cool completely. Wipe the lid and outer body with a damp cloth or a sanitising wipe, and wipe the metal plate with a clean cloth.
The base holds the electrics. Never put it under a tap, in a sink, or in the dishwasher.
Over time, minerals in water can leave white or brown spots on the metal plate, especially if you use borehole or well water. This is called limescale, and it's easy to remove.
Make sure the steamer is off, unplugged and completely cool.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and pour it onto the metal plate until the spots are covered. No vinegar? Use warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap instead. It works more gently, so stubborn spots may need a second round.
Don't turn the steamer on. The mixture loosens the buildup on its own.
Pour out the mixture and wipe the plate with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Wipe again with a cloth dipped in plain water to remove any vinegar smell or soap residue, then let it air-dry completely.
Tip: Using filtered or bottled water in your steamer slows down limescale buildup.
Sterilise it before you use it for the first time, at the start of each period, and at the end of each period. You don't need to sterilise it every time you empty it. During your period, rinsing it and washing it with a mild, unscented soap is enough.
Boil it for 5 to 7 minutes, fully covered in water. Use a pot you keep only for this, and don't leave it unattended. Boiling it for much longer won't make it any cleaner and can wear out the silicone faster.
No. Antiseptic liquids like Dettol and Savlon, bleach, vinegar and salt can irritate your vagina and damage the silicone. Clean water, a mild unscented soap and Ivy Intimate Wash are all your cup or disc needs.
Empty it into the toilet, then wipe it with clean tissue or rinse it with a small bottle of clean water before reinserting. Avoid scented wipes, as they can cause irritation. Give it a proper wash with soap and water when you get home.
Yes. Pour freshly boiled water from a kettle or stove into the Ivy Sterilizer, press the lid on and wait 5 to 10 minutes. You can also boil your cup or disc in a small pot. Both methods work during a power cut.
Yes, in the Ivy Electric Steamer, which fits two cups or two discs at the same time. The Ivy Sterilizer holds 200ml and works best with one cup or one disc at a time.
Yes. Silicone can stain or turn slightly yellow over time, and this doesn't affect safety. Rinsing it in cool water before washing helps prevent stains. Replace it if it tears, feels sticky, or keeps a smell after cleaning.
No. The Ivy Sterilizer isn't breathable, so it traps moisture. It's fine for carrying a clean, dry cup or disc for the day, but between periods, store it in its breathable cotton pouch.
With proper cleaning and storage, an Ivy Cup lasts up to 5 years. Replace it sooner if you notice tears, holes, a sticky feel, or a smell that won't wash out.
Not sure which method is right for you? Send us a message and we'll help you choose. We're based in Lagos and deliver nationwide across Nigeria.
WhatsApp or call +234 812 730 0348
Email support@theivycup.com
