How to Clean and Care for Your Menstrual Cup

So, you’ve joined the menstrual cup club—congrats! Now, let’s talk about something just as important as using your cup: keeping it clean. A well-maintained menstrual cup lasts for years, saves you money, and most importantly, keeps your body safe from infections.

If you’re wondering, “How do I clean my menstrual cup properly?”, “Can I use soap on my menstrual cup?”, or “What if I’m in a public toilet?”, this guide has all the answers.

Why Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup Properly Matters

Your menstrual cup sits inside your body for hours at a time, so proper cleaning is non-negotiable. If not washed well, bacteria can build up, leading to irritation, infections, and even bad odours. The good news? Cleaning a menstrual cup is super easy and takes just a few minutes!

Here’s exactly how to keep your cup fresh, safe, and stain-free.

How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup Before First Use

Before using your menstrual cup for the first time, you’ll need to sterilize it to remove any factory residue or dust. Here’s how:

1. 1. Boil it – Place the cup in a pot of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Use enough water or tongs to keep it from touching the bottom of the pot (which can cause damage).
   2. Air-dry completely – Let it cool and dry on a clean, dry surface before use.
   3. Wash your hands – Always wash your hands before handling your cup to keep things hygienic.

1. Now, you’re ready to insert and start your cup journey!

How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup During Your Period

You’ll be emptying and rinsing your cup every 8 to 12 hours (or sooner if you have a heavy flow). Here’s how to clean it properly each time:

Step 1: Empty the Cup

Carefully remove the cup and pour the contents into the toilet or sink. Be extra careful—dropping your cup down there is not fun!

Step 2: Rinse with Clean Water

Rinse the cup thoroughly with clean, cool or warm water. Avoid hot water at this stage—it can set stains and cause odours to cling.

Step 3: Wash with Mild, Unscented Soap (Optional)

If you want a deeper clean, use a fragrance-free, mild soap (think baby soap or a pH-balanced intimate wash like ours). Avoid harsh detergents, antibacterial soaps, or anything with perfume, as these can cause irritation or damage your cup over time.

Step 4: Rinse Well & Reinsert

Make sure there’s no soap residue left, then reinsert your cup and go about your day!

Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup in a Public Toilet

If you’re out and about with no sink nearby, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

• • Use tissue: Wipe the cup clean, reinsert it, and give it a proper rinse when you get home.

• • Carry a water bottle: If possible, rinse your cup with clean bottled water before reinserting.

• • Use a menstrual cup wipe: Some brands sell cup-friendly wipes perfect for on-the-go cleaning. If you’re unsure, baby wipes are your best bet!

How to Deep Clean Your Menstrual Cup After Your Period

Once your period is over, your cup needs a deep clean before storage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil Your Cup

• • Fill a small pot with enough water to fully submerge your cup.

• • Bring the water to a boil, then drop in your cup.

• • Let it boil for 5 minutes (but not more than 10—overboiling can weaken the silicone).

• • Use tongs or a spoon to remove the cup and let it air-dry.

Tip: If you don’t want your family members asking questions about your “mysterious boiling item,” you can get a menstrual cup sterilizer here or a dedicated pot just for your cup.

2. Use White Vinegar or Baking Soda (for Stubborn Stains)

If your cup is starting to look discoloured, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and soak your cup for an hour before rinsing. Baking soda also works—just sprinkle a little on a damp cloth and gently rub the stains away.

3. Dry & Store Properly

Once your cup is completely dry, store it in the Ivy Cup breathable cotton pouch. Never store it in a plastic bag or airtight container—cups need airflow to stay fresh.

What NOT to Use When Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup

To keep your cup in top condition, avoid the following:

❌ Scented Soaps or Detergents – Can cause irritation and damage the silicone.
❌ Antibacterial Soap or Bleach – Too harsh and can shorten your cup’s lifespan.
❌ Oil-Based Soaps – Can leave a sticky residue that traps bacteria.
❌ Dishwashing Liquid – Contains harsh chemicals that aren’t safe for vaginal use.
❌ Scrubbing with Harsh Sponges – Can create micro-tears where bacteria can hide.

Troubleshooting: Common Cleaning Issues

1. My Menstrual Cup Smells Funny. What Should I Do?

• • Boil it for 5 minutes.

• • Soak it in a vinegar-water mix for an hour.

• • Let it sit in direct sunlight for a few hours (UV rays help remove odours!).

2. My Cup is Stained. Is It Still Safe to Use?

Yes! Staining is normal and doesn’t affect function. To remove stains, try:

• • Soaking in vinegar-water or hydrogen peroxide solution.

• • Gently scrubbing with a baking soda paste.

3. I Dropped My Cup in the Toilet. Do I Need a New One?

If it was in a flush toilet, disinfect it by boiling for 10 minutes.
If it fell into a pit latrine, sorry, but you’ll need a new cup. There’s no safe way to sterilize it after that!

How Often Should You Replace Your Menstrual Cup?

Most high-quality menstrual cups last 5 to 10 years with proper care. However, replace your cup if:

• • It develops tears or cracks.

• • The material feels sticky or slimy, even after washing.

• • It starts leaking despite a proper fit.

Where to Buy Menstrual Cup Cleaning Products in Nigeria

If you need a mild cup wash, sterilizer, or a replacement, you can find them at our shop here. Need help figuring it out? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and caring for your menstrual cup is quick, easy, and essential for a safe, comfortable period experience. With just a little effort, your cup will stay fresh, odour-free, and in perfect condition for years.

Now that you know how to keep your cup in top shape, are you ready to make the switch? If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, and let’s talk!