The cup is a more expensive menstruation product than tampons or pads, but it’s worth it. Take good care of your menstrual cup so that it lasts longer and the extra price will be fully amortized. With a little attention and special care, the cup can last you for years. We tell you how to preserve your menstrual cup well. Worth!
Tips for caring for and cleaning the menstrual cup
The importance of sterilization
To correctly use the menstrual cup and take care of your intimate hygiene, it is necessary to sterilize it well both when you buy it and just before a cycle. Although there are small cups for the microwave and sterilizing tablets, the easiest thing to do is to put the cup in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. In this way, you will make sure that it does not have more bacteria than necessary.
You can boil the menstrual cup as many times as you want, you can even do it every time you empty it. But it is very important that you do it, at least the first time you put it on.
Wash the cup with soap and water
For the sake of your intimate health, but also to make your menstrual cup last longer, you should wash it between uses. The sexologist María Esclapez, author of the book “Sexual Intelligence”, recommends cleaning it with soap and water every time you empty it. And if you have some intimate soap on hand, much better! Aggressive soaps could damage the menstrual cup and, in addition, could cause discomfort when you insert it.
Clean the cup with a wipe
If you have had to empty the cup in, for example, a public bathroom and you do not have a sink nearby, you can use a disinfectant wipe. It might also be a good idea to carry a small bottle of water in your bag so that, when the time comes, you can clean the cup over the toilet, letting a small stream fall.
In addition, you can have another previously sterilized cup in your bag to put it on when you take off the one you are wearing. In this case, you would only have to keep the dirty one in a bag and clean it well with soap and water when you have a sink at hand.
Can the menstrual cup be washed with hydrogen peroxide?
The Intimina brand of menstrual cups ensures that stains can be cleaned occasionally by putting the cup in a container with water and hydrogen peroxide (1%) in equal parts for 24 hours. After this time, be sure to clean it well with water.
Can it be washed with vinegar?
This same brand explains that it can be soaked for 24 hours in a mixture of twice as much water as white vinegar. After this, it is necessary to sterilize it before using it again.
What products to avoid with the menstrual cup
It is recommended to avoid very strong soaps, from dishwashers or washing machines, those based on petroleum or bleach.
Don’t put it in the dishwasher
It is not advisable to put the menstrual cup in the dishwasher because it will not sterilize properly when in contact with dirty dishes. In addition, the soaps used for this type of washing could cause irritation when you put it on.
Always keep your glass well
If you want your menstrual cup to last longer, always keep your cup well. Use a cloth bag exclusively to carry it or use a box. Don’t forget to wash this container.
When should you throw away the menstrual cup?
If you have taken good care of your menstrual cup, it can last you several years. It is possible that due to sterilizations the dye will end up being removed, that it may turn a bit yellowish or that stains caused by menstrual blood may appear, but you can continue using your cup.
If for some reason it has broken because it has a cut or you have cut the stem too much and you have made a hole in it, you will have to throw it away and buy a new one.
