Menstrual cups come with a whole list of pros— freedom, sustainability and savings (more on that here). But one thing still holds many women back: menstrual cup cleaning. For some, menstrual cup hygiene feels like a tedious, slightly daunting ritual involving boiling pots and hard-to-reach crevices. And that can be enough to hit pause on making the switch. Especially when disposables like pads or tampons don’t need any extra maintenance, just throw them in the trash and you’re done.
But here’s the truth: keeping your cup clean isn’t nearly as intense as you think. It doesn’t require a chemistry degree or a bathroom overhaul, just a few mindful steps that fit right into your routine.
Let’s get into how to take care of your cup without losing your mind, and how to do it so that your cup can last for years.
How to Clean a Menstrual Cup: Daily and Deep Cleaning
Your vagina deserves better than guesswork, especially when it comes to balancing everyday rinses with deeper cleaning between cycles. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a menstrual cup like a pro.
Step 1: Wash your hands.
Always begin with clean hands before inserting or removing your cup. Obvious, yes. But often skipped.
Step 2: Remove and empty the cup.
To remove, pinch the base of the cup gently and wiggle it side to side until it slides out. Hold it upright and dispose of the collected blood into the toilet or sink, whatever feels more convenient and private.
Step 3: Rinse every time you remove and re-insert.
If you’re mid-period, rinse your cup with cool water every time you remove your it (typically every 8–12 hours) to prevent stains. Follow that with warm water and a mild, oil-free, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid anything foamy, antibacterial, or perfumed.
Step 4: Reinsert or move to deep clean.
If you’re mid-cycle, this rinse is enough before popping it back in. But if you’re at the end or start of your cycle, it’s time for deep sterilization.
Deep cleaning between cycles
Sterilising your cup at the end of your cycle ensures that it’s free of any lingering bacteria or residue before you tuck it away for a few weeks. And doing it again at the start of your cycle ensures that any dust, germs, or particles your cup may have collected during storage are cleared away before it goes back inside your body. It’s a small ritual that goes a long way in keeping your cup (and your body) safe.
Here are all the ways you can sterilize your cup:
- Boiling method: Submerge your cup in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Don’t let it touch the pot’s bottom. Use a whisk or spoon to suspend it.
- Microwave sterilizer: You could also opt into getting a smart sterilizer container. Just add water, place your cup inside, microwave for a few minutes, and it’s all set.
Once sterilized and fully dry, store your cup in the antibacterial pouch that comes with Nua’s Cup. It’s breathable and designed to prevent bacterial growth, unlike plastic bags or airtight containers.
This ritual is the best way to clean a menstrual cup thoroughly and helps prevent buildup, bacteria, and weird smells. Regular cleaning during your cycle, combined with sterilizing after, is the sweet spot of menstrual cup maintenance.
Dos and Don’ts of Menstrual Cup Cleaning
DO:
- Use fragrance-free, oil-free cleansers.
- Sterilize your cup before and after your cycle.
- Dry it completely before storing.
- Store it in a breathable cotton pouch.
DON’T:
- Use antibacterial soaps, vinegar, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.
- Store it in a plastic bag or airtight box.
- Never put it in your dishwasher.
- Skip hand-washing before handling your cup.
- Ignore cracks, stickiness, or discoloration. These are signs your cup needs replacing.
Cleaning Menstrual Cup on the Go: No Sink? No Problem.
Here’s how to handle cleaning menstrual cup on the go like a low-key hygiene ninja:
- Carry cup-friendly wipes or toilet paper.
- Empty the cup into the toilet.
- Use the hand spray or water jug (if available) to rinse and then wipe it clean as best you can with toilet paper or wipes.
- Reinsert.
- Rinse thoroughly at the next sink or at home.
Pro tip: Keep a mini water bottle in your bag for stealth rinses when the sink is MIA. Nua’s cup has a smooth silicone surface that makes wiping it clean easier than most.
Menstrual Cup Odour Prevention: What to Do When Things Get Funky
Sometimes your cup might develop an odour, especially if it wasn’t cleaned or stored properly. According to a study, while the majority (67%) of participants had no side effects, 13% had an unpleasant odour. So it’s not uncommon. Here’s how to fix it:
- Soak it in a lemon juice + warm water mix overnight.
- Let it dry in sunlight. Natural UV light is a powerful deodorizer.
- Use a vinegar rinse (diluted, once in a while). But only if absolutely necessary.
Proper menstrual cup hygiene includes odour control, but the goal is prevention. Always rinse thoroughly, air dry, and never store it while damp.
Menstrual Cup Maintenance = Long-Term Love
Want your cup to last 5 years? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Inspect it regularly: Look for changes in texture or tears.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: They’re not just bad for the cup, they’re bad for your body too.
- Stick to the routine: Clean during your cycle. Sterilize after. Store right.
- Rotate multiple cups: This will reduce wear and make your cups last much longer.
This routine becomes second nature, and honestly, it makes you feel a little more put-together. It’s a quiet flex in your self-care game.
What Makes Nua’s Menstrual Cup a Thoughtful Choice
Finding the right menstrual cup isn’t always straightforward. It takes a balance of comfort, fit, and ease-of-use, especially when it comes to cleaning. Nua’s Menstrual Cup is designed with these needs in mind: soft, flexible, and available in two thoughtfully chosen sizes based on flow and cervix height (here’s how to figure out what works for you). It also comes with a breathable, antibacterial pouch that’s designed specifically for safe storage—no trapped moisture, no bacterial build-up. It’s one of those small, thoughtful touches that makes maintenance feel a lot less intimidating, especially for beginners.
Caring for your menstrual cup can be a small but powerful part of your self-care routine. Menstrual cup cleaning isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about feeling confident, supported, and in sync with your body throughout your cycle.
With the right care, your cup becomes a reliable part of your rhythm—something you don’t have to overthink. Respect the process, clean it right, and it becomes one less thing to worry about. Period.
