How to Clean A Menstrual Cup (Sensitive Skin)
Hi, I have a question about washing the cup. I have an extreme sensitivity to all soaps (and even things like alcohol) and have to avoid using them in that area and typically anything inserted. Would I be able to just rinse the cup with water between uses and then boil it at the end of my cycle? Should I boil it more often? Or are there any other suggestions for cleaning? I do tolerate vinegar fine and use it for clothes but I didn’t know if it would be appropriate for cleaning the cup. Thanks for any help!
Great question! Many women have similar sensitivity issues when using soaps or products due to the harsh chemicals in the products. Fortunately there are many products now available which are formulated for sensitive skin, as well as a few natural alternatives. Read on to learn more!
How Do I Clean A Menstrual Cup? What Options Are There?
For those who would like to clean their cup after every use, there are a few PH balanced gentle washes available that are formulated for use on sensitive skin. You could always test these out first on a small patch of skin before using in a larger dose. Alcohol is another option to use if you want to avoid store bought soaps and washes. A little on a cotton ball is all you need to wipe out the cup. Allow the alcohol to fully dry or evaporate. If you have a sensitivity to alcohol (such as the user in the question) you should either skip this cleaning method or thoroughly rinse the cup to ensure no lingering residue is left behind.
We want you and your menstrual cup to have a long, happy life together so use caution with the following methods:
A more natural cleaner to use is a diluted vinegar wash. Please note: Using vinegar should beapproached cautiously. Vinegar is an acid, and there are some concerns that it may cause irritation, disrupt your natural balance, or potentially cause damage to the silicone used in menstrual cups. Lemon juice is another alternative, but again should be used sparingly and with caution as it is also an acid.
Another option we’ve heard used is hydrogen peroxide. Again, this is a method we do not generally recommend using as it can affect the quality of the silicone used in menstrual cups. Should you decide to use hydrogen peroxide, a small amount is all that is needed and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
What Should I Avoid When Cleaning A Menstrual Cup?
Tea Tree oil is a common oil used when cleaning many menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads. We do not recommend using tea tree oil when sterilizing your menstrual cup. Tea tree oil is an effective oil but can also be very harsh on skin. There have been instances where tea tree oil caused rashes due to not being diluted properly – getting a rash on one of your most sensitive areas… OUCH! Use caution should you decide to use any essential oil when cleaning your cup.
What Is The Safest And Easiest Method To Use When Cleaning A Menstrual Cup?
Fortunately, when cleaning your cup very little is actually needed. Just rinsing your menstrual cup with water between uses is often plenty. In addition, the easiest and simplest way to sterilize your menstrual cup before and after use requires no chemicals or soaps. Simply bring a deep pot filled with water to a boil and fully submerge your menstrual cup for 5 – 10 minutes.
Be careful not to allow your menstrual cup to touch the sides or the bottom of the pot as it may burn or melt. We recommend using a spatula or a spaghetti spoon to hold your menstrual cup in place when submerging.
Another useful tip is to tie a string around the stem of your menstrual cup, and then tie the other end of the string to a wooden spoon (in the center). Lay the wooden spoon across the top of the pot, and fully submerge the menstrual cup. Again, make sure the cup does not touch the bottom or sides of the pan. Keep the string short so the cup does not move much once in the pot of water.
Ready to try the most advanced menstrual cup on the market? SckoonCup is comfortable, colorful, and super easy to clean as the holes are part of the molding, not pierced after molded like other cups. Learn more or buy your cup today!