A menstrual cup is a reusable, silicone menstrual hygiene product designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect period fluid. Most women use cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons because they can hold more blood.
This small, flexible funnel-shaped menstrual cup should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into the vagina.
It is durable and can last for six months to ten years if used and cleaned properly with menstrual cup cleaner from Floren Care.
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How to clean Menstrual cups and sterilize them?
If there is anything more dreadful than selecting the right menstrual cup for yourself, it must be unraveling the healthiest way of cleaning and sterilizing the cup. It is immensely confusing to find the right products and methods of cleaning. But we at Floren have got you covered with all the tips you need to keep your menstrual cup hygienic and ready to go.
The First Cleaning
The first step after buying the menstrual cup is to sterilise it. It is important for you to prepare the cup for use. It should be understood that the cup is inserted in the vagina and hence, any mishap of cleanliness may prompt infections and vaginal irritation.
To sterilise the cup, you should boil water in a pot (large enough to submerge the cup), then put the cup in it for at least 8-10 minutes. Make sure that the rim of the cup does not touch the surface of your container. You should then take a cup out and put it to dry on a disinfected surface.
Cleaning During The Use
It is advised that you thoroughly wash the cup every time you empty it. It is not necessary that you use any cleaning product, but it is suggested that you should use a mild, oil and fragrance-free soap to clean it once every day.
If you are to find yourself in a situation where washing is not possible, try to use the clean tissue paper or the intimate wipes/ menstrual cup wipes to clean the cup.
After rinsing or dry cleaning, it is safe to reinsert the cup. It is however important to wash your hands before re-inserting.
If the cup falls on the floor especially in public restrooms, do not reuse it without sterilising it. Washing it with water or mild soap may be unable to remove the harmful bacteria that may get stuck to the cup.
Cleaning After Your Periods Are Over
The care of the menstrual cup doesn’t get over with your periods. You should sanitize the cup carefully once your periods are over. Repeat the process of sterilization by boiling the water and submerging the cup into it. The cup should be boiled for at least 5-7 minutes. You can opt for menstrual cup sterilizer or microwave sterilization bags to clean the cup. They are available online as well as offline.
Try to look out for any colour change or odour. The material used for the cup is silicone which has no smell of its own. So, in case of foul smell, try changing the cup in small intervals. Do not keep the cup inserted for more than 12 hours. But if this doesn’t solve the problem, you can try using vinegar solution to clean the cup. For this, mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. This also acts as a bleaching agent which can help prevent or correct any discolouration. But in cases of extreme or complete discolouration, you should replace the cup altogether.
Storing The Menstrual Cup
Once sterilized, you should either store it in the designated containers that come along with the cup or if that is not available, you should store it in a cloth packet. The packet should be made of a breathable material – something like cotton. Otherwise, the cup may develop a foul smell. Using a plastic cover or container is an absolute no. The bag should be washed with a disinfectant such as Dettol and air dried.
Always keep the bag in a clean and dry place. And it is advised that you sterilize the cup by boiling it at the start of your next period.
If you see a white line around the cup in some time after using the cup, it is completely normal. It may just occur due to the hard water of your area that you must be using for sterilizing and washing the cup.
Things that should not be used for sterilizing
– Any anti-bacterial soap
– Harsh detergents
– Oil containing soaps
– Scented soaps
– Rubbing alcohol
– Alcohol-based sanitizers
– Bleach
– Regular wipes
– Hydrogen peroxide
Though it may seem like a tedious job, cleaning your menstrual cup is very simple and easy. Follow the right steps and you will always be good to go.