Why is it important to sterilise your menstrual cup and how does it work?

Why is it important to sterilise your menstrual cup?

The most frequently asked questions when buying a menstrual cup are how to clean it and how to sterilise it. You may already know that menstrual cups are an environmentally friendly and easy to use substitute for disposable menstrual products, such as tampons, sanitary pads and pantyliners. In this blog we'll help you take the plunge.

How do you accurately clean them, how do I know if the cup is really clean and what happens if the cup isn't cleaned properly?

Keep reading this blog to learn everything you need to know about cleaning, sterilising and caring for your menstrual cup. We'll explain why it's very important to clean and sterilise your menstrual cup every cycle to prevent bacteria, odours, stains and erosion. That's why it's recommended to maintain a good daily cleaning and at least one monthly sterilisation. Luckily, with the right products, disinfecting a menstrual cup to ensure optimal intimate hygiene and prevent possible vaginal infections is a lot easier than you may think.

What is the best way to clean a menstrual cup?

Regardless of the cup you choose, the basic guidelines for efficient cleaning are always the same. You should clean the cup at least every 12 hours during menstruation and it is recommended to change it more often when you have a heavy menstrual flow. You should also sterilise it at the end of each period, at least once a month. 

The best way to clean your menstrual cup during your period is to rinse it with water. Do not use cleaning products with additional ingredients, like soap, as they can affect your intimate pH levels, cause irritation and potentially create more discharge or residue. You should periodically clean the edges and small side holes in the cup (these avoid a vacuum) by filling it with water and squeezing it up and down. This procedure pushes the water through the holes and removes any residue that may have accumulated during your period. We call this the ´squeeze and rinse method´. 

If white spots appear on the cup, a deeper cleaning is needed. You can scrub it with an unused toothbrush and fresh lemon juice. Then, sterilise it with our MissVerde electric steriliser. This will remove any stains, odours and bacteria. 

Using, emptying or changing your menstrual cup while away from home is one of the biggest hurdles for new menstrual cup users. But don't worry, there are different ways to cope! While the process may seem a little different from your routine at home, there's absolutely no reason why you can't clean your menstrual cup in public places, like restaurants, at work, at school or university. 

The MissVerde portable steriliser is a fantastic option to help you in those moments. The container can be used to rinse your cup in public places and to sterilise it in the microwave when you're on the go. It fits easily in your handbag. Just open the steriliser by lifting the lid  and fill it with a little bit of water before entering the toilet. Make sure you wash your hands beforehand. Remove the cup and pour the contents into the toilet. Place the menstrual cup in the portable steriliser and close the lid. Shake it gently and pour the water into the toilet through the three little holes. If you wish to use the same menstrual cup, take it out of the container and insert it again. If you have a microwave, repeat the steps by filling it with water, placing the cup inside and microwave for 2-3 minutes to make sure your cup is clean and ready for your next period. 

 

Did you know that menstrual cups can also be worn in combination with the MissVerde menstrual underwear slips?

 

When do I need to sterilise my menstrual cup?

The good news is that you no longer need to boil the cup in water, in a boiling pot or in a pan. With MissVerde's electric steam steriliser, disinfection is super easy. Getting it right is key to keeping your cup in perfect condition and being able to use it for years to come.

Disinfect your menstrual cup before use. We recommend sterilising it at least once a month. It is usually a good practice to sterilise your cup right just after your period has ended. Many people do it before and after every cycle. It is important to know that sterilisation should not be done without first rinsing the cup with water. Our electric steriliser is an innovative solution for disinfecting menstrual cups and in just a couple of minutes up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and fungi are history.

Important notice: It is generally not recommended to clean the cup using the following products: 

Perfumed or soaps, vinegar, tea tree oil, oil-based soaps, alcohol, hand sanitiser, moist towelettes, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or other harsh chemicals.

It is important to avoid these types of cleaning products, as they are not designed for internal use and may compromise the condition of the cup.

It is also not advisable to wash the menstrual cup in the dishwasher. Even if it looks clean, it still has chemicals from the dishwasher detergent on its surface. These chemicals are not designed for internal use. 

What should you do if you drop your menstrual cup in the toilet?

If you drop your menstrual cup in the toilet, rinse and sterilise it before using it again. It is understandable that you may choose to replace the cup completely if you drop it in a public toilet.

In any case, a good practice is to carry a spare menstrual cup in your bag or car, just in case. Remember to wash your hands before and after removing the cup to avoid spreading bacteria. 

Now you know why it is so important to sterilise your menstrual cup and how to do it. MissVerde offers two different sizes of menstrual cups, packs with a cup and a portable steriliser in different colours and of course the electric steam steriliser. All you need to do is choose yours!