How Do You Clean and Care for a Reusable Menstrual Cup or Disc?
TL;DR
-
Rinse your menstrual cup or disc with cool water (then warm) every time you empty it, and wash with mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap
-
Sanitize your menstrual cup or disc by boiling it for 5 to 10 minutes between cycles or before first use
-
Store menstrual cups or discs in a dry, breathable cotton pouch, never in an airtight container
-
Cora's Cup and Perfect Fit Disc are medical-grade silicone designed for years of reuse with the right care
Cleaning a reusable menstrual cup or disc comes down to two routines: a quick rinse-and-wash every time you empty it, and a deeper sanitization between cycles.
For a daily clean, empty the contents into the toilet, rinse with cool water first to prevent staining, then wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, scented soaps, oils, vinegar, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide as cleansers, since they can degrade the silicone and irritate sensitive skin.
Between menstrual cycles or before first use, do a deeper sanitization process:
-
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
-
Drop the cup or disc in for 5 to 10 minutes, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot (tongs help)
-
Let it cool completely on a clean surface
-
Store in a breathable cotton pouch
Cora's Easy-Does-It Cup and Perfect Fit Menstrual Disc are medical-grade silicone and come with a cotton storage pouch for exactly this reason.
How Do You Know When It's Time To Replace Your Menstrual Cup or Disc?
Medical-grade silicone holds up well, but a few signs mean it's time to swap:
-
Visible cracks, splits, or tears in the silicone
-
A chalky, sticky, or filmy texture that doesn't wash off
-
Persistent odor or significant discoloration that won't lift
-
Any tearing around the rim, stem, or finger groove
Properly cared-for menstrual cups have been studied as safe and effective long-term reusable options, but inspect yours each time you sanitize. Cora's Menstrual Cup comes in Size 1 and Size 2 (sized to flow and birth history), and the Perfect Fit Disc features a patented finger groove that makes the daily routine even simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Daily care involves rinsing and washing with mild, fragrance-free soap. Sanitize your menstrual cup or disc between cycles by boiling for 5 to 10 minutes.
-
Store your menstrual cup or disc dry in a breathable cotton pouch, never airtight, and inspect for damage before each cycle.
-
Cora's Menstrual Cup and Perfect Fit Menstrual Disc are medical-grade silicone products designed for years of use with the right care.
Sources:
Menstrual Cups: How They Work, Safety and Pros & Cons | Cleveland Clinic