4 Ways To Sterilize Menstrual Cup Without Boiling & Extra Tips
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Menstrual cups are the ideal way to have hygienic, mess-free comfortable periods.
But it can get tricky if you are traveling or don’t have the right environment to clean your cup correctly.
So, how to sterilize a menstrual cup without boiling it? Is that even possible?
In this article, you will learn how to sterilize your menstrual cup without boiling it and the best (+ worst) ways to keep it clean.
Table of Contents
Let’s jump right in!
How do you sterilize a menstrual cup without boiling it?
There are a few things you can do, depending on your situation. First, remember that whichever method you choose, wash the cup with cool water and fragrance-free soap before and after, and dry it well in the end.
1. Use menstrual cup cleaning wipes.
First, rinse your menstrual cup with cold water (to avoid staining), then add a bit of fragrance-free soap, and rinse again with warmer water. After that, use the cleaning wipes. Finally, store the cup in a dry, breathable cotton bag.
2. Make white vinegar and water cleaning solution.
White vinegar is a natural sanitizing agent and is an easy way to sanitize your menstrual cup. In a bowl, combine white vinegar with nine times as much water. Rinse the cup in the solution and wash it with fragrance-free soap and water.
3. Put the cup in direct sunlight.
UV light is a natural sterilizer and a great way to clean up any stains or odors your menstrual cup might have. Keep it for a minimum of 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
4. Get a menstrual cup steamer.
Add water, place your cup on the steamer, close the lid, and push the button. Within 3 minutes, your cup will be clean and sterilized. It is a quick and efficient way to kill 99.9% of germs and works for all menstrual cup brands!
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How do you sterilize a menstrual cup when traveling?
If you can access boiling water while traveling, boiling the menstrual cup will be great. However, using the communal dorm pot to boil your menstrual cup can sometimes feel gross. (especially if it is an older one)
Whenever I’m traveling, I do that. I wash a mug or a bowl, then boil some water on the side. I pour the boiling water over my menstrual cup and keep it for 3-4 minutes.
Afterward, I pour away most of the water and fill some cold water. In the end, I wash my menstrual cup with some fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
If you use a mug, ensure it is thick enough so the boiling water won’t break it. Also, clean your menstrual cup with cold water after every use before cleaning it with hot water. This is super important since hot water can lock in smells.
Can I boil a menstrual cup with baking soda?
It is not recommended to boil, clean, or soak the menstrual cup with baking soda, mainly because it may impact the integrity of your silicone cup or cause irritation.
Can you just rinse a menstrual cup?
You don’t need to boil your cup or use hot water during your period. Just rinse it with first cold water (remember – hot water can lock in smells), then fragrance-free soap.
In the end, rinse the soap thoroughly with warmer water. Doing this is more than enough. The only time you should boil or sanitize your menstrual cup using one of the 4 ways above is – at the beginning and the end of each period.
Is it safe to use a menstrual cup without boiling it?
It is important to sterilize your menstrual cup at the beginning and the end of each period. If you can’t boil it, you can:
- use menstrual cup wipes
- rinse it in white vinegar & water solution
- put the cup in direct sunlight for a few hours
- use a menstrual cup steamer
It is essential to do that to prevent any irritation or infections when using your menstrual cup.
Whichever you choose, remember to wash the menstrual cup with cool water and fragrance-free soap before and after, and dry it well in the end.
Best menstrual cup wash to buy
There are several other options available on the market that you can use to clean your menstrual cup. What will work best for you often depends on your preferences and needs, but here are some great choices:
- Flex menstrual cup wipes – Convenient way to clean your period cup between wears whenever you can’t access a sink. The Flex wipes are made with 100% plant cellulose and are free from fragrances and pH-balanced.
- Pixie menstrual cup wipes – Another option, with individually packaged biodegradable wipes.
- Pixie menstrual cup steamer – Steaming cleans and boiling, and it is a hassle-free way to sterilize your cup in 3 minutes, with just a press of a button! It is convenient whenever you don’t have the time or are on the road.
- Pixie stain removal – If your cup has stains, use this product to remove tough stains and discoloration. It is a natural alternative to bleach, and it is simple to use – mix the packet with hot water and soak your cup overnight for 6-8 hours. Then wash the cup with some water and soap.
When choosing a menstrual cup wash, looking for a pH-balanced, gentle, and fragrance-free product is essential. In addition, avoid using products that can irritate your skin and cause discomfort.
This includes – bleach, scented, fragranced, or antibacterial soap, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing detergent, or soap.
The general rule of thumb is if it’s not safe for your vagina, it’s not safe for your menstrual cup.
Menstrual cup DIY wash:
Combine white vinegar with nine times as much cold water to make a DIY menstrual cup wash.
Vinegar is a natural sanitizing agent, and it will clean out your cup without any artificial ingredients that may appear in store-bought soaps.
Once you have the solution, rinse the cup with your vinegar solution, then rinse the cup with warm water and fragrance-free soap, and you will be ready.
Summary
Menstrual cups are a sustainable, eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional menstrual products, but they require extra care and sterilization to maintain hygiene and prevent infections.
Boiling is the most common and effective method of sterilizing your menstrual cup; if this option isn’t available, there are alternative ways to clean it.
All in all, following the manufacturer’s instructions and practicing good hygiene are essential to ensure the menstrual cup’s longevity and keep it in good condition.
Using and caring for menstrual cups correctly gives you a comfortable and stress-free period while contributing to a less wasteful world.
For any other questions related to menstrual cups, head over to my Sustainable period section, which covers various other questions, like:
