How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup

Cleaning products for menstrual cup

Just like any other reusable product, your Lunette Cup should stay clean before and after insertion.

“But what if I’m not at home and I need to clean my cup?” No worries. Below is a handy guide for the best way to take care of your new companion, no matter where you are.

First time users:

Check that the air holes around the top are fully open. Wash your hands and clean your cup with water and mild soap (seriously, none of that scented crap!)

Boil it in a large pot for 20 minutes before you use it for the first time.

Cleaning During Your Period:

First, tip the blood into the toilet. Rinse with cold water and then wash with warm water. Use Lunette’s specially formulated Menstrual Cup Cleanser to make it squeaky clean.

Your period is finally over – now what?

After your period sanitize the cup by boiling it in a large pot of water for 5-10 minutes.

Cleaning when you’re out and about

The Lunette Cup Wipes are handy while camping or in a gross porta potty. They help you to clean the Cup before you are able to carefully wash it under running water. Cup Wipes enable you to use the cup safely even if water is not available. Wipes are packed separately so they are easy to carry with you.

Menstrual Cup Cleaning FAQ

How Can I Clean The Air Holes?

Fill the cup with water, place your palm on it, turn it upside down, and squeeze. When the water squirts out through the air-holes, they should be instantly cleaned! Also, you can use a blunt toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol. Or a tooth brush dedicated solely for this purpose. Do not use sharp items (like needles) on your cup because they will do more damage than good. You can also use Lunette Cup Wipes by rolling the edges tight and and gently sticking them to t he air holes and wiping them clean.

How Do I Clean My Menstrual Cup In A Public Toilet?

Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to run to the sink that’s on the other side of the bathroom stall! Remember that Lunette Cup can hold blood for up to 12 hours. However, life happens, and we understand your fears.

Our Lunette Cup Wipes are amazing and super convenient when you don’t immediately have access to water (aka a bathroom stall). Remember to wash your cup under running water just normally when back at home.

At Work, I Can't Wash My Lunette With The Washing Liquid. Should I Wash The Cup With Perfumed Soap Or Tap Water?

No. Perfumed soaps with unknown pH values might coat the cup with a layer of irritants that could damage the precious mucous membrane of the vagina. Some of these soaps may also contain agents that might damage the silicone. It's better to wash Lunette with tap water than use the wrong kind of soap. Lunette is smooth on the inside, making it easy to clean with water alone. When you and Lunette return home, consider our Cup Cleanser — it's specially created to clean the cup gently and thoroughly without damaging the cup or irritating your body (plus it smells divine!).

Can I Use Other Cleaning Products Or Wipes To Clean my Lunette Menstrual Cup?

Technically yes, but we highly recommend our own products since they have been developed to work with our Lunette products.

When using another brand, make sure they don't contain any harsh chemicals, oils, perfumes, or colorants that might leave residual on the cup and irritate the sensitive vagina.

How Do I Know If I’ve Cleaned My Lunette Menstrual Cup Well Enough?

When your Lunette is clean it doesn't have any colors, smells, or oily residue on the surface.

What is the best way to get rid of stains?

The best way to get rid of stains on your cup is to use the Lunette Cupwipes. They contain only water and alcohol and are a perfect match for your cup! You can also soak the cup in spirit vinegar.
Stains can be prevented by always rinsing the cup with cold water first!

How Can I Clean My Cup When I Am Traveling Or Camping?

We recommend trying our handy Cup Wipes when water isn't available. They are individually packed disinfecting wipes that are compostable. Super easy when camping!

How Do I Get Rid Of My Old Cup?

When your cup has been damaged or you’re ready for a new one, you can place the old cup into your mixed waste bin. However, if you want to create zero waste, you can burn it! The silicone burns into white ash and does not release any harmful substances.

I Can’t Get My Menstrual Cup Out. Should I Be Worried?

Don’t worry! You’re not getting anything stuck in there. Removing your menstrual cup can be tricky at first, but we promise it will come naturally after a few tries. When removing the cup, always remember to use your own pelvic floor muscles. Push the cup down with your pelvic muscles (as if you were pooping) until you can get a firm grip from the bottom. Pinch the bottom with your fore finger and thumb to release the suction. Then, keep pushing while slowly pulling the cup out. You can also rock it from side to side, or you can fold the cup a bit by grabbing the cup with your fore finger, middle finger and thumb.

Place your fingers around the cup and push your thumb between the fore and middle finger, that way you fold the cup with the c-fold method and it’s easier to get out. You can also try this trick: slide your finger amongst the side of the cup (your finger between the cup and vaginal wall) and bend your finger when you reach the rim.

Be careful with your fingernails if they are too long!

Will Using A Menstrual Cup Protect Me From Having TSS?

Like with any period care product, you cannot have zero risk of TSS. But a clean, properly used menstrual cup means the chances are very small. Take good care of personal hygiene and always choose a trusted brand. Our cups are made from the highest medical grade silicone which is BPA free and contains no chemicals. With Lunette, you’re in safe hands. 

TSS is an infection caused by bacteria entering through wounds or mucous membrane. It is an extremely rare, potentially fatal disease occurring in those with or without a uterus, and children. TSS is connected with absorbent tampons.

TSS SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

  • sudden high fever
  • sore throat
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • a rash resembling sunburn
  • muscle aches
  • fainting or blackouts 

Early recognition and cure is vital, so if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, remove the menstrual cup immediately, contact your doctor and express your concerns about the possibility of TSS.