How to Clean and Store a Menstrual Cup Safely

By Unfabled | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Anleitungen

A simple menstrual cup care routine: rinse during your period, sterilise between cycles, and store it so it stays fresh and lasts for years.

Quick answer

Rinse your menstrual cup with clean water every time you empty it, wash it with a mild, fragrance-free soap at least once a day, and sterilise it by boiling for 5–10 minutes at the start and end of each period. Between cycles, store it in a breathable cotton pouch — not a sealed plastic bag — so it stays dry and hygienic.

Why menstrual cup care is different from pad or tampon routines

A reusable menstrual cup sits inside the vagina for up to 12 hours at a time, so anything left on its surface — soap residue, moisture, or bacteria — has direct contact with sensitive tissue. That is why menstrual cup hygiene tips focus on rinsing, washing, and sterilising rather than simply wrapping and binning. Getting the routine right protects you from irritation and keeps the silicone in good condition, so the cup can last for years instead of months.

What you need for a simple menstrual cup care routine

You do not need a shelf of specialist products. A mild, unscented, water-based soap, a small pot reserved for cup sterilising, and a breathable storage pouch cover almost everything. If you travel or share a bathroom, a collapsible cup such as the Intimina Lily Menstrual Compact Cup folds down small and is easy to rinse in a sink or shower. Avoid antibacterial soaps, fragranced washes, and anything containing oils, because these can leave residue on medical-grade silicone and disturb the vaginal pH.

How often to clean, wash, and sterilise

During your period, rinse the cup with clean water each time you empty it. Once every 24 hours, wash it properly with mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly. At the end of your period, sterilise the cup before putting it away, and sterilise again before your next period starts. If you have a heavy flow or a history of yeast infections, some people prefer to sterilise more often, but daily washing plus end-of-cycle sterilising is the standard routine.

How to sterilise a menstrual cup without damaging it

Boiling is the most reliable method. Place the cup in a pot of water that covers it completely, bring the water to a rolling boil, and let it boil for 5–10 minutes. Do not let the cup sit on the bottom of the pot where it can scorch, and never boil it in a microwave or use a dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly says the cup is dishwasher-safe. Silicone can tolerate boiling, but it can degrade with harsh chemicals or high heat in a dry environment. After boiling, let the cup air dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack before storage.

How to store a menstrual cup between cycles

Once the cup is fully dry, put it in a breathable cotton pouch — many cups come with one. A sealed plastic bag or airtight container traps moisture and encourages bacteria or mould, even if the cup looked dry. Keep the pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can weaken silicone over time. If you use period pants as backup on light days, store them separately and clean them according to their own care label; for example, the NIXI Body Coni Sporty High Waist Black Period Pants and the fluxies Classic Bikini Light Flow Period Pants each have specific washing instructions that differ from cup care.

Your step-by-step menstrual cup care routine

Rinse before and after each wear: Wash your hands, remove the cup, and rinse it with clean water. If you are in a public bathroom without a sink in the stall, wipe it with a clean, unscented wipe or rinse it with bottled water, then wash properly as soon as you can. Checkpoint: never reinsert a cup that still has visible residue or feels slimy.
Wash daily with mild, fragrance-free soap: Use a small amount of unscented, water-based soap and warm water. Rub the cup gently with your fingers, paying attention to the rim and the air holes near the top. Rinse until the water runs clear and the cup no longer feels slippery. Common mistake: using antibacterial or heavily perfumed soap, which can leave irritating residue.
Sterilise by boiling between cycles: Place the cup in a pot of water, bring to a rolling boil, and boil for 5–10 minutes. Use a dedicated pot or a silicone whisk to keep the cup off the bottom. Remove carefully with clean tongs and let it air dry on a clean surface. Checkpoint: if the cup smells unpleasant after boiling, repeat the wash and boil once more before storing.
Dry completely before storing: Moisture is the main enemy of stored silicone. Leave the cup out to air dry until there is no water left inside or on the surface, then place it in its breathable pouch. Common mistake: putting a damp cup into a sealed bag, which can lead to mould or odour.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the pouch away from direct sunlight, radiators, and damp bathroom cabinets. If you live in a humid climate, check the cup every few weeks and re-sterilise if it has been sitting for more than a couple of months. Next step: set a reminder to sterilise the cup a day or two before your period is due.

Products mentioned in this guide

Intimina | Lily Menstrual Compact Cup: Intimina Lily Menstrual Compact Cup is the world's first collapsible menstrual cup, made from medical-grade silicone. The collapsible design makes it easy to rinse and air-dry, and it folds flat for storage in a small pouch — handy if you have limited bathroom space or travel often.
NIXI Body | Coni Sporty High Waist Black Period Pants: NIXI Body Coni Sporty High Waist Black Period Pants are designed for little leaks or light flow days with a super high waist and scalloped edge. Useful as backup on heavier days or when you are still learning your cup's capacity, but they need their own washing routine and should not be boiled.
fluxies | Classic Bikini - Light Flow Period Pants: fluxies Classic Bikini Light Flow Period Pants hold up to two tampons' worth and can be worn leak-free for up to 8 hours. A good option for light flow days or bladder sensitivity when you want a break from the cup, but they are not a substitute for sterilising your cup between cycles.