Make Your Menstrual Cup Long Lasting with These Tips

It is undeniable that menstrual cups are now taking over the market of feminine hygiene products when it comes to the best items for menstruation. It’s cost-effective, low-maintenance, and eradicates any discomfort that you feel whenever red days come. Some women now patronize menstrual cups due to the benefits that they get out of using such products.

You may be one of those women that might be either curious or were encouraged due to the endless talks about menstrual cups. By now, you are probably excited to experience all the gushed praises about menstrual cups. And maybe one of them is being a reusable item that can last up to 10 years maximum.

However, is the menstrual cup a built-in-long-term product that does not need any interference from the owner? Surely, that’s not the case. So, why not join the discussion and know how you can extend your menstrual cup’s usability by following the tips below.

The Importance of Cleaning the Cup

Buying a menstrual cup comes with a cleaning instruction. Cleaning your menstrual cup does not need a profound explanation as to why it needs to be clean. It should be cleaned simply because you’re going to put it inside your private area.

You should never forget to clean your menstrual cup because of the probability of bacteria accumulation. There are lots of ways in how bacteria can get inside a human’s system, and one of them is by allowing bacteria to have a habitat for growth.

Remember, a chance for bacteria to grow is an invitation for certain diseases to take place. Thus, do not forget to clean up the cup thoroughly after every use, and make sure to sterilize it as well.

With this said, the following tips that will be discussed after this section will undoubtedly help you out in what and what not to do when you clean your menstrual cup.

How to Clean Your Cup During Red Days

Since a menstrual cup is reusable, it’s critical that you keep it well-cleaned and sterilized. Proper cleansing is a big factor in maintaining the cup’s quality and usability. It may be manufactured to last for years, but if you don’t keep it properly sanitized, then it might not last long.

So, how exactly do you clean a menstrual cup?

It is crucial that you wash your menstrual cup twice a day during your period, ideally around every 4- 8 hours within the day. With this, you need only to simply wash the cup with running water or warm water with a fragrance- and oil-free soap.

A helpful hint whenever you wash your cup is to clean it first using cold water, then finish it off using warm water to help avoid discoloration. On the other hand, if you are washing it in a public area, you can wipe it first with toilet paper or a menstrual cup wet wipes, then proceed to clean it with running water before re-inserting it.

How to Clean the Cup After Your Menstrual Cycle

How you clean your cup daily is significantly different from how you should clean it at the end of your cycle. You need to store your menstrual cup away for a couple of days and weeks, which means to say that you should do something more for it.

With this said, it is highly recommended that you sterilize the menstrual cup after each cycle, and before using it for another set of the menstrual cycle. What you need to do is to rinse it using boiling water. Or, you can soak the cup in a pot with boiling water. The recommended time for the sterilization is 2 to 10 minutes (depending on the brand you are using), then immediately remove it and air-dry.

On to storing the cup, once dry, you should store the cup away in a carry pouch. It is not advisable to store your menstrual cup in an airtight container or a plastic bag since it is essential that it can be able to “breathe” properly. It means to say that it is vital that air can circulate within the cup to let the moisture evaporate properly.

Takeaway

A menstrual cup is undeniably more cost-effective compared to other menstrual products in the market. Since you can use a menstrual cup for as long as ten years, you’ll be able to save some money since you don’t have to buy it every month. But, the longevity of your menstrual cup will also depend on how you will clean and take care of it. Thus, follow the given tips above, and you’re sure to have a long-lasting cup that you can use for a few years.