How to Clean and Store Reusable Menstrual Cups Safely
By Grove Collaborative: Eco-Friendly Home Essentials ... | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
A step-by-step guide to washing, sterilizing, and storing your menstrual cup so it stays hygienic and lasts for years. Includes common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Rinse your menstrual cup with cold water every time you empty it, wash it with a mild, unscented soap once or twice a day, and sterilize it by boiling for 5–10 minutes at the end of your period. Store it dry in a breathable cotton pouch—never in a sealed plastic bag—so it stays clean and lasts for years.
Why period cup hygiene matters more than you think
A reusable menstrual cup sits inside your vagina for up to 12 hours at a time, so anything on its surface—residue, bacteria, or irritating soap—can affect your comfort and health. Proper cleaning removes blood and vaginal fluids, while sterilization kills lingering bacteria between cycles. Skipping either step can lead to odors, irritation, or a shorter cup lifespan. The good news: the routine is simple and takes only a few minutes a day.
Everyday washing: what to use and what to avoid
During your period, rinse the cup with cold or lukewarm water before reinserting. Cold water prevents blood from setting into the silicone. Once a day, wash it with a mild, unscented, oil-free soap—baby soap or a dedicated cup wash works well. Avoid antibacterial soaps, fragranced soaps, and anything containing oils, which can degrade silicone and leave irritating residue. If you’re in a public restroom without a sink, simply wipe the cup with a clean tissue or cup wipe and rinse when you get home.
How to sterilize your cup at the end of your cycle
Boiling is the most reliable way to sterilize a menstrual cup. Place the cup in a pot of water, bring to a rolling boil, and let it boil for 5–10 minutes. Make sure the cup doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot, where it could melt. Use a dedicated pot or a silicone collapsible sterilizer to avoid cross-contamination with food. If you don’t have a stove, you can use sterilizing tablets or a microwave steam bag made for cups. Never put your cup in the dishwasher—high heat and harsh detergents can damage the material.
Drying and storing your cup between periods
After sterilizing, let the cup air-dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack. Once dry, store it in a breathable cotton pouch. Avoid airtight plastic containers or bags, which trap moisture and encourage mold or bacteria growth. Keep the pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can weaken silicone over time. If your cup came with a storage bag, use that; otherwise, a small cotton drawstring bag works perfectly.
How long does a menstrual cup last?
Most reusable menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and can last 1–5 years, depending on the brand and how well you care for it. Signs it’s time to replace: the silicone feels sticky or cloudy even after washing, develops cracks or tears, or retains an odor after sterilization. Following the cleaning and storage steps above will help you get the longest life from your cup.
Your step-by-step menstrual cup care routine
- Rinse immediately after emptying: Use cold or lukewarm water to rinse blood from the cup before reinserting. Avoid hot water, which can set stains and degrade silicone over time. Checkpoint: if you’re in a public restroom, wipe with a clean tissue and rinse thoroughly at your next opportunity.
- Wash daily with mild, unscented soap: Once a day, wash the cup with a gentle, oil-free soap and warm water. Rub the silicone with your fingers to remove residue, then rinse well. Common mistake: using antibacterial or fragranced soap can leave irritating residue and weaken the silicone.
- Sterilize by boiling at the end of your cycle: Boil the cup in water for 5–10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot. Use a dedicated pot or silicone sterilizer. Checkpoint: never microwave unless using a cup-specific steam bag, and never put your cup in the dishwasher.
- Air-dry completely before storing: Place the clean cup on a clean towel or drying rack and let it air-dry fully. Any remaining moisture can encourage mold. Common mistake: storing a damp cup in a sealed container traps bacteria and causes odors.
- Store in a breathable cotton pouch: Keep your dry cup in a cotton drawstring bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers. Checkpoint: if the pouch gets dirty, wash it with mild soap and let it dry before reusing.
- Inspect for wear before each cycle: Check for cracks, tears, sticky spots, or lingering odor. If you notice any of these, replace the cup. Most cups last 1–5 years with proper care; replacing on time keeps your period safe and comfortable.
Eco-friendly cleaning essentials for your cup routine
- Multipurpose Starter Kit: Cleanery Multipurpose Starter Kit includes one reusable 24 fl oz bottle and two refills (lemon & lime and gardenia) that you mix with water. The formula cuts through grease and stuck-on dirt while producing 99% less waste and 99% less emissions than traditional cleaners. You can use this gentle, eco-friendly cleaner to wash your menstrual cup during your period—just dilute a small amount with water. It’s free of harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin, and the refillable system reduces plastic waste, aligning with the zero-waste spirit of using a reusable cup.
