How to Clean a Menstrual Cup (Daily and Between Periods)

November 12, 2026

Clean menstrual cup held in two hands beside a cotton storage pouch and towels

Keeping your menstrual cup clean is simple once you have a routine. Here's what to do every day and between periods.

Menstrual cup cleaning routine: steps for every time you empty it and for sanitizing at the end of your period

Every time you empty it

Wash your hands.
Empty the cup into the toilet.
Rinse with cold water first. Hot water can set stains.
Then wash with warm water and a mild, unscented, oil-free soap, or a wash made for menstrual cups.
Clear the small air holes near the rim. Filling the cup with water and squeezing it out usually does it.
Reinsert.

In a public restroom

If there's no private sink, empty the cup, wipe it with toilet paper or a cup-safe wipe, and reinsert. Give it a proper wash the next time you're home. Some people bring a small water bottle into the stall.

Between periods: sanitize

At the end of each period, sanitize the cup. Two common methods:

Boiling. Place the cup in a pot of boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes, or follow your cup's instructions. Use a whisk or a cup-sanitizing container so it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot.
Sterilizing tablets. Tablets like Milton dissolve in cold water and sanitize without boiling, which is handy if you share a kitchen or are traveling.

Let it dry fully, then store it in a breathable cotton pouch. Avoid airtight plastic bags or containers, which can trap moisture.

What not to use

Scented soaps, oil-based soaps, bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide (unless your cup's maker says it's okay), or the dishwasher. These can damage the material or irritate your skin.

Stains and smells

Some discoloration over time is normal and doesn't mean the cup is dirty. A cold rinse right away helps prevent it. If a cup smells after cleaning, sanitize it and let it air-dry in sunlight for a few hours.