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There’s plenty of reasons why people are switching to menstrual cups in 2025. Beyond viral headlines about toxic metal in tampons, menstrual cups are also more environmentally-friendly, and in most cases, better for your wallet. But despite all their benefits, using a menstrual cup can be intimidating at first, especially when it comes time to clean it.
In theory, menstrual cups are a simple and sustainable form of period care. But if you don’t know how to properly clean your menstrual cup, you may end up degrading the cup’s material, or potentially disrupting your own pH. To help make the task less daunting, we asked experts how to clean a menstrual cup (the right way) so you don’t have to second guess yourself. Read on to see what experts recommend for menstrual cup care, including when to wash it, what menstrual cup cleaners to use, and what to avoid.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Cherie Hoeger is the CEO and co-founder of reusable period care company, Saalt.
Nathan Riley, MD, is a dual board-certified ob-gyn.
How to Clean a Menstrual Cup During Your Period
Even if you’re new to menstrual cups, the cleaning process shouldn’t feel overly complicated. To clean your menstrual cup or disc during your period, Cherie Hoeger, CEO of period care company Saalt, recommends washing with water and a pH-balanced wash. “We either recommend a pH-balanced wash, like the Saalt Cup Wash ($14), or only rinsing with water,” Hoeger says (more on the best and worst menstrual cup cleaners below). Always make sure to wash your hands before handling a menstrual cup to prevent the transfer of germs.
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How Often Should You Clean Your Menstrual Cup?
“Menstrual cups should be removed and cleaned as often as needed,” says ob-gyn Nathan Riley, MD. Depending on the brand, menstrual cups or discs can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, at which point it’s generally best to rinse them out prior to re-insertion. “Some people choose to not use any wash on their cup or disc; this is okay and totally up to personal preference,” Hoeger says. “However, it is necessary to sanitize menstrual cups and discs when they are done being used, and before storing away.” Refer to the instructions on your specific menstrual cup or disc for the most accurate care and sanitization information.
What to Use For Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup
If there’s one thing manufacturers agree on, it’s that a gentle, oil-free, unscented soap is the way to go. “Fragrant soaps should be avoided as many of the scented additives are notoriously responsible for vaginal and vulvar irritation,” Dr. Riley says. If your menstrual cup or disc is silicone-based, you should use a pH-balanced cleanser, or no cleanser at all. Hoeger approves of mild soaps that rinse clean with no residue, as long as they’re also pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and oil-free.
How to Sanitize a Menstrual Cup After Your Period Ends
Once your period is over, it’s best practice to sanitize your menstrual cup or disc before storing it away. “After your period, wash the cup or disc per your regular 12-hour cleaning routine. Make sure there isn’t any build-up on the cup or in the air holes,” Hoeger says. Here’s a few different ways to sanitize your menstrual cup:
- Use a counter steamer: “Our favorite recommendation is to use a convenient counter steamer like the Saalt Steamer ($39),” Hoeger says. You can also try this Pixie Sterilizer ($30), available on Amazon.
- Put it in the microwave: Place your cup or disc in a microwave safe container and microwave on high for three to four minutes to sanitize, Hoeger says.
- Boil it: Another popular way to sanitize involves boiling your menstrual cup or disc for four to five minutes, Hoeger says. Use a whisk or tongs to prevent it from touching the bottom or sides of the pot.
- Isopropyl alcohol: If all else fails, you can always sanitize your cup or disc by wiping it thoroughly with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, Hoeger says. Afterwards, allow the cup to air dry so the alcohol can fully evaporate.
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What to Avoid When Cleaning or Sanitizing Your Menstrual Cup
Silicone is inherently porous, which means it absorbs chemicals over prolonged periods of time, Hoeger explains. Consequently, “it is best to avoid washing silicone cups and discs with hand soaps, dish soaps, face or body wash, or harsh chemicals,” she says. These cleaners can degrade the silicone of your menstrual cup or disc, disrupt the natural pH of your vaginal flora, and eventually lead to irritation, Hoeger says. If you’re unsure if your cleaner is safe to use, you can also just rinse your menstrual cup with warm water, then sanitize it at the end of your period. Here’s a more specific list of cleaners Hoeger recommends avoiding:
- Anything that will leave a residue
- Anything that irritates your skin
- Vinegar
- Soaps containing tea tree or peppermint oil
- Dish soap
- Antibacterial soaps
- Hand soap
- Oil-based soaps
- Castile soap
- African Black soap
- Dr. Bronner’s soaps
- Coconut oil
- Baking soda
- Milton sterilizing tablets
— Additional reporting by Kacie Main
Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.
Kacie Main is a freelance writer focused on health, wellness, and personal development. She is the author of “I Gave Up Men for Lent.”