Smelly Cup! Menstrual Cup Odor? Here's How to Fix it!

May 19, 2021

How to Prevent and Eliminate Menstrual Cup Odor

Frustrated with a bad-smelling menstrual cup? You’re not alone—and yes, we can help!

We’d love to tell you that MeLuna menstrual cups never develop an odor, but the truth is: any menstrual cup can start to smell under certain conditions. The good news? There are easy ways to prevent and fix it.

🦠 Why Do Menstrual Cups Smell?

There are two main reasons menstrual cups develop odors:

1. Protein Build-Up

Menstrual blood contains proteins, particularly hemoglobin, which can bind to the cup’s surface. This can cause a lingering odor, even if you clean your cup regularly.

2. Extended Wear

Wearing your cup too long can allow bacteria to grow, especially in warm, moist environments. This can lead to an unpleasant smell, even if your cup appears clean.

menstrual cup odor often forms when a menstrual cup is left in too long and bacteria grows

🚩 When Odor Signals a Medical Concern

If your menstrual cup smells fishy or foul, this could indicate an infection such as:

Bacterial vaginosis
Vaginitis
Trichomoniasis
A urinary tract infection (UTI)

If you also experience symptoms like unusual discharge (when not menstruating), itching, or burning, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

🧼 How to Prevent Menstrual Cup Odor

Empty and clean your cup at least every 8–12 hours.
Don’t wear your cup longer than recommended—even overnight.
Always sterilize your cup after every period to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Rotate between two menstrual cups to allow one to dry fully between uses.

💡 MeLuna offers 10% off when you buy more than one cup—applied automatically in your cart!

🔥 Quick Sterilization Summary

How long should you boil a menstrual cup?
Boil for 3–5 minutes to fully sterilize.

What are the best sterilization methods?

Boiling in water
Using a steam disinfection device for 5 minutes
Using disinfection products like Milton Tabs
👉 Shop Milton Tabs here

Why is sterilization essential?
It eliminates odor-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ensuring your cup stays fresh and safe to use.

a menstrual cup steamer is one of several options available to disinfect your menstrual cup

🌬️ How to Eliminate Odors from a Clean Cup

Even after thorough cleaning, some odors may linger. Here's how to fix it:

Place your dry, well-cleaned cup in a ventilated area for a few days.
Rotate between cups so one can fully dry while the other is in use.
Use Milton Tabs occasionally to refresh your cup and remove deeper odors or stains.