How to Clean and Disinfect a Menstrual Cup
Clear instructions for routine cleaning, between-cycle disinfection, storage, travel, stains, odors, and mineral buildup
Keeping your MeLuna menstrual cup clean supports hygiene, comfort, and product life. Cleaning and disinfection are separate steps, and both are important.
Always clean your menstrual cup before disinfecting it. Boiling or microwaving a soiled cup can set stains and make them harder to remove.
Clean During Your Period
Empty and clean your cup at least every 8 to 12 hours, even if it is not full.
Disinfect Between Cycles
Disinfect before first use and after each period. Some users also disinfect again before their next cycle.
Store Completely Dry
Allow your cup to dry fully and store it in a breathable pouch, never in an airtight container.
Wash Your Hands First
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling, inserting, removing, cleaning, or disinfecting your menstrual cup. Contamination is more likely to come from hands than from a properly cleaned cup.
How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup
- Wet the cup under running cold or lukewarm water for at least 5 seconds.
- Apply a mild, fragrance-free, glycerin-free cleanser that is safe for menstrual cups.
- Rub the entire cup thoroughly for at least 30 seconds.
- Run a small cleaning brush through both air holes at least once to remove residue.
- Rinse under running cold or lukewarm water for at least 30 seconds.
- Dry the cup completely before storing it.
Choose a Cup-Safe Cleanser
Use a cleanser made specifically for menstrual cups or another mild, fragrance-free, glycerin-free cleanser suitable for intimate product care. Avoid moisturizing liquid soaps containing glycerin, fragrances, antibacterial ingredients, oils, or abrasives.
Helpful Products for Routine Cleaning
Air Hole Cleaning Brushes
Clean residue from the two small air holes.
Ultimate Cup Cleaning Kit
A broad set of supplies for cleaning, disinfecting, stain care, and storage.
Essential Menstrual Cup Cleaning Kit
Core supplies for regular menstrual cup cleaning and disinfection.
Watch the Cleaning Instructions
Prefer to watch the process? These two video guides demonstrate menstrual cup cleaning and care.
Menstrual Cup Cleaning Video
Menstrual Cup Care Video
How to Disinfect Your Menstrual Cup
Disinfect your MeLuna before first use and after every menstrual cycle. Choose the method that best fits your routine.
| Method | How It Works | Important Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop Boiling | Fully submerge the cup in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. | Do not let the cup rest on the bottom of the pot. Use a whisk or strainer and never leave it unattended. | Users who do not need a separate disinfection accessory. |
| Microwave Sanitizer | Place the cup in water inside a microwave-safe container and create steam with the microwave. | The water will be very hot. Follow the product instructions and handle the container carefully. | Home or travel locations with microwave access. |
| Steam Disinfection Device | Add water to a device designed for menstrual cups and run its steam cycle. | Follow the device instructions. Distilled water may help in areas with very hard water. | Home, dorms, and users who want a dedicated device. |
| Milton Mini Tablets | Dissolve 1 Milton Mini Tablet per 60 mL of cold water and soak as directed. | The MeLuna disinfection container holds 100 mL. Adjust the number of tablets if using a larger container. | Travel, shared bathrooms, or no-heat disinfection. |
Products for Menstrual Cup Disinfection
Microwave Sanitizer
Foldable container for microwave disinfection using water.
Milton Tablets and Container
Cold-water disinfection with 50 Milton Mini Tablets.
Steam Disinfection Device
A dedicated plug-in device for menstrual cup disinfection.
Storage and Cleaning on the Go
Storage at Home
- Dry the cup completely before storage.
- Use the breathable pouch included with your MeLuna Cup.
- Do not store the cup in an airtight container.
- Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight.
Public Restrooms and Travel
- Wipe the cup with clean tissue or paper towel if no sink is available.
- Rinse with bottled water when possible.
- Carry cup-safe wipes or a small water bottle.
- Avoid alcohol-based wipes. Laboratory research found that ethanol and isopropyl alcohol exposure increased biofilm formation in tested strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. This study did not test menstrual cups directly, but it supports our cautious recommendation to use cup-safe, alcohol-free wipes instead. Read the study .
TUSHY Travel Bidet
A portable water source for rinsing your cup when a sink is not within reach.
Travel Cup Cleaning Kit
Compact cleaning and disinfection supplies for use away from home.
Artisan Glass Cup Tray
A handmade tray for drying, resting, and displaying your menstrual cup.
Stains, Odors, and Mineral Buildup
Preventing and Removing Stains
Rinse with cold water before using heat. Heat may set stains.
- Soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use Milton Mini Tablets according to their instructions.
- For light staining, use a cup-safe cleanser and cleaning brush.
Odor
Empty and clean your cup every 8 to 12 hours. Odor may develop when proteins in menstrual fluid remain on the cup for too long.
Thorough routine cleaning and complete drying usually provide the best prevention.
Hard-Water Buildup
Calcium deposits may appear as small, light-colored bumps after boiling in hard water.
Use vinegar diluted to no more than 3% in hot or cold water. Gentle rubbing may still be needed.
Very Hard Water
Consider using a steam device with distilled water to reduce mineral buildup during repeated disinfection.
What Not to Use on a MeLuna Cup
- Household, dish, or laundry cleaners
- Abrasive or antibacterial cleaners
- Moisturizing liquid soaps containing glycerin
- Oils, fats, or alcohol-based products
- Alcohol wipes. See the laboratory study on alcohol exposure and Staphylococcal biofilm formation .
- Dishwashers or washing machines
- Airtight storage containers
- Prolonged direct sunlight
- Temperatures above 280°F or 138°C
- Prolonged contact with silicone-based lubricant
Solutions for Special Cup-Care Issues
Menstrual Cup Stain Remover Set
Targeted supplies for treating stubborn menstrual cup stains.
Milton Tablets and Disinfection Container
A no-heat option that can also help with mild stains and odors.
Ultimate Cup Cleaning Kit
A complete option for routine care, disinfection, stains, odors, and storage.
Simple Care Helps Your Cup Last
Clean your cup every 8 to 12 hours during use, disinfect it between cycles, dry it completely, and store it in a breathable pouch.
All About Smelly Cups
Learn more about causes and remedies in this blog post
All about Menstrual Cup Stains
Learn more about causes, prevention and remedies in this blog post
