What Can Damage a TPE Menstrual Cup

TPE menstrual cups, like the MeLuna Cup, are known for their flexibility, comfort, and long lifespan. They hold up well when cared for correctly, but they are still sensitive to certain products and conditions. Understanding what can damage TPE helps you protect your cup and keep it working the way it should.

This guide walks you through the most common issues and how to avoid them.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaners

The most common cause of TPE cup damage is incorrect cleaning. TPE reacts strongly to harsh products, and repeated exposure can change how the material feels and performs.

Use only mild, fragrance free soap or detergent. Avoid anything that contains antibacterial agents, strong surfactants, or heavy fragrance. Household cleaners like bleach and dish soaps with degreasers are also too harsh.

Harsh cleaners can dry out the material or leave it swollen and tacky. Either way, the cup will not feel the same and may not open correctly once inserted.

2. Long Term Exposure to Oils, Fats, Alcohol, or Glycerin

TPE can react negatively to some substances over time. Exposure to the substances can change the structure of the material. Oils, fats, glycerin, and alcohol are the main concerns. Long term contact with any of these can make the cup soften and become floppy.

Some common products that may contain glycerin include:

• Body lotions

• Hand creams

• Soaps

• Personal lubricants

• Moisturizing wipes

• Massage oils

If these products stay on the cup for long periods, the material can lose firmness. A cup that becomes too soft will not seal well and may fold in on itself during wear.

3. Short Term Contact with Silicone Based Lubricants

Silicone based lubricants should not be used with a TPE cup. Short contact will not dissolve the material, but it can make the surface sticky. Once the surface turns sticky, the cup becomes harder to clean and more likely to attract lint or residue.

If this happens accidentally, wash the cup with mild soap and water right away. Avoid letting the lubricant sit on the cup.

If you use lubricant with your cup, choose a water based formula.

4. Storing Your Cup Incorrectly

TPE holds up well when stored correctly, but direct sunlight can damage it over time. Prolonged UV exposure breaks down the material and causes fading, stiffness, or uneven texture.

Keep your cup in a breathable pouch. Do not store it on a sunny shelf, in a hot car, or on a windowsill. Darkness and airflow keep the material stable between cycles.

5. Exposure to High Temperatures

TPE has an upper temperature limit. Heat above 280 degrees Fahrenheit or 138 degrees Celsius can warp or distort the cup.

Normal cleaning and disinfection methods are safe as long as the cup is fully surrounded by water during heating. Problems occur only when the cup comes into direct contact with dry, very hot surfaces, such as the bottom of a pan or the inside of a microwave without the protective water around it.

If you disinfect your cup with heat, make sure it floats freely in water and is never touching the sides of the container.

How to Keep Your TPE Cup in Good Condition

A few simple habits help your MeLuna Cup last for years.

• Clean with gentle, fragrance free soap.

• Rinse well after each wash.

• Dry fully before storing.

• Store in a breathable pouch away from sunlight.

• Keep it away from oils, lotions, and glycerin based products.

• Choose water based lubricant if you need extra comfort during insertion.

• Use safe heating methods for disinfection.

These habits protect the TPE material, keep the cup feeling comfortable, and maintain the firmness needed for a reliable seal.

Taking care of a TPE menstrual cup does not need to be complicated. A little attention to cleaning products, storage, and what the material reacts to goes a long way. With the right care, your cup stays dependable, comfortable, and ready for years of use.