Do you use a menstrual cup, but not sure how to clean it properly. Do you clean the cup again before you use it because you are worried about bacteria growth inside the cup? You might be having several questions regarding the upkeep and maintenance of this small silicon cup. Today I am going to share some really quick and handy tips to properly clean and store menstrual cups so that it stays free from any kind of bacteria growth. If you are new to Menstrual Cups, let me walk you through the basics and need of these cups.
What is a Menstrual Cup?
Menstrual Cup is a feminine hygiene product that needs to be inserted into the vagina during the menstrual cycle. It is quite an eco-friendly alternative to sanitary pads as well as tampons. Menstrual cups are reusable for as long as 10 years, and they are quite safe to be used. A menstrual cup can hold menstrual flow for about 8-12 hours.
A menstrual cup is generally made of medical-grade silicone so that it does not infect the organs. It is shaped like a bell with a stem and is quite flexible so that it could be easily inserted into the vagina.
What could go wrong with Menstrual Cups, if not cleaned properly?
Menstrual cups are considered to be one of the safest options for menstruating women as well as have a minimal effect on the environment because they are not single-use and throw as sanitary pads and tampons. Menstrual cups do not need extra efforts to clean and store. But you must have basic knowledge about them to keep them safe and durable.
Bacteria Growth Inside Menstrual Cup
In a study, it was found that menstrual cups are more prone to developing bacteria as compared to tampons and sanitary pads. A menstrual cup is made from medical grade silicone hence it does not infect organs when inserted. But it is prone to develop bacteria because of the presence of menstrual blood inside it. Also, the shape and the size of the cup acts in favor of the bacteria because cups trap more air.
When you insert the cup inside your vagina, outside air enters inside the vagina and it creates a friendly environment for Staphylococcus aureus, a strain known to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS can cause sudden high fever, vomiting, low blood pressure, Dihhera, etc. This sounds scary, but it is rare and very much preventable.
How to properly clean a Menstrual Cup to protect it from bacteria & fungal growth?
Follow these steps to protect your menstrual cup from bacteria, discoloration, stains, and smell.
- Ideally, menstrual cups should be emptied between 4-8 hours. It should be cleaned every time before re-inserting.
- Use A Menstrual Cup Cleansing Wash/Cleanser to clean the cup.
- Boil in water for 3-5 minutes
- Dry in the sun for some time.
- Store in an organic cloth/pouch the menstrual cup was originally shipped with.
Menstrual cup must be cleaned before and after use.
Out of many cleansers, I have tried, I like to stick with Everteen Menstrual Cup Cleanser because I use Everteen Menstrual Cup. It is a good idea to use a cup cleanser from the same brand. Let’s talk about this cleanser and how to use it.
Everteen Menstrual Cup Cleanser
By now, you must have understood, it’s important to use a good cleanser to protect your menstrual cup from bacteria, fungus, stains, and odor. Evreteen Menstrual Cup Cleanser is an effective and easy way to clean a menstrual cup. I have been using Everteen Menstrual Cup for a year now and use Everteen menstrual cup cleanser only. The cleanser keeps me worry-free about the cleanliness of my menstrual cup. The cup cleanser comes with a brush to clean the cup thoroughly.
- Non-Toxic
- Natural plants formula
- Food grade ingredients
- Anti Bacterial
- Anti Fungal
- 100% safe to use
- Kills on 99.9% germs
- Tough on stains
Ingredients
Aqua, Acidum Citricum, Crodasinic LS30, Lemon Oil, Palm Kernel, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbet
Packaging
Everteen menstrual cup cleanser comes in a white bottle with a pump. It’s quite convenient to use. It is equipped with a small brush to clean the cup thoroughly.
Fragrance & Texture
This cup cleanser is a transparent runny solution with lemon fragrance. It smells great and that’s why it takes away the bad odor out of the cup very easily.
Price & Availability
The MRP of the product is Rs. 360 for 200ml. Available at Everteen’s website and Amazon.
How To Use Everteen Menstrual Cup Cleanser?
This cup cleanser could be used in two ways depending upon the availability of a small container with you that can be used to immerse your cup.
Use A Container:
- Fill a container with 200ml and 10ml of Everteen menstrual cup cleanser.
- Immerse your menstrual cup for 5 minutes.
- Use the cup cleansing brush to clean the cup.
- Make sure to go through every hollow part of the cup as well as go inside the rims.
- Rince your cup under running water.
- Lay down your cup on a sunny area.
- Make sure the spot is not too hot or it will damage the cup.
- After the cup is thoroughly dry, it can be used again or stored in an organic cloth.
Without Using A Container:
- If you are out and don’t have access to a container, follow these steps: to clean your menstrual cup.
- Fill the cup with water and add 2 ml of Everteen menstrual cup cleanser.
- Use the brush to stir and clean the cup.
- Make sure to go through the rims of the cup to clean it thoroughly.
- After 5 minutes, rinse it with clean water.
- In case you have to use it again, dry it with a cloth, and re-insert.
- In case you have to store you cup back, lay it under the sun for a few minutes.
- Store in the original pouch, your cup came with.
Why I use Everteen Menstrual Cup Cleanser to clean my Menstrual Cup?
- Because it is not practical to boil my menstrual cup every single time while I am on my cycle. It’s so easy to just pump out Everteen menstrual cup cleanser and clean my cup in a matter of 5 minutes.
- I sterilize my cup at the end of my cycle. But before using the cup, I use Everteen menstrual cup cleanser.
- This cleanser works on menstrual odor. My cup smells fresh after every wash.
- There is no discoloration on my cup.
- The cleanser takes away stains easily.
- The brush makes it easy to reach the narrow points and under the rims.
- I am assured that all the bacteria are taken care of by this cleanser.
- The cleanser contains food-grade ingredients, hence safe to use.
- Convenient to use.
- Available at Rs. 360 for 200 ml. Highly affordable and economical in the long run.
Everteen Cup Cleanser is a must-have for me because I cannot take chances with my hygiene. A menstrual cup must be cleaned thoroughly to discourage any kind of bacterial & fungal growth inside the cup. This cleanser also removes stains, while protecting the color and bounciness of the cup. It adds a refreshing scent to the cup so that it’s always a pleasant experience to use the cup without any worry.
In case you have any questions or queries regarding the Menstrual cup or this cleanser, feel free to drop a comment below. Or you can write to me at HighOnGloss@gmail.com
Nisha Malik ❤
