Menstruators can get quite hung up about smelling during their periods. It’s perfectly natural for there to be some slight odor but if you’re concerned about a strong smell do go and see your doctor. The good news is that if you think the funky smell is coming from your period cup, there are things you can do about it.
How to keep your period cup fresh
We recommend boiling the cup for 5 to 10 minutes before and after your period, but in case of odor it can be a good idea to boil your cup for up to 20 minutes before and after your period, for the cleanliness of your cup and the health of your vagina. Make sure you use a deep pot to boil your menstrual cup otherwise you will risk burning or warping your menstrual care device. Check out full details on ‘How to clean’.
Alternatively, use liquid soaps or cup wipes, like our Lunette Cup Cleanser and Lunette Cup Wipes, that have been specifically formulated for menstrual cups. These washes are designed to clean the cup properly without leaving any residue. Avoid any that include oils, colorants or scents/fragrance as they may leave chemicals and residues on the cup. Some ingredients also harm the silicone material. A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. Look for cleansing products that have a similar PH balance.
Never, ever put your period cup in the dishwasher!
There are some alternatives that you can use, if you don’t have cup wipes or a proper cleanser at hand.
Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour in a water and clear vinegar mixture (50-50 is a good ratio). Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. But be careful not to damage the air holes and clean them carefully. Boil your cup AGAIN for up to 20 minutes and allow your cup to air dry in the sun completely before use. Leaving the cup to soak in the sun helps with discoloration or smells – but it’s not always the most practical solution!
Hi Tash,
we have heard about leaving the cup in the sun too. Since the sun may bleach things, it could help with discolouring. But we haven’t tested this so cannot give any advice on this. Airing the cup out may help removing smell too, i.e. leave your cup sitting on a safe spot (e.g. a shelf, away from pets and kids) for several hours or days, so that it can air out. This might help reducing smell. And basically if you leave your cup somewhere sitting in the sun (e.g. on a window sill) it is more or less at the same time airing out.
Best regards, Team Lunette
Same y’all. Glad for postings. I just used the first time and it took forever for me to get out and when i did ialmost threw up when i smelled it . I’m used to tampons and that regular change so i never smell blood . Kinda unsettling. I’m soaking it in vinegar as we speak. I read a lot from the sites, not the people comments, about to leave in the sun? What is that purpose like how does leaving in sun help smell and all that? Thanks.
Hi Tasha!
We don’t recommend using microwave for disinfection. Many containers that are being used for this purpose may contain harmful chemicals which might dissolve to water. The cup should be under boiling water for several minutes which might be hard to fulfill with microwave. We recommend washing the cup with our Lunette Cup Cleanser and then boiling for 5 to 10 minutes. Best regards, Team Lunette
Would a microwave work? Really don’t want it sitting out in the kitchen for 20 mins
I have been using a menstrual cup for almost 17 years. I soak mine in antiseptic mouthwash when it gets stinky and at the end of my cycle. Works like a charm.