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!
Buy Lume Deodorant and wipe some inside after a good rinsing between re insert. Its a miracle.
Thank you Bethany for the protip! Brilliant :) Now I don’t have to hover with my tongs during the boiling process out of fear of damaging my cup as it rests on the bottom. I understand it’s heat resistant… but at some point all that heat is going to compromise the material in some way. I mean, c’mon! Lol Anyway, I vote that use of a whisk should be included by anyone recommending boiling as a cleaning method.
Hi Glad I’m not broken! We recommend using distilled vinegar or white vinegar. 😊
-Team Lunette
Sooo glad I googled this before I just tossed my Diva Cup and got a new one. Soaked it overnight in anti bacterial, anti fungal wash and it helped a ton but wasn’t a 100% fix. Will ACV work for the vinegar bath or does it need to be white distilled?
Hi Katie! We do not recommend a baking soda bath for your Cup. However, you can still the Cup in sunshine for a few hours – that might just do the trick!
-Team Lunette