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!
32 comments
Can I speak my cup in a baking soda solution? I’ve tried vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol. I’ve booked it multiple times. It still stinks! Baking soda disks have worked wonders with other silicon products I own but I don’t want to risk ruining the cup.
Hi My cup smells like death! Lunette Cup must be boiled for 20 minutes before first use to sufficiently sanitize the cup. We recommend boiling between each cycle as well. You can purchase a separate pot to be your Lunette Cup pot if boiling in regular pots is not ideal for you. :) You can wipe the cup with rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, or vinegar to help get rid of odor. You can also let it sit out in the sun!
-Team Lunette
I’ve been tempted to throw my cup away because I can’t get rid of the odor. Is it okay to soak it in rubbing alcohol and water to try and get rid of the smell? I have a back up but I’d hate to just have to throw it away. And I prefer not to boil it because the thought of having something that was in my vagina in a pot I use to cook with just doesn’t sit well with me.
Hi, Bella! We do not recommend using Milton tablets. :)
-Team Lunette
Can I soak it in Milton ( the stuff for baby bottles and teats ?
Ohhhhh ladies y’all have eased my concern, and quieted my self consciousness🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thought I was having big big problems. Headed to ving bath the vag cup then boil that bish.
Hey No name! So glad we were able to help! :)
-Team Lunette
I’m a first time user of a diva cup and I’m glad I found this when I did. I was beginning to worry.
I’m glad I found this. Every time I remove the cup after the 3rd day, it’s always like something died. I mean I realize this is dead tissue and old blood shedding so I’m sure that doesnt help the smell as well. But I cant even tell you the extent of concern I felt the first time I noticed it. I wish there was a way to take away the smell during my period. But guess that’s just something we have to learn to deal with, or buy an extra cup to swap out with every other day. Good to know I’m not the only person having this issue though.
Pro tip when boiling: put the cup inside a whisk to prevent the cup from touching the bottom of the pot and protect it incase you accidentally let the water boil away.