Does your menstrual cup smell funny? Has it turned a yellowish color? Are you wondering if you're cleaning it properly or if you should throw it away? Welcome to the club of cup users who have a thousand questions about caring for this little piece of silicone that shares their intimate life every month. A cup that smells or stains? Nothing abnormal, it's extremely common, and in 99% of cases, it's easily fixed.
This article gives you all the keys to clean, sterilize and maintain your menstrual cup properly, stress-free and hassle-free. Because a well-maintained cup is not only more hygienic, but it's also a cup that lasts 10 years and saves you a fortune on disposable protection. We're going to talk about odors, stains, bacteria, baking soda, and all the tips that really work.
⚡ The essentials in 30 seconds
Why It's Important to Clean Your Cup Properly
Let's not kid ourselves, cleaning your cup isn't the sexiest part of using it. But it's clearly what makes all the difference between a great experience and a hassle with infections and rotten odors. Here's how.
What Happens If You Skip Cleaning
🦠 Bacteria settle in
Menstrual blood is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. If you don't clean your cup properly, blood residue gets stuck (especially in the small holes) and creates a bacterial biofilm. Over the course of your cycle, this can cause vaginal infections like vaginosis or yeast infections.
😷 The smell is becoming unbearable
A poorly cleaned cup will develop an increasingly strong odor over time. It can range from a metallic smell to downright nauseating things (cheese, fish, rotten eggs, etc.). And then, spoiler, it's more unnoticed.
💸 Your cup dies prematurely
Medical-grade silicone is strong, but if you treat it like an old rag, it'll become sticky, cracked, or so odor-infused that you'll have to throw it away after 2 years instead of 10. What a waste.
😨 The risk of toxic shock syndrome
Yes, TSS also occurs with cups (although it's extremely rare). If you leave your cup in for too long without emptying it (more than 12 hours) or if it's not properly cleaned, bacteria can proliferate and release toxins. Don't panic, it's rare, but it's best not to tempt fate.
💡 The honest deal
Properly cleaning your cup takes 2 minutes a day during your period, and 10 minutes of sterilization at the beginning/end of your cycle. In exchange, you get a cup that lasts 10 years, with zero odor, zero infection, and zero hassle. That's a pretty good deal, right?
Daily Cleansing (During Your Period)
Let's get down to business. During your period, you'll need to empty and clean your cup several times a day. The technique you use will determine whether your cup stays pristine or turns into a smelly nightmare.
The Method That Works Every Time
Step 1: Remove your cup
Pinch the base to let air in and break the suction, then pull gently. If it resists, relax, breathe, and pinch again higher up. The more you tense up, the more difficult it is.
Pro tip: Do this in the bathroom or shower the first few times, just to avoid crime scene-style carnage if you spill everything.
Step 2: Empty the contents
In the toilet or sink. If in the sink, run water at the same time to avoid staining.
Step 3: Rinse with COLD water
NEVER hot water first. Hot water cooks the blood and sets it into the silicone, creating brown stains that are impossible to remove. Always start with a cold water rinse to remove the blood.
Step 4: Wash with mild soap
Once the blood is gone, wash your cup with a mild, pH-neutral soap (ideally an intimate soap without perfume, colorants, or parabens). Scrub the inside, outside, stem, and especially the small holes at the top of the cup well (use an old, dedicated toothbrush if necessary).
⚠️ Avoid harsh soaps, scented shower gels, and dish soap. Silicone is porous and will absorb any chemical residue. You don't want that in your vagina.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse off all traces of soap thoroughly. If soap residue remains, it can irritate your vagina and upset your flora. Rinse, rinse again, and again to be sure.
Step 6: Dry and replace
Dry your cup with clean toilet paper or a clean towel (not the dirty kitchen towel you've had for 3 weeks). Then put it right back in.
Cleaning Outside Your Home (Public Restrooms, Work, etc.)
Ah, the hassle of public restrooms without a sink in the stall. You have several options.
- Option 1: The water bottle - Carry a small bottle of water with you. Empty your cup into the toilet, rinse it with your water over the toilet, wipe with toilet paper, and put it back. Not the clean of the century, but it helps.
- Option 2: Special cup wipes - There are wipes designed specifically for cleaning cups without water. They're handy in a pinch, but use them occasionally, not every day (they're expensive and not great for the planet).
- Option 3: Wet toilet paper - Wipe your cup thoroughly with dry toilet paper, then with moistened paper. Put it back in, and you'll do a proper wash once you get home.
- Option 4: The Ninja Strategy - Empty your cup in the toilet, put it in a small airtight bag, use another protection (pad/panty liner) until you get home, and wash your cup quietly in your sink.
💡 Anticipate
The cup can be left in place for 8-12 hours. Plan to empty it at home in the morning and evening. This way, you avoid the hassle of cleaning it up at the office.
Sterilization: Why, When, How
Daily cleaning is the basics. But to truly eliminate all bacteria and ensure impeccable hygiene, you need to sterilize your cup regularly. It sounds like a hassle, but it actually takes 10 minutes.
When to Sterilize Your Cup
- Avant-garde use : Your cup comes from the factory, it has been lying around in boxes, warehouses... Boil it for 10 minutes before inserting it for the first time.
- At the beginning of each cycle : Before your period starts, hop, a quick 5-10 minute sterilization. It's a healthy start.
- At the end of each cycle : Once your period is over, sterilize your cup before storing it. That way, it'll be waiting for you, all clean, for the next month.
- If it smells weird or you have had an infection : If you have a persistent odor or vaginal infection during your period, sterilize your cup (or even change it if the odor really doesn't go away).
Method 1: Classic Boiling (Most Effective)
What you need: A saucepan, water, your cup, and 10 minutes.
1. Fill a saucepan with water (enough so that your cup is completely submerged)
2. Bring the water to a boil
3. Dip your cup into boiling water (use a spoon so it doesn't touch the hot bottom)
4. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes (set a timer, otherwise you'll forget and burn it)
5. Take it out with a clean spoon, let it cool and dry completely
⚠️ Mistakes to avoid: NEVER let your cup touch the bottom of the pot while boiling (it will melt/burn). Keep it submerged with a spoon or whisk. And most importantly, use a dedicated pot or one that doesn't bother you (some people find it weird to boil their cup in the pasta pot).
Method 2: The Special Cup Sterilizer (If You Have the Budget)
Some brands sell small electric or microwave sterilizers specifically designed for cups. You put your cup inside with water, plug it in/microwave it for 3 minutes, and that's it. It's faster and more discreet (no need to use the family pan), but it costs €20-40.
Method 3: Sterilizing Tablets (Troubleshooting)
You can also use cold sterilization tablets (like for baby bottles). You dissolve the tablet in water, let your cup soak for 15-30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. It's less effective than boiling, but it helps if you don't have a saucepan available or if you're traveling.
Odor Problem: Why Your Cup Smells Weird (And How to Fix It)
Come on, let's get straight to the point. Your cup stinks. Like, really stinks. It smells like cheese, fish, metal, or downright rotten eggs. Before you freak out and throw it out the window, know that it's super common and there are reasons (and, more importantly, solutions).
Why It Smells (The 5 Main Causes)
"Normal" Odors (Don't Panic)
A quick aside before giving you some tips. Not all smells are worrying.
- Metallic smell : It's the iron in your blood. Totally normal, especially if your flow is heavy.
- Slightly sour/cheesy smell : Your lactobacilli (good vaginal bacteria) are doing their job. This is a good sign for your flora.
- Light musk/body scent : Menstrual blood has a natural odor. This is discreet and normal.
On the other hand, if it smells like rotten fish, rotten eggs, or if the odor is downright nauseating, then there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Solutions That Work to Eliminate Odor
1. Baking Soda (The Miracle Cure)
Baking soda is THE magic ingredient for neutralizing odors. Here's how to use it.
Method 1: Baking soda bath
- Fill a bowl with warm water
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Soak your cup for 2-3 hours (or overnight)
- Rinse thoroughly
Method 2: Sterilization with bicarbonate
Boil your cup with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the water for 5-10 minutes. Baking soda neutralizes odors during sterilization.
2. Sun Exposure (Natural Disinfection)
The sun's UV rays have disinfecting and deodorizing properties. After washing your cup, let it dry in direct sunlight for a few hours. Bonus: it also helps remove yellow stains.
⚠️ Don't leave it on for too long (max 6-8 hours) as too much sun can damage the silicone.
3. White Vinegar (Mild Disinfectant)
White vinegar disinfects and neutralizes odors.
- Mix 1/3 white vinegar + 2/3 water
- Soak your cup for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Rinse THOROUGHLY (otherwise it will smell like vinegar, and hello odor in your vagina)
⚠️ If nothing works...
If the odor persists despite baking soda, sun, vinegar, and repeated sterilization, it means either your cup is too old and it's time to change it, or you have a vaginal infection that needs to be treated. Consult a gynecologist to check.
Stains: Why Your Cup Turns Yellow (And How to Remove It)
Has your cup turned a yellowish or brownish-beige color? Does it have stains around the holes or on the rim? Welcome to the club. This is super common, and it does NOT mean your cup is ruined.
Why It Gets Stained
- Blood oxidizes : When in contact with air, the iron in the blood oxidizes and leaves brown/yellow traces.
- Hot water sets stains : If you rinse with hot water first, you cook the blood into the silicone.
- Silicone is porous : Even medical grade silicone absorbs some pigment over time.
Important: A stained cup is NOT a dirty or dangerous cup. It's just less visually appealing. It's still perfectly usable.
How to Remove Stains
Method 1: Hydrogen Peroxide (Most Effective)
Hydrogen peroxide (3% hydrogen peroxide) is extremely effective at bleaching silicone.
- Mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide + 50% water
- Dip your cup in it
- Leave to soak overnight (6-12 hours)
- Rinse thoroughly the next day
Result: Your cup comes out like new, the stains have disappeared.
Method 2: Bicarbonate + Sun
For light stains, the bicarbonate + sun combo is enough.
- Soak your cup in a bicarbonate bath (1 teaspoon in a bowl of water) for 2-3 hours
- Rinse
- Leave to dry in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours
Mistakes to Avoid (That Will Ruin Your Cup)
Come on, let's go over the classic mistakes that will either ruin your cup or expose you to infections. Because you might as well learn from other people's mistakes rather than your own.
🚫 Rinse with hot water first : Hot water cooks the blood and sets it in the silicone. Always rinse with cold water FIRST.
🚫 Use harsh soaps : Scented shower gel, dish soap, Marseille soap... Silicone absorbs everything. Use only a mild soap with a neutral pH.
🚫 Let it touch the bottom of the pan : While boiling, your cup will melt/burn if it touches the bottom. Keep it submerged with a spoon.
🚫 Store it damp in a closed bag : Mold-free. Always let it air dry completely before storing.
🚫 Forgetting to clean small holes : This is where blood collects. Use a toothbrush or toothpick to clean them thoroughly.
🚫 Use essential oils or tea tree : Tea tree and other essential oils can irritate your vaginal mucosa and upset your flora. Don't touch them.
🚫 Keep it on for more than 12 hours in a row : Beyond 12 hours, bacteria proliferate and you risk toxic shock syndrome. Empty it every 4-8 hours, max 12 hours.
🚫 Continue to use a cup that sticks or cracks : If your cup becomes sticky, cracked, or smells permanently bad, throw it away and buy a new one.
Summary Table: Your Entire Interview at a Glance
So you have everything at hand, here is a table that summarizes EVERYTHING you need to know about caring for your cup.
Shelf Life: How Long to Keep Your Cup
A medical-grade silicone menstrual cup can last up to 10 years if you care for it properly. But be careful, that doesn't mean you HAVE to keep it for 10 years at all costs. There are certain signs that it's time to replace it.
Change your cup
- It becomes sticky or slimy to the touch
- Cracks or cracks appear
- The smell does not go away despite all the treatments
- It has lost its elasticity (it remains bent or deformed)
- You had a severe vaginal infection
- She's over 10 years old (even though she looks OK)
On the other hand : A stained or slightly discolored cup is NOT a sign that it needs to be replaced. It is purely cosmetic.
Need new menstrual protection?
If you're struggling with your cup or want a hassle-free alternative, check out our Period Panties. They're washable, comfortable, and you can wear them for up to 12 hours without worrying about a thing. Perfect as a complement to or replacement for your cup.
Your Cup Deserves Some Love
Ultimately, cleaning your cup isn't a big deal. A two-minute daily routine during your period, a 10-minute sterilization at the beginning and end of your cycle, and you've got a perfect menstrual protection that will last you for years. Yes, it's less practical than a tampon that you throw away. But between the monstrous savings, the almost zero environmental impact, and the fact that you're not poisoning your vagina with chemicals every month, it's well worth it.
If your cup smells bad, before you freak out: make sure you're emptying it often enough, cleaning it properly (especially the holes), and sterilizing it regularly. In 99% of cases, a good bath with baking soda and sun exposure will solve the problem. If nothing really works, it's either too old or you have a vaginal infection to treat.
Stains are purely cosmetic. A stained cup remains perfectly healthy and usable. But if it bothers you visually, soaking it in diluted hydrogen peroxide will restore its original whiteness. Now you have all the keys to a clean, odor-free cup that lasts 10 years. Go ahead, take care of your little piece of silicone!
Sources & Scientific References
This article is based on scientific studies and medical recommendations on menstrual hygiene.
Safety and hygiene of menstrual cups
- van Eijk AM, et al. (2019). Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Public Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2
- Nonfoux L, et al. (2018). Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.00351-18
Vaginal flora and infections
- Workowski KA, et al. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. CDC.
- Mitchell CM, et al. (2015). Bacterial vaginosis, not HIV, is primarily responsible for increased vaginal concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.0155
Maintenance recommendations
- Howard C, et al. (2011). WASH in Schools Empowers Girls' Education: Proceedings of the Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools Virtual Conference. UNICEF & Columbia University.
- FDA. (2020). The Facts on Tampons and How to Use Them Safely. US Food & Drug Administration. FDA Link
Note: This article offers care tips based on manufacturer recommendations and validated hygiene practices. If you are unsure of an infection or persistent problem, consult a healthcare professional.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only. If you experience symptoms of a vaginal infection (foul odor, itching, pain, abnormal discharge), consult a gynecologist or doctor.
