Boiling your menstrual cup is important for good hygiene. How exactly do you do this? We give you the best tips & tricks.
Why boil your menstrual cup?
The purpose of the boil out is to disinfect your menstrual cup: killing unwanted bacteria. The cooking is also called sterilizing. It is important to do this regularly, because the presence of bacteria can cause irritations and other complaints. It also increases the risk of tampon disease, also called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
NOTE: with correct use of the menstrual cup, the chance of contracting TSS is nil!
In addition to boiling out, it is of course important to take good care of your cup. Read here how to clean your menstrual cup.
Boiling your menstrual cup: how and for how long?
You boil your menstrual cup by putting it in a pan with boiling water to place. Leave the cup in for 3 minutes. Make sure the cup is completely submerged in water and it is not touching the bottom of the pan. A handy trick for this is to place the cup in a whisk.
There are also special microwave sterilizers. With this you can use your cup in the microwave sterilize. However, be careful with these: they may affect the material of the cup. If you notice any changes to the material, please stop using it.
How often should you boil your menstrual cup?
You need to sterilize your menstrual cup before the first use and after each period. During your period, it is sufficient to thoroughly clean your cup with water.
Let the cup dry after boiling and then store it in a breathable cotton bag. You can then use it immediately for your next period.
Boiling your menstrual cup with vinegar or baking soda
To give your cup a thorough cleaning You can also boil your menstrual cup with a tablespoon of vinegar and a scoop of baking soda. Then let it dry in the sun.
However, only do this if your cup is discolored, stained, or smells strange. If you use these substances on a regular basis, they can affect the material of the cup.