Wondering how to clean a menstrual cup properly? During your period, rinse your cup between uses and clean it according to the manufacturer's care instructions. At the start and end of each cycle, sterilise it thoroughly before storing or using it again.

Keeping your menstrual cup clean is an important part of caring for both your cup and your body. The good news is that menstrual cup cleaning is relatively simple once you know what to do.

Why Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup Is Important

Before cleaning or handling your menstrual cup, always wash your hands thoroughly.

Good hand hygiene helps reduce the chance of introducing bacteria while inserting, removing or cleaning your cup.

Proper menstrual cup care can also help:

• keep your cup clean and hygienic
• reduce unwanted odours
• protect the silicone from unnecessary damage
• extend the usable life of your cup

How to Clean a Menstrual Cup During Your Period

During your cycle, your cup does not usually need to be sterilised every time you empty it.

Between uses:

• Rinse your cup thoroughly with clean water.
• Use a mild, unscented soap if needed and if recommended for your cup.
• Rinse away any soap residue before reinserting.

Always follow the care instructions provided with your menstrual cup, as cleaning recommendations can vary slightly between brands.

How to Sterilise a Menstrual Cup

For the Inoya Period Cup, we recommend sterilising your cup at the start and end of each menstrual cycle.

After your cycle:

• Boil your cup for 3–5 minutes.
• Or use a menstrual cup steriliser with water and a microwave, following the product instructions.

The Inoya Steriliser makes this process simple. Add water, place your cup inside and follow the microwave instructions.

You can also watch our video on how to sterilise a menstrual cup using the Inoya Steriliser.

What Not to Use When Cleaning a Menstrual Cup

Some cleaning products can leave residue, irritate sensitive tissue or affect the silicone over time.

Avoid using:

• bleach or harsh household cleaning products
• oil-based soaps
• antibacterial handwash
• strongly scented soaps
• coloured or fragranced cleansers

If you use soap, choose a mild, fragrance-free option and rinse the cup thoroughly afterwards.

How to Store Your Menstrual Cup Between Periods

Once your cup has been cleaned and sterilised, allow it to dry completely before storing it.

Keep it in a breathable storage pouch rather than an airtight container unless your cup manufacturer's instructions say otherwise.

Before your next period, inspect your cup for any signs of damage or deterioration and sterilise it according to the care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Dish Soap or Hand Sanitiser to Clean My Menstrual Cup?

Avoid hand sanitiser, harsh detergents and strongly fragranced cleaning products.

If you use soap, choose a mild, fragrance-free option that is suitable for your cup and rinse thoroughly before reinserting it.

How Often Should I Sterilise My Menstrual Cup?

For the Inoya Period Cup, we recommend sterilising it at the start and end of each menstrual cycle.

During your period, rinsing and cleaning your cup between uses is generally sufficient when following the supplied care instructions.

Do I Need to Boil My Menstrual Cup Every Time I Empty It?

No. You do not need to boil your cup every time you empty it.

Clean it between uses during your period and sterilise it according to the manufacturer's recommendations at the appropriate points in your cycle.

How Often Should I Replace My Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cup lifespan varies depending on the material, brand, care and condition of the cup.

Some menstrual cups may last for several years with appropriate care. At Inoya, we recommend replacing your Period Cup every three years and checking it regularly for signs of wear, damage or deterioration.

What Should I Do if My Menstrual Cup Smells?

A mild odour can sometimes develop with repeated use.

Clean and sterilise your cup thoroughly according to its care instructions. If you notice persistent odour, damage or changes in the silicone that concern you, consider replacing the cup.

The Bottom Line

Learning how to clean and sterilise a menstrual cup is straightforward:

• wash your hands before handling your cup
• rinse and clean it between uses
• sterilise it at the recommended points in your cycle
• avoid harsh or fragranced cleaning products
• allow it to dry before storing
• check regularly for signs of wear or damage

Good care helps keep your menstrual cup hygienic and in good condition for repeated use.

About the Author

Helena Uhm
Founder of Inoya | RN, MPH

Helena is the Founder of Inoya, an Australian period care company focused on raising the standard of period care through thoughtful product design, better material choices, transparency and a science-informed approach. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse and public health practitioner, Helena is passionate about helping women make informed decisions about their menstrual health and the products they use on and in their bodies.

Last reviewed: September 2026