Just bought your first Lunette Period Cup or thinking about it? One of the most common questions is: “How do I clean it? Is it safe to reuse?” Absolutely! With proper care, your Lunette Period cup can last for years making it a sustainable, safe, and body-friendly choice.
Cleaning a menstrual cup takes less than a minute once you know the routine. Looked after well, a Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years. Here's exactly how to clean your menstrual cup before first use, every time you empty it, and between periods, plus what to do about stains, smells and the little air holes.
How to clean a menstrual cup: the short version
- Before first use: wash it, then boil it for 5 minutes.
- Every time you empty it: rinse with cold water, then wash with warm water and Lunette Cup Wash.
- At the end of your period: wash it, boil it for 5 minutes, let it dry and store it in its linen pouch.
Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
The rest of this guide explains each step.
| When | What to do | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Before first use | Wash with water and Cup Wash, then boil | Boil for 5 minutes |
| Every time you empty it | Rinse in cold water, wash with warm water and Cup Wash | Under a minute, at least every 12 hours |
| Out and about | Wipe with a Cup Wipe or clean toilet paper | Wash properly at the next private sink |
| End of your period (each completed cycle) | Wash, boil, dry fully, store in the linen pouch | Boil for 5 minutes |
Before you use your cup for the first time
- Wash your hands.
- Wash the cup with warm water and a drop of Cup Wash, and rinse it well.
- Boil it in a pot of water for 5 minutes. Use enough water so the cup floats freely and doesn't touch the bottom or sides of the pot.
Tip: put the cup inside a metal whisk while it boils, so it can't touch the bottom of the pan. Never leave it boiling unattended, and let it cool before you handle it.
How to clean your menstrual cup during your period
Every time you empty your cup, at least every 12 hours:
- Wash your hands before you remove the cup.
- Empty the cup into the toilet.
- Rinse with cold water first. Cold water stops blood from setting into the silicone, which helps prevent stains. Hot water first makes discolouration more likely.
- Wash with warm water and Cup Wash. A small drop is enough. Rub it over the inside, the outside, the rim and the stem.
- Rinse well so no cleaning gel is left on the cup, then reinsert it.
Lunette cups can be worn for up to 12 hours. Local rules in some countries (including France, Germany and Australia) set the limit at 8 hours, and in France overnight use isn't recommended.
What can I clean my menstrual cup with?
Silicone is durable, but the wrong cleaner can damage it or leave residue that irritates.
Use:
- Lunette Cup Wash, a pH-balanced, plant-based cleaning gel made in Finland for silicone cups and discs. It's vegan and free from parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances and colourants, and one 100 ml tube lasts a long time. It's for cleaning your cup only, not for intimate areas.
- Lunette Cup Wipes for days without a private sink.
- Clean water, and boiling water between periods.
Avoid:
- dish soap, hand soap, shower gel and anything scented or oil-based
- antibacterial soaps, bleach, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- the dishwasher and the microwave
- sharp objects such as needles or pins
How to clean your menstrual cup in a public toilet
If you're out and the sink is outside the cubicle:
- Wash your hands before you go in.
- Remove and empty the cup over the toilet.
- Wipe it with a Cup Wipe, or with clean toilet paper, or rinse it with a small bottle of water you've brought with you.
- Reinsert it, and wash it properly with water and Cup Wash at the next opportunity.
How to sterilize a menstrual cup between periods
At the end of every period:
- Wash the cup with warm water and Cup Wash.
- Boil it for 5 minutes in plenty of water.
- Let it air dry completely.
- Store it in the breathable 100% linen pouch it came with. Never store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag, because trapped moisture can cause smells.
How to clean the air holes in your menstrual cup
The small holes under the rim help the cup open and release the seal when you remove it, so keep them clear.
- Fill the cup with water, cover the top with your palm, turn it upside down and squeeze. The water is forced out through the holes and flushes them.
- Or hold the holes under running water and stretch the rim gently.
Don't use needles, pins or toothpicks. They can tear the silicone.
How to remove stains from your menstrual cup
A little discolouration over time is normal and doesn't affect how your cup works. To keep it to a minimum:
- always rinse with cold water before warm
- after cleaning, leave the cup in direct sunlight for a few hours
- for tougher stains, soak it in lemon juice or vinegar diluted with water, then wash it with Cup Wash and boil it for 5 minutes
If your cup smells, read how to get rid of menstrual cup smell.
When to replace your menstrual cup
A Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Replace it sooner if the silicone becomes sticky, powdery, cracked or torn, or if it no longer opens properly.
The golden rules
- Wash your hands before you touch your cup.
- Cold water first, then warm water and Cup Wash.
- Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
- Dry it fully and store it in the linen pouch.
New to cups? Our step-by-step guide on how to use a menstrual cup covers folding, inserting and removing.
Cleaning your menstrual cup: frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my menstrual cup?
Every time you empty it during your period, at least every 12 hours, rinse it with cold water and wash it with warm water and Lunette Cup Wash. Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
How long should you boil a menstrual cup?
Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle. Use enough water so the cup floats freely, and don't leave the pot unattended.
Can I clean my menstrual cup with ordinary soap?
Better not. Dish soap, hand soap and anything oil-based or scented can weaken the silicone or leave residue that irritates. Lunette Cup Wash is pH-balanced and made for silicone cups.
How do I clean my menstrual cup in a public toilet?
Empty the cup into the toilet, wipe it with a Lunette Cup Wipe or clean toilet paper, and reinsert it. Wash it properly with water and Cup Wash at the next sink you have to yourself.
Do stains on my menstrual cup mean it's dirty?
No. Light discolouration is normal over time and doesn't affect how the cup works. Rinsing with cold water first helps prevent it.
