A menstrual cup is one of the longest-lasting things in your bathroom cabinet. But "reusable" doesn't mean "forever", and it's worth knowing what makes a cup last and when it's time for a new one. Here's how long a menstrual cup lasts, how to make yours last as long as possible, and the signs that mean you should replace it.
Quick answer: With proper care, a Lunette menstrual cup lasts up to 10 years. How long yours lasts depends on how you clean and store it. Replace your cup straight away if it has a tear or a hole, or if it simply isn't in good condition anymore. Discolouration alone is normal.
How long does a menstrual cup last?
A Lunette cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. In practice, people replace their cups at very different times: some Lunette users have used the same cup for ten years, while others prefer a new one every year or every few years. Both are fine, as long as the cup stays in good condition.
What decides it is care, not the calendar.
3 signs it's time to replace your menstrual cup
Check your cup every time you boil it between periods. Replace it if you notice:
- A tear, anywhere on the cup, including around the rim and the small holes under it.
- A hole in the silicone.
- It just isn't in good condition anymore: if the cup looks or feels damaged and you no longer feel confident using it, replace it.
Also consider a new cup if your body has changed and the old one no longer fits well, for example after childbirth or if your flow has become noticeably heavier or lighter. Our menstrual cup size guide helps you choose the right size for now.
Is a discoloured menstrual cup still OK?
Yes. Discolouration is normal: menstrual blood stains silicone over time. It doesn't mean the cup is worn out. Good cleaning keeps it to a minimum. For tougher stains, soak the cup in lemon juice or vinegar diluted with water, then wash it with Cup Wash and boil it for 5 minutes. More tips in how to clean your menstrual cup.
A smell that won't wash out is a separate issue with its own fixes: see how to get rid of menstrual cup smell.
How to make your menstrual cup last longer
- Clean it every time you empty it. Rinse it and wash it with Lunette Cup Wash, a pH-balanced gel made for silicone cups that cleans without damaging the silicone or leaving residue.
- Boil it between periods. Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
- Use cleaners made for cups. Lunette recommends its own cleaning products, which are tested for Lunette cups. Cup Wash is free from parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances and colorants.
- No water? Use a wipe. Lunette Cup Wipes clean your cup on the go.
- Clean the holes. The small holes under the rim help you remove the cup, and blood can collect in them. Keep them clear.
- Store it dry and breathable. Let the cup dry, then keep it in the breathable linen pouch every Lunette cup comes with. Unlike a plastic container, linen lets air circulate and helps keep the cup clean and dry between cycles.
- Mind your nails. Be careful with long fingernails when you insert or remove the cup.
Is a menstrual cup worth it over time?
One cup, used for years, replaces a lot of single-use products. Even if you replace your cup every couple of years, Lunette's own FAQ points out that you still spend far less than you would on tampons. The real value is that you buy once, look after it, and stop thinking about restocking every month.
When it's time for a new one, choose your Lunette menstrual cup in Size 1 or Size 2, made in Finland.
Menstrual cup lifespan: frequently asked questions
How often should you replace a menstrual cup?
There's no fixed date. With proper care a Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years. Lunette suggests replacing it every few years depending on how well it's been looked after, and straight away if it tears, gets a hole or isn't in good condition anymore.
Can you use a menstrual cup for 10 years?
Yes, if it stays in good condition. A Lunette cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care, and some users have used theirs for that long. Clean it every time you empty it and check it for damage every period. Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
Why has my menstrual cup changed colour?
Menstrual blood stains silicone over time, so some discolouration is normal and doesn't mean the cup needs replacing. Clean it well every time to keep it to a minimum. For stubborn stains, soak it in diluted lemon juice or vinegar, wash it with Cup Wash and boil it for 5 minutes.
Should I replace my menstrual cup after an infection?
Lunette's guidance is to replace a cup when it's damaged or not in good condition. If you've had an infection, clean and boil the cup as usual and ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should replace it or pause using it during treatment.
How should I store my menstrual cup between periods?
Clean it, let it dry and store it in a breathable pouch, such as the linen pouch that comes with every Lunette cup, rather than a plastic container. Check it for tears or holes before your next period.
