Your menstrual cup is your period’s BFF - and we get it, you want your favourite products looking clean and pristine! With single-use products, staining is never an issue because those products get tossed. With reusable cups, staining is bound to happen for a couple different reasons. We’re here to tell you that menstrual cup staining is normal! That’s right, stains are not gross and your cup is completely safe to use.
If you’re worried that your cup is dirty after cleaning it because you can’t remove the stains, that’s likely not the case!
But, let’s dive in, and we’ll let you know our best advice for cleaning your cup to avoid pesky menstrual cup stains.
How to Avoid Menstrual Cup Stains
1. Don’t Delay Cleaning
So here’s the thing…
Your blood contains hemoglobin— a protein responsible for its red colour. It tends to bind to surfaces when it comes into contact with them—including the silicone material of a menstrual cup.
Time is an essential element. Prevent stains from setting on your menstrual cup by cleaning it every time you remove it.
2. Follow Cleaning Instructions (Don’t Skip the Cold Water Rinse)
It may seem like a no-brainer, but this one really is important. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions provided with your product.
Here’s how to clean your nixit menstrual cup:
3. Scrub Stains Away
Grab a dry (or soft) cloth and scrub the stains away. It’s also a good idea to use an old toothbrush with warm water when you scrub — putting in some “elbow grease” will do wonders for your cup.
4. Use Our Wipes on the Go (And Get Some Sunshine Too)
A few hours of sunshine will also help prevent discoloration of the cup. This can help in removing odours as well. So splash some cold water on your cup, wash it in hot water, then put it outside in the sun to dry — just don’t leave it out for more than a few hours!
Also, go for the morning sun and avoid the hottest part of the day, as this might cause your cup to melt—especially in hot climates. Also, keep it away from children or your pets by placing it in a protected area.
Fact: While you’re out in the sun (or even in the rain), you can use our wipes on the go so you don’t get caught out, too!
Life can get hectic, but our pH balanced and fragrance free wipes are the perfect answer to that. You don’t even need to use water! Just take the wipe out of the packet, clean-up, and reinsert!
5. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals/Products
Avoid using the following when cleaning your cup, as these may irritate or mess up your vaginal pH when you next insert your cup:
- Vinegar
- Boric Acid
- Rubbing alcohol
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Antibacterial soap
- Scented soap
- Dish soap
- Oil-based soap
Note: Some people use Hydrogen peroxide to clean their cups — however, we haven’t tested it yet so we’re not sure how well it will work! There’s every chance it could degrade your cup’s material, so be careful if you want to try this one.
Since the product is a silicone cup, oil-based products can damage it, too, so don’t use:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Coconut butter
Our menstrual cup cleanser is formulated with natural ingredients for your vaginal wellness:
- pH-balanced
- Unscented
- Plant-based, paraben, and sulphate-free
There’s no lathering needed because of its foaming properties, and it’s perfect for washing your menstrual cup in between uses.
Here’s a video showing you how to clean your nixit menstrual cup with nixit wash.
Other Important Things to Know
A Stained Cup Ain’t a Dirty Cup
It’s possible that your menstrual cup will stain over time even with a good clean as silicone is its main material. But as long as you properly clean and sterilize your menstrual cup, it’s safe to use even if there are some stubborn stains.
What if My Menstrual Cup Smells?
If your menstrual cup smells, thoroughly clean it by using your cup wash and gently scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Then, follow the steps above and finish by leaving it in the sun for a couple of hours.
Note: We don’t recommend using a scented soup to mask the odour. As tempting as it might be, it doesn’t fix the problem and just covers it up for a short period. It’s best to get rid of the smells once and for all!
When Should I Replace My Cup?
A nixit menstrual cup should last around five years if you take good care of it. However, it’s time for a replacement when you notice signs of deterioration, such as:
- Tears, holes, cuts
- Sticky or oily film on the surface
In Case You’re Stocking Up
If you need a new cup or want to try one, you may want to take a look at our entire range of products:
In this range, there is nothing but goodies for you:
- Made of BPA-free, medical grade, ultra-soft silicone
- One-size-fits-all
- Suction-free disc-style design
- Can hold up to 70 ml of flow
- Allows for mess-free period sex
nixit menstrual cup cleanser and vaginal wash:
- Safe for your cup and gentle on your vulva
- Great for keeping your cup clean on-the-go (public washrooms, camping, etc.)
- Compostable
- pH-balanced
- Fragrance-free
nixit water-based personal lubricant:
- 100% natural and organic
- Compatible with cups, devices and condoms
- Moisturizing thick formula without the sticky feel
Save on costs and make your bundle here!
Here’s what Sarah said about the bundle, which includes nixit wash and wipes:
Caring for Your Cup
As long as you show some love and take good care of your menstrual cup, it will last for a very long time. You get to both save money and save the planet (less replacement = less waste).
It may seem tedious at first (will all the nitty-gritty), but once you get the groove with nixit menstrual cup usage and maintenance, you’ll see that it’s truly worth it!
And if you haven’t subscribed to us yet, send us your contact details, and we’ll keep you posted on the latest happenings with nixit.
For more health and wellness topics, you can check out these other blogs:
