Cleaning a menstrual disc takes just a few minutes each time you remove it, plus a quick boil at the end of your period. The basics: rinse with warm water, wash with mild unscented soap, and sanitize by boiling for 5 minutes before you store it. Beyond that routine, there are a few details worth knowing to keep your disc in good shape and avoid damaging the silicone.
Cleaning During Your Period
Every time you remove your disc to empty it, rinse it under warm water and wash it with a mild, unscented soap. That’s the core routine. Harsh soaps, antibacterial washes, and anything containing oils or fragrances can break down medical-grade silicone over time and may irritate sensitive tissue. A plain, fragrance-free liquid soap works well.
After washing, rinse the disc thoroughly so no soap residue remains, then reinsert. You don’t need to boil or sanitize between removals during the same cycle. A simple wash each time is enough.
Cleaning in a Public Restroom
If you’re in a stall without sink access, you have a few options. The easiest is to carry a small squeeze bottle of water in your bag and rinse the disc over the toilet. A fragrance-free wet wipe or a clean, damp paper towel also works to wipe the disc before reinserting. Some brands sell individually wrapped wipes designed for this purpose.
None of these methods replace a proper wash with soap and water, so think of them as a bridge until you’re somewhere more convenient. When you get home, give the disc a full wash.
Sanitizing at the End of Your Cycle
Once your period is over, sanitize the disc before putting it away. The standard method is boiling: drop it into a pot of rolling boiling water for 5 minutes. Use enough water that the disc floats freely and doesn’t sit against the bottom of the pot, which could scorch or warp the silicone. Some people place the disc inside a wire whisk or metal strainer to keep it from touching the bottom.
This step removes bacteria and microbes that regular soap and water don’t fully eliminate. You only need to do it once per cycle, at the end, before storage.
Removing Stains and Odor
Discoloration is common and doesn’t mean your disc is dirty or unsafe. Menstrual blood contains pigments that gradually tint silicone, especially lighter-colored discs. If the staining bothers you, soak the disc in a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide and one part water for 6 to 8 hours, then rinse thoroughly. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can degrade silicone with repeated use, so this is best treated as an occasional deep clean rather than a monthly habit.
For stubborn stains or lingering odor, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub the disc with your fingers. You can also try soaking it in a diluted vinegar solution. Either way, rinse well afterward to remove all residue before using or storing the disc.
What Not to Use
Medical-grade silicone is durable, but certain common cleaning products will shorten its lifespan or leave residues that irritate your body. Avoid:
- Scented or antibacterial soaps: fragrances and antimicrobial agents can degrade silicone and disrupt vaginal flora
- Oil-based soaps or castile soap: oils leave a film on silicone that’s difficult to fully rinse off
- Tea tree oil or essential oils: concentrated plant oils can break down the material
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer: too harsh for medical-grade silicone with repeated exposure
- Dishwasher or washing machine: detergents are too aggressive, and the heat cycle is uncontrolled
Storing Between Cycles
After boiling and letting the disc cool completely, store it in a clean, breathable container or cotton pouch. Most reusable discs come with one. The key detail here is airflow: avoid sealing the disc in an airtight container, a zip-lock bag, or a plastic box with a tight lid. Trapped moisture creates conditions for bacterial growth. A simple cotton drawstring bag keeps dust off while letting air circulate, which is all you need.
Store it somewhere clean and dry, away from direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can degrade silicone over time. A bathroom drawer or cabinet works fine.