Cleaning your Saalt cup involves a quick rinse and wash each time you empty it, plus a deeper sterilization at the start and end of each cycle. The whole routine takes under a minute during your period and about ten minutes between cycles. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.
Daily Cleaning During Your Period
Every time you remove your cup, start by rinsing it under cold water. Cold water first is important because hot water can set blood into the silicone and cause staining. After the cold rinse, wash the cup thoroughly with hot water and a mild, unscented soap. Saalt makes its own cup wash for this, but any gentle, fragrance-free, oil-free soap works fine.
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any buildup on the surface, then pay attention to the four small suction holes near the rim. These holes are essential for creating a proper seal, and they clog easily. The simplest way to clear them: fill the cup with water, place your palm over the opening to seal it, and squeeze. The pressure forces water through the holes and pushes out any debris. Do this over a sink, because water will squirt out quickly. If you make this a habit every time you rinse, the holes stay clear without much effort.
You can also fold the cup at each air hole and wipe the inside of the hole with a damp cloth. Flip the cup inside out and clean the interior the same way. Empty and wash your cup at least every 12 hours. Never wear it longer than that without cleaning it.
Sterilizing Between Cycles
Before your very first use and at the beginning and end of each cycle, you should boil your Saalt cup to sterilize it. Place it in a pot of rolling boiling water for 4 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t sit against the bottom of the pot and scorch. Some people place it inside a wire whisk or use a ladle to keep it from touching the hot metal directly.
Let it cool completely and air dry before storing it. That’s the entire between-cycle routine.
Removing Stains and Odors
Discoloration is normal over time and doesn’t mean your cup is dirty or unsafe. But if it bothers you, a hydrogen peroxide soak can help. Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard concentration sold at drugstores) and water, then soak your cup for no longer than 8 hours. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely.
Persistent odor usually means residue is trapped in the suction holes or on the surface. A good boil followed by the squeeze-and-flush technique for the holes typically takes care of it. If odor lingers after that, the peroxide soak is your next step.
Products and Chemicals to Avoid
Medical-grade silicone is durable, but the wrong cleaner will degrade it or leave residue that irritates sensitive tissue. Avoid all of the following:
- Bleach, vinegar, or lemon juice. All are too acidic or caustic for silicone and will break it down.
- Antibacterial soaps. They contain additives that can damage the cup and irritate your body.
- Fragranced or dyed soaps. Residue from fragrances and dyes lingers on silicone and can cause irritation.
- Oil-based soaps, including some castile soaps (like Dr. Bronner’s). Oil coats silicone, leaving a film that weakens it over time.
- Sterilizing or sanitizing tablets. These degrade silicone and will ruin your cup.
Stick with a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free wash. If you want something purpose-built, Saalt’s own cup wash uses gentle coconut-derived cleansers and is pH-balanced for the task.
How to Store Your Cup Between Cycles
Storage matters more than most people realize. The goal is keeping the cup dry with good airflow. A breathable cotton bag is ideal, and Saalt includes one with most cups. If you prefer something sturdier, look for a ventilated silicone case or a container with perforations.
Never seal your cup in an airtight plastic container or zip-lock bag. Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew. Before you put your cup away, make sure it’s completely dry. Even a small amount of residual moisture can cause odor or mold to develop during weeks of storage.
Keep the bag or case in a clean, dry spot like a bedside drawer or linen closet. Bathrooms are the worst choice because of constant humidity and steam. If the bathroom is your only option, tuck it in a dry cabinet away from the shower area. Avoid direct sunlight too, which can discolor the silicone and degrade it over time.
When to Replace Your Cup
A well-maintained Saalt cup lasts for years. There’s no fixed expiration date, but you should replace it if you notice any rips, tears, or visible deterioration in the silicone. Sticky or tacky texture, a persistent odor that won’t go away after boiling and soaking, or a change in the cup’s firmness are all signs the material is breaking down. Normal discoloration on its own is not a reason to replace it.