Cleaning your DivaCup is straightforward: wash it with warm water and a mild, unscented, oil-free soap every time you remove it during your period, and boil it between cycles to sterilize. Getting the details right matters, though, because improper cleaning can degrade the silicone, cause irritation, or in rare cases lead to infection.
Washing During Your Period
Each time you empty your cup, rinse it under warm water and wash it with a gentle cleanser before reinserting. The manufacturer recommends doing this two to three times a day. You can use DivaCup’s own plant-based wash or any mild soap that is both unscented and oil-free. That second part is important: oils can break down medical-grade silicone over time, and fragrances can disrupt vaginal pH and cause irritation.
If you’re in a public restroom without a private sink, you have options. Wipe the cup out with a fragrance-free disposable wipe or a dampened tissue, then give it a proper wash the next time you have access to clean water. Some people carry a small sealable container (DivaCup makes a collapsible one called the ShakerCup) so they can add water and a drop of wash, seal it, shake, and rinse without needing a sink at all.
Sterilizing Between Cycles
Once your period ends, a simple wash isn’t enough. You need to sterilize the cup before storing it. The easiest method is boiling: drop the cup into an open pot of water and let it boil for three to four minutes. Watch it the entire time. If the water boils off and the cup touches the dry bottom of the pot, the silicone can scorch and warp.
Some brands sell microwave-safe sterilizing cups designed for this purpose. You fill the container with water, place your menstrual cup inside, and microwave for three to four minutes. Either method works. The goal is sustained high heat to kill bacteria.
Skipping this step carries real risk. A case study published in the National Institutes of Health describes a patient who developed toxic shock syndrome after she ran out of soap and began rinsing her cup with only hot water instead of properly cleaning and sterilizing it. Lab research has also found that menstrual cups can actually support higher levels of bacterial growth than tampons, likely because the cup introduces additional air into the vaginal canal. Thorough sterilization before each cycle is the main safeguard against this.
Clearing the Suction Holes
The tiny holes near the rim of your cup are what allow it to form a seal and sit securely. Blood and discharge can clog them over time, which weakens suction and makes leaks more likely. A quick technique keeps them clear: fill the cup with water, place your palm flat over the wide opening so no air escapes, and squeeze the cup firmly. The pressure forces water through each hole, pushing out any debris. Doing this over a sink is wise, because water shoots through the holes with surprising force.
If you boil the cup first, residue softens and flushes out more easily. Making this a habit every time you rinse will keep the holes clear without requiring any extra tools like toothpicks, which can stretch or tear the silicone.
Removing Stains and Odors
Discoloration is normal and doesn’t mean your cup is dirty. Medical-grade silicone gradually absorbs pigment from menstrual blood, and a yellowed or brownish tint after months of use is cosmetic, not a hygiene problem. If it bothers you, two methods work well.
The gentlest approach is sunlight. Place your clean, dry cup in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays naturally break down the pigments and brighten the silicone without any chemicals. For stubborn stains, soak the cup in a solution of equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard drugstore concentration) for no more than eight hours. Rinse it thoroughly with water afterward. Limit this to once every few months at most, because repeated peroxide exposure can weaken the silicone over time.
What Not to Use
Many common cleaners that seem gentle enough will actually damage silicone, irritate vaginal tissue, or both. DivaCup’s manufacturer specifically warns against all of the following:
- Vinegar and baking soda. They’re natural, but they’re too harsh for medical-grade silicone and can degrade its surface.
- Castile soap. Despite its reputation as a gentle all-purpose cleaner, it leaves a residue on silicone that’s difficult to rinse off completely.
- Fragranced or oil-based soaps. Fragrances irritate vaginal tissue, and oils break down silicone.
- Rubbing alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide for routine cleaning. These are too aggressive for regular use and compromise the material’s integrity.
- The dishwasher. The detergent is far too harsh, and the high heat cycle can warp the cup.
When in doubt, stick with warm water and a soap that’s both unscented and oil-free. That combination is safe for every wash.
Cleaning While Traveling
If you’re camping, backpacking, or traveling somewhere with questionable tap water, the core rule is simple: if you wouldn’t drink the water, don’t use it to rinse something that goes inside your body. Carry bottled water or boil water from outdoor sources before using it to clean your cup. A small bottle of plant-based menstrual wash packs easily and lasts a long trip.
Fragrance-free wipes are the lightest backup option. After emptying the cup, wipe the interior and rim clean, then do a full wash with safe water when you next have the chance. Sealed shaker containers work well for travel too, since they let you wash the cup without needing a sink or even standing water.
Storing Your Cup Between Cycles
After sterilizing, let the cup air-dry completely before putting it away. Store it in a breathable cotton pouch, not a plastic bag or airtight container. Even trace moisture trapped in a sealed space can breed mold, cause discoloration, or create odors. Most cups come with a cotton pouch for exactly this reason.
Keep the pouch somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure during storage (as opposed to a brief sun-bleaching session for stains) can degrade silicone over time. With proper cleaning and storage, a medical-grade silicone cup lasts for years before needing replacement.