Cup steriliser: 2 ways to sterilise your cup
You’ve just bought a cup and you’re planning to use it for the first time? Congratulations!
Before using it, you need to sterilize it. Why? How? Don’t worry! Today, Louloucup is answering all your questions about sterilizing your menstrual cup.
Do you have questions about the use, maintenance, handling of the cup in general? Feel free to check out our super comprehensive guide on the Loulou menstrual cup.
Microwave sterilization with a sterilizer, or sterilization in a pan of boiling water? How do you sterilize a menstrual cup? What are the techniques or methods to effectively sterilize your cup? Why is it necessary to sterilize your menstrual cup? What are the risks if you don’t sterilize it? All the answers are right here!
In this article, you’ll find...
To go further... Want to try a cup made in France?
I – Cup sterilizer: why sterilize your cup?
Because yes, before talking about the different methods to sterilize a menstrual cup, it’s useful to understand why you need to clean your intravaginal period protection so thoroughly.
Made from medical-grade silicone with an ultra-soft feel, the cup acts like a reservoir: it collects your menstrual flow very efficiently. When it’s time to remove it, you empty it and rinse it before placing it back at the entrance of your vagina. At the start of each bleeding phase (the beginning of your period), it’s important to wash it more thoroughly than with a simple rinse in clear water to neutralize any bacteria that may have developed.
Because a menstrual cup is a durable, reusable internal period protection, it needs to be kept scrupulously clean. That’s why cup brands recommend thorough care. It’s important, but not as tedious as it sounds, promise. Here’s how to do it, step by step!
II – When should you sterilise your menstrual cup?
There are two specific times when sterilizing a menstrual cup is mandatory:
- When you first receive your cup, it’s important to sterilize it to clean it thoroughly.
- right at the very start of your period, just before you’re about to wear it. That way you start your period feeling calm, with nice clean protection.
You can also sterilise your cup at other times if you feel the need:
- During your period, if hygiene is very important to you, you can sterilize your cup and alternate with another one. That way you rotate them and always use a sterilized cup.
- Your period is over (phew!), so you can clean your cup by sterilizing it. Once dry, store it in its pouch, away from dust.
Remember: sterilization is mandatory for the first use and at the start of each menstrual cycle. If you wish, you can also sterilize it more often.
Louloucup recommends...
III – The Louloucup cup sterilizer
Louloucup offers its own sterilizers. Super practical, inexpensive, pretty and discreet, they save you time. They can be purchased individually or in a set with the cup of your choice. The sterilizer can be used in two ways: either in the microwave or without a microwave.
The Louloucup cup sterilizer is an essential accessory, at just €13.90. It’s practical and easy to use. Gift sets are also available on the site: bundles including one or two menstrual cups with the sterilizer. The set of two is a great deal at €59.90 instead of €71.70.
The Louloucup cup steriliser comes in turquoise blue or pink; it’s very practical and stylish. For storage, you can fold it down; it then measures 91 mm by 12 mm. To use it, simply pop it open and its dimensions change to 91 mm by 88 mm. Sterilising your cup is quick and easy.
You have two options for using the Louloucup cup sterilizer. Simply unfold it, remove the lid and place the menstrual cup inside. Then you can either use the microwave or boiling water. Try both to see which method suits you best. In either case, before using the cup for your period, let it cool down or run it under cold water. This helps prevent possible burns.
IV – Sterilizing the menstrual cup: two options
1 – With a menstrual cup sterilizer
When you have one or more menstrual cups, the sterilization step is essential. But how do you do it? You have two options. You can place your cup in a dedicated sterilizer and put it in the microwave, or you can put your cup in boiling water. We explain everything in detail.
Microwave cup sterilizer
To sterilize your cup, you can use the microwave. Remove the lid from the cup sterilizer, place your period cup inside with the stem facing down, then add water. Finally, simply put the sterilizer in the microwave at 750 watts for 5 minutes. That’s it, sterilization is done. Once the time is up, be careful not to burn yourself when taking it out. Let the cup cool for a few minutes before using it.
Cup sterilizer saucepan
If you don’t have a microwave or prefer another method, you can boil water in a saucepan, for example. Next step: place the cup inside the sterilizer with the stem facing down. Without burning yourself, cover it with boiling water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wait for it to cool down, or run the cup under cold water.
Both methods are very simple—just choose the one you prefer.
2 – Using a saucepan of boiling water
If you don’t have a sterilizer (yet), you can simply place your cup in a saucepan of simmering water for several minutes. Between 5 and 10 minutes, no more. Make sure your cup doesn’t touch the sides of the pan. Then let it cool on a clean towel before using it.
Zoom in on… the pack of 2 Louloucups + 1 sterilizer of your choice!
- This super interesting and cost-effective bundle is perfect for a smooth, eco-friendly, economical and hygienic period routine.
- Having two menstrual cups means you always have a clean cup ready to use. It’s really ideal!
- It's also super convenient for those with a busy lifestyle. The backup cup can, for example, stay in the gym bag in case of emergency to manage unexpected and irregular periods in any situation!
- In this budget-friendly pack, Louloucup lets you choose whichever style and size you want. You can pick two completely different models (the Pink in size M and the Turquoise in size S, or vice versa).
- And here’s something really great for you: this bundle includes the Louloucup sterilizer designed for Loulou cups. This practical, collapsible sterilizer is very easy to slip into your bag.
V – Cleaning your cup during your period: rinsing with clear water and other recommendations
- Don't forget the necessary actions for safe use of the menstrual cup: rinse, clean, and sterilize.
- Reflex: always wash your hands before inserting or removing it!
- To remember for cleaning: rinse out the blood after each use, wash it every day with a neutral soap, free of oils and fragrance, or with an intimate wash gel.
- To avoid a potential toxic shock, don’t wear your menstrual cup for more than 6 consecutive hours.
- We recommend heavy-flow period panties so you can get through the night without leaks. Louloucup offers several absolutely fabulous styles. And don’t hesitate to build a cup + panties bundle, you’ll save a lot of money!
- What should you do if you’re out and about? If there’s no sink nearby, the ideal option is to have a spare menstrual cup with you. Otherwise, take a bottle of water so you can rinse it over the toilet. Even better, use your steriliser by placing the cup inside. Add water, shake it all up, then pour away the used water. And that’s it, you’re done!
