Cup sterilizer: 2 ways to sterilize your cup
Just bought a cup and planning to use it for the first time? Congratulations!
Before using it, you need to sterilize it. Why? How? Don’t worry! Today, Louloucup answers all your questions about sterilizing your menstrual cup.
Do you have questions about using, cleaning, or handling a menstrual cup? Feel free to check out our super comprehensive guide to the Loulou menstrual cup.
Microwave sterilization with a sterilizer or boiling in a pot of water? How do you sterilize a menstrual cup? What are the most effective methods? Why is it necessary to sterilize your menstrual cup? What happens if you don’t? Find all the answers here!
In this article, you’ll find...
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I - Cup sterilizer: Why sterilize your cup?
Yes, before we talk about the different ways to sterilize a menstrual cup, it’s important to understand why such thorough cleaning of your intravaginal hygiene protection is necessary.
Made from medical-grade silicone and super soft, the cup acts like a reservoir: it collects your menstrual flow very efficiently. When it’s time to remove it, you empty and rinse it before reinserting it at the entrance of your vagina. At the start of each period (the beginning of your cycle), it’s important to wash it more thoroughly than just a simple rinse with water to neutralize any bacteria that may have grown.
Since the menstrual cup is a durable and reusable internal period product, it’s essential to keep it clean at all times. That’s why cup brands recommend diligent care. It’s important, but not as tedious as you might think—we’ll explain how!
II - When should you sterilize your menstrual cup?
There are two specific times when sterilizing your menstrual cup is a must:
- When you receive your cup, it’s important to sterilize it to ensure it’s properly cleaned.
- right at the start of your period as you’re about to put it on. That way, you begin your cycle with a clean, fresh protection.
You can also sterilize your cup at other times if you feel the need:
- During your period, if hygiene is really 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 it’s dry, store it in its pouch to keep it dust-free.
Remember: Sterilization is required before 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 handy, affordable, cute, and discreet, they save you time. You can buy them individually or as a set with the cup of your choice. The sterilizer can be used two ways: with or without a microwave.
The Louloucup cup sterilizer is an essential accessory, just €13.90. It’s practical and easy to use. Gift sets are also available on the website: packs with one or two menstrual cups and the sterilizer. The set of two is a great deal at €59.90 instead of €71.70.
The Louloucup cup sterilizer comes in turquoise blue or pink, and is very practical and stylish. For storage, it can be folded, measuring 91 mm by 12 mm. To use, simply unfold it, and its dimensions become 91 mm by 88 mm. This makes sterilization quick and easy.
You have two options for using the Louloucup cup sterilizer. Just 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 you prefer. In both cases, before using the cup for your period, let it cool down or rinse it with cold water. This helps prevent possible burns.
IV - Sterilizing the menstrual cup: two solutions
1 - With a menstrual cup sterilizer
When you have one or more menstrual cups, sterilization is a must. But how do you do it? You have two options. You can place your cup in a dedicated sterilizer and microwave it, or you can put your cup in boiling water. We’ll explain everything in detail.
Microwave cup sterilizer
To sterilize your cup, you can use the microwave. Remove the lid from the period cup sterilizer, then place the cup inside with the stem facing down. 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 several minutes before using it.
Cup sterilizer pot
If you don’t have a microwave or prefer another method, you can boil water in a pot, for example. The next step: place the cup inside the sterilizer with the stem facing down. Without burning yourself, pour boiling water over it and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wait for it to cool or rinse the cup under cold water.
Both methods are really simple—just pick the one you like best.
2 - With a pot of boiling water
If you don’t have a sterilizer (yet), you can simply put your cup in a pot of simmering water for several minutes—between 5 and 10 minutes, no more. Make sure your cup doesn’t touch the sides of the pot. Let it cool on a clean towel before using it.
Spotlight on... the set of 2 Louloucup + your choice of sterilizer!
- This super convenient and cost-effective pack is perfect for a smooth, eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and hygienic period routine.
- Having two menstrual cups means you’ll always have a clean one ready to use. It’s honestly the best!
- It's also super convenient for those with busy lives. The backup cup can, for example, stay in your gym bag for emergencies, so you can handle surprise or irregular periods in any situation!
- In this value pack, Louloucup lets you choose the style and size you want. That way, you can pick two completely different models (the Rose in size M and the Turquoise in size S, or vice versa).
- Finally, something super helpful for you: this pack includes the Louloucup sterilizer, designed for Loulou cups. This practical, foldable sterilizer is easy to slip into your bag.
V - Cleaning your cup during your period: rinse with clean water and other recommendations
- Don’t forget the essential steps for safe menstrual cup use: rinse, clean, and sterilize.
- Tip: Always wash your hands before inserting or removing it!
- Key cleaning tips: rinse out the blood after each use, wash daily with a neutral, oil-free, fragrance-free soap, or with an intimate wash gel.
- To avoid possible toxic shock, don’t wear your menstrual cup for more than 6 consecutive hours.
- We recommend the heavy flow period underwear for a leak-free night. Louloucup has several absolutely fabulous models. Don’t hesitate to put together a set with a cup and underwear—you’ll save a lot!
- What should you do if you’re out and about? If there’s no sink nearby, it’s best to have a spare menstrual cup. Otherwise, bring a bottle of water to rinse it over the toilet. Even better, use your sterilizer by putting the cup inside, adding water, shaking it, and emptying the used water. That’s it, you’re good to go!
