Venus Cup Care
When handling the Venus Cup, always wash your hands carefully.
Before First Use
We suggest sanitizing the Venus Cup by placing it in a pot of clean boiling water for at least five minutes prior to its first use.
1. Submerge the cup so that it’s completely covered with water. Use tongs, a whisk, or a slotted spoon to ensure that it does NOT sit or touch the bottom of the pot.
Note: Although silicone was meant to withstand extremely high temperatures, it’s better to keep the Menstrual Cup away from touching the pot just in case all of the water evaporates. If this happens, the cup WILL eventually burn.
2. Set your timer for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Remove the cup and let it cool or rinse with cold water before using.
During Period
During your period, remove and rinse the cup as needed, or at least every 12 hours. Before re-insertion, make sure that the air holes are always clean and open.
Some people are comfortable with a simple hot water rinse while others feel more comfortable using mild soap and water. If you choose to use soap, we suggest using only a mild, fragrance free, oil-free wash that is NOT antibacterial.
End of Period
At the end of your period, wash your Venus Cup thoroughly with hot soapy water or sanitize it by boiling it,
whichever you choose.
Tip: An easy way to clean the air holes is to fill your cup with water, cover the rim with a hand, and give it a gentle squeeze. The pressure will force any debris out of the holes!
Future Use
To prevent infection, remember to always start by washing your hands and your cup with hot soapy water!
Other Cleaning Methods
Here are some other common cleaning methods to use during/after your period:
- Personal Wash (specifically for the genital area and/or Menstrual Cups)
- Baking Soda Soak (diluted with water to create a paste)
- Peroxide Soak (diluted with water)
- Vinegar Soak (diluted with water)
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol Wipe
- Sun Bath
- Cleaning Tablets (such as Milton Sterilizing Tablets. These tablets are commonly found in stores in the UK but can be purchased online in the USA, and are used to sterilize items such as baby bottles, teething rings, and pacifiers. The ingredients are very similar to those found in denture cleaning tablets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denture_cleaner – “Milton” even being listed as a Commercial Brand) and uses a mild bleach. This chemical sterilization requires the item to be completely submerged in the solution for a minimum of 15 minutes. Please use these at your own risk)
Notes:
- Sanitize vs Sterilize – It’s common to see suggestions to “sterilize” a menstrual cup before use or before storage. However, sterilizing an item normally requires more than simply boiling a cup in a pot of water.
- Sanitizing – Reduces the number of disease-causing organisms to a non-threatening level. Sanitizing does not affect some spores and viruses.
- Sterilizing – This is obtained by using chemicals, temperature, gas and/or pressure and may require a minimum time requirement. This kills all organisms including disease-causing bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses.
- Any cleaner, other than a mild soap or the alternative cleaning methods (mentioned on this page) may
deteriorate the cup and/or may be harmful, and is to be used at your own risk. - Before re-inserting your cup, be sure to rinse off any residue left behind the methods recommended.
- Please DO NOT use any harsh
cleaning products such as bleach to clean your Venus Cup.
Storing Your Cup
When not in use, store the Venus Cup in the pouch provided or any breathable container. Do not store it in an airtight container for an extended amount of time!
Menstrual Cups need good airflow to allow moisture to evaporate. Poor airflow may allow bacteria to grow and cause your cup to have a foul odor. Make sure to keep the Venus Cup away from children and pets.
