Using a menstrual cup or a menstrual disc is a fantastic way to support your body during the first phase of your cycle. They safely and effectively catch your flow so that you stay leak-free. Plus, you can wear some of the best for up to 12 hours. That means less removing and reinserting period care products throughout the day.
Let’s pause there. Some people with periods are a bit nervous about switching to reusable menstrual cups and discs. They think taking them out and reinserting them will be a messy or inconvenient process. It’s not, though! You do need to maintain your product, but it’s actually very easy.
The First Menstrual Cup Sanitization
When you buy reusable menstrual cups and discs, they are not sterile, so they are not yet appropriate for use. Before using these period care products, you need to sanitize them. Boil your cup or disc in water for four to five minutes—but no more than seven minutes. Make sure your precious period care product doesn’t rest on the bottom of the boiling pot. Then, it needs to be rinsed. Also, you should always wash your hands before handling a menstrual cup.
Tip for Beginners: Do this first step right when you receive or buy your product. That way, you don’t have to wait for your cup or disc when your period starts.
Period Care-Specific Cleaning Products
You don’t have to boil your reusable period product every time you remove it while you’re on your period. So, what do you do instead? There are specific menstrual cup wash formulas. They help preserve the integrity of medical-grade silicone cups and discs. You don’t want to use plain old hand soap, dish soap, or even body wash. Some of the ingredients in these products can break down the silicone or cause irritation. There are some mild soaps that will work, but get the O.K. from the company that makes your period care product first.
Cleaning Before Reinsertion: During your period, you need to clean your menstrual cup or disc every time you remove it. High-quality cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours—even while you pee! It doesn’t have to be removed every time you go to the bathroom.
Sanitizing Your Menstrual Cup Post Period
At the end of your period, you do have to take one extra step in caring for your cup for period days. It’s the same as the very first step! You should boil your cup again for four to five minutes to ensure it is sanitized and “good to go” for future wear. You can also clean your silicone product with isopropyl alcohol. Rinse the cup and wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow it to dry completely.
So, now you know how to maintain and care for reusable period care products like menstrual cups and discs. You might even be more interested in giving them a try. Once you get the hang of them, you can wear premium versions for up to 12 hours before removing and cleaning them. You can do so once in the morning and once in the evening. This timing usually puts you in your home every time you need to clean your menstrual cup or disc. If you find you’re removing it during the day, you can always grab a second one. Reusable period care is easy to take in a travel pouch or go-bag, so you’ll always have a reliable form of period care at your side.
About Saalt
When you started your period, you may have gotten into the flow of using disposable period care, but now Saalt is providing a better, sustainable option. The period care brand offers exceptional period products, including reusable period cups and menstrual discs with medical-grade silicone and highly absorbent leakproof underwear. Saalt demonstrates their commitment to people with periods and the planet with this elevated period care, but that’s not where the modern period magic ends. The female-founded company also helps inform people with periods all about vaginas, menstrual cycles, and their bodies. Finally, there’s a brand that understands what everyone with a period needs, offering sustainable options, information, and genuine support. With Saalt, people all over the world are getting into the flow of sustainable, reusable period care.
Saalt provides the products and information you need for a great period experience at https://saalt.com/
