Menstrual Cup Care: Cleaning Methods Other Than Boiling
Menstrual cups are reusable sanitary products that are inserted into the vagina. Because they collect menstrual blood inside the vagina, they offer a number of benefits, such as reducing stuffiness and odor, allowing you to enjoy hot springs and saunas even during your period, and being environmentally friendly and wallet-friendly because they can be used for a long period of time. As a result, the number of types has increased recently, and they are now sold in drugstores and cosmetics stores, and have been featured in the media, so you may be hearing and seeing them more often than before.
However, we often hear from women that they don't really understand menstrual cups and want to try them but can't take the plunge.
This murmo online store blog will provide a variety of information about menstrual cups for those who are interested in them but are hesitant to take the plunge, so we hope you will read any articles that interest you.
Well, this time we'll be talking about "methods other than boiling a menstrual cup." For information on boiling a menstrual cup, please see the following blog:
How to clean a menstrual cup? How to sterilize it by boiling
Boiling disinfection is important, but there are other cleaning methods when you are out, so we will introduce those methods this time.
Do I need to boil and sterilize my menstrual cup every time?
The most basic and important way to sterilize a menstrual cup is to boil it.
There are several ways to clean your menstrual cup, such as placing it in a heat-resistant container with water and heating it in the microwave, or boiling it in a pot with water, but you only need to do this twice a year, at the beginning and end of your period. At other times, you can clean it without boiling.
How to disinfect a menstrual cup other than boiling
When you remove a menstrual cup from the vagina, the most common way to clean it is to flush away accumulated menstrual blood and dirt, or wipe it with toilet paper to remove most of the dirt, then wash it with a cleanser such as hand soap or soap, and rinse carefully with water to ensure that no residue remains.
Here we will introduce how to replace it depending on the location.
Regardless of where you change your menstrual cup, be sure to clean your hands before removing and reinserting it.
Steps for replacing toilet paper in your home
1. Flush menstrual blood down the toilet
2. Wipe off the menstrual blood on the menstrual cup with toilet paper
3. If you have multiple menstrual cups: Replace with a new, clean menstrual cup.
4. If you only have one menstrual cup: Clean it in the bathroom
5. If you are going to use it immediately, reinsert it into the vagina.
At this point, it's okay if it's still wet.
If you are not going to use it right away, let it air dry before storing it.
Cleaning method
a. Wash the menstrual cup thoroughly with hand soap or soap.
b. Wash thoroughly with water
c. Remove dirt from the air holes
To remove dirt from the air hole: Fill the menstrual cup with water, cover it with the palm of one hand, then turn the cup upside down and use the hand holding the menstrual cup to press both sides of the cup 2-3 times. This will remove any water from inside the cup. It will come out through the air hole.
At this time, water may splash out with force, so make sure you are okay with water splashing near the bottom of the sink.
d. Check that no cleaning solution or dirt remains and then complete
Steps for replacing in your bathroom at home
1. Pour menstrual blood down the drain
2. If you have multiple menstrual cups: Replace with a new, clean menstrual cup.
3. If you only have one menstrual cup: Clean it in the shower.
4. If you are going to use it immediately, reinsert it into the vagina.
At this point, it's okay if it's still wet.
If you are not going to use it right away, let it air dry before storing it.
Please note that menstrual blood is often viscous and may remain in the drain. We recommend cleaning the drain after flushing.
Next is the cleaning method.
This is no different from how you wash your hands in your bathroom or washroom at home.
Cleaning method
a. Wash the menstrual cup thoroughly with hand soap or soap.
b. Wash thoroughly with water
Please make sure that any dirt in the easy line (groove) of your murmo menstrual cup has been thoroughly removed.
c. Remove dirt from the air holes
Fill the menstrual cup with water, cover it with the palm of one hand, then turn the cup upside down and use the hand holding the menstrual cup to press and release the water from the air hole two or three times. This will cause the water to spurt out. If you do this in the bathroom, there's no need to worry.
d. Check that no cleaning solution or dirt remains and then complete
Steps for changing your toilet paper in a toilet while you're out
I think the most difficult part is how to change it when you're out and about in the bathroom.
Recommended Methods
The smoothest and cleanest way to use your menstrual cup is to carry a clean replacement cup with you and use a new one when you need to replace it.
Murmo comes with an odor-proof, waterproof, and opaque case, so you can carry your new, clean menstrual cup in it, and after replacing it, you can also put your used menstrual cup in the case and take it home with you.
How to change your menstrual cup in a toilet while you're out
Case 1: If you have two menstrual cups
1. Remove the menstrual cup and flush the menstrual blood into the toilet.
2. Wipe off any dirt on your menstrual cup with toilet paper
The key point here is to hold the opening of the menstrual cup facing downwards after emptying the menstrual blood , and then use your other hand to hold a piece of toilet paper over the opening and wipe the contents of the menstrual cup. This way, you can wipe off the viscous menstrual blood that has stuck to the menstrual cup while minimizing the dirt on your hands.
3. Put the used menstrual cup back in the case and insert a new one.
4. Once you get home, wash the menstrual cup and case and let them air dry.
How to change your menstrual cup in a toilet while you're out
Case 2: You don't have a replacement menstrual cup with you
In this case, it is a simple replacement method in a situation where cleaning is not possible.
・Flush with water (carry a plastic bottle filled with water)
Wipe it off with toilet paper
The process is as follows:
1. Remove the menstrual cup and flush the menstrual blood into the toilet.
2. Wipe off any dirt on your menstrual cup with toilet paper
The key point here is to hold the opening of the menstrual cup facing downwards after emptying the menstrual blood , and then use your other hand to hold a piece of toilet paper over the opening and wipe the contents of the menstrual cup. This way, you can wipe off the viscous menstrual blood that has stuck to the menstrual cup while minimizing the dirt on your hands.
3. If possible, flush away the dirt with water.
If there is no water, wipe with toilet paper until the stain is gone.
At this time, check to see if there is any dirt stuck in the air vent, and if there is, try to remove the dirt by widening the air vent and wiping it with toilet paper.
4. Reinsert
Once you get home, replace and clean your menstrual cup.
Please note that menstrual cups should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water at least once a day.
This time, we introduced a cleaning method for menstrual cups that goes beyond boiling and disinfecting them. Since menstrual cups are hygiene products, it is important to keep them clean when using them. There may be times when you need to change your cup while out and about, such as on days when you have a heavy flow or are out for a long time, but once you understand and get used to using it, you will be able to use it effectively and more comfortably while out and about. Please give it a try.
