Always clean your Mooncup thoroughly before using for the first time and between periods. You can use one of the following cleaning methods:
1. Boiling your Mooncup®
Boil your Mooncup immersed in water (in a pan put aside for this purpose) for 5-7 minutes. Do not boil for longer than this, or let the pan boil dry as it can affect the material of the Mooncup.
2. Using sterilising tablets/fluid
These are more commonly used to sterilise baby equipment (and available in chemists, supermarkets and online), we recommend you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution. Start by rinsing your Mooncup thoroughly with hot water, then, immerse your Mooncup completely in the solution and soak for the minimum recommended time, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Before first use
Use cleaning method 1 or 2.
Cleaning your Mooncup during your period
It is always important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your Mooncup. To clean your Mooncup during your period, you can simply use clean water (that is suitable for drinking) with or without a non-perfumed soap. It is important to always rinse the Mooncup well with water after using soaps (or sterilising fluid), as any traces left on the Mooncup may cause irritation to your vagina.
Cleaning in a public toilet
When you are in a public toilet, wash your hands before entering the cubicle, and take a small bottle of drinking water in with you. You can then wash the Mooncup out with the water from the bottle in the cubicle and re-insert. If you do not have access to clean water, you can choose to either wipe your Mooncup with clean toilet paper and reinsert or just reinsert and wash your Mooncup when you next have access to clean water.
How to unblock and clean the holes
To unblock the little holes under the rim, fill the Mooncup with water, put the palm of your hand over the top of the Mooncup and force the water out of the holes by squeezing the Mooncup.
Discoloration/staining
There is a natural discoloration that occurs over time with the Mooncup which does not affect the effectiveness of the Mooncup. If you did want to remove any staining use either cleaning method 2 or sodium bicarbonate (suitable for cooking). Pour the sodium bicarbonate onto a damp cloth and scrub to remove the staining, you may want to use a soft brush for around the lettering, then rinse well with water.
If the Mooncup has started to smell
The main reasons for the Mooncup developing a smell are either that it has been left in for longer than the advised 4 to 8 hours or, the pan that is being used to boil the Mooncup in may have traces of food left on the surface.
If neither of these applies to you, then you may have a non- serious vaginal infection such as Bacterial Vaginosis or Candida that should be investigated by your doctor.
To remove the smell, use cleaning method 2 above.
Cleaning the Mooncup after having a vaginal infection
If you have been diagnosed and treated for a vaginal infection you will need to clean your Mooncup following cleaning method 2 above before reusing.
Cleaning the Mooncup while travelling
During your period, you will need to rinse the Mooncup out with a small quantity of water THAT IS SAFE TO DRINK.
To clean your Mooncup more thoroughly in between periods you can use either cleaning method 1 or 2 above, so you may need to take a few sterilising tablets or a small bottle of sterilising fluid with you when travelling.
Can you wash your Mooncup in the Dishwasher?
We do not recommend using a dishwasher, the detergent may affect the Mooncup material and the natural flora of the vagina.
Storing your Mooncup when it’s not in use
When the Mooncup® is not in use it is important to keep the Mooncup dry and in the cotton breathable bag provided. A sealed container is not suitable.
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING AS THEY MAY DAMAGE YOUR MOONCUP OR CAUSE VAGINAL IRRITATION:
- Petrol based substances such as Vaseline
- Oil based substances
- e.g. essential oils or coconut oil
- Harsh cleaners
- Strong or scented soaps
- Dishwasher or microwave
Has this information helped answer your Mooncup cleaning questions? If not, or you would like clarification on any of the above recommendations, please contact us
