Does Your Menstrual Cup Smell Bad? Here’s How to Fix It
Whether you have a DivaCup, Saalt cup, a menstrual disc, or any other brand, we have great tips for removing unpleasant odours.
So you’ve finally figured out how to use and clean your menstrual cup and it’s been great, aside from one small issue – it’s starting to smell. Perhaps you’ve noticed your cup has a sour, fishy or unusual odour that won’t seem to go away. This is a typical experience for many women and there’s no shame in it at all. If your menstrual cup smells a little strange, we’re here to explain exactly how to help get rid of the odour and prevent it from coming back. It’s all part of our commitment to women’s health care and hygiene.
How to get the smell out of a menstrual cup or disc
The following tips should help you to remove menstrual cup/disc odour. However, it is important to first read the cleaning instructions for your specific brand as some may advise against a couple of these suggestions.
1. Don’t wear your period cup too long
Don’t wear your cup for longer than 12 hours as it may fill up with too much menstrual blood. The cups and discs (even though they hold more) are designed to be changed at least a couple of times during the day, ideally every 4-12 hours. Leaving them inserted for longer than this is not recommended and can lead to increased menstrual cup odour.
2. Clean the cup thoroughly
As much as possible, clean your cup thoroughly each time you remove it and reinsert it with cold clean water. Using specially designed menstrual cup wipes and wash may also assist in combating odour. Also ensure that all hollow areas, ridges, and rim holes are completely clean.
3. Sanitise the cup in boiling water
Boil your cup or disc in hot water for 2-10 minutes (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation). This should be done before and after each cycle, however, if an odour develops, try boiling the cup again. Be sure not to let the cup rest on or touch the base of the saucepan. This can be avoided by placing the cup or disc inside a whisk, or by using a menstrual cup microwave steriliser. Allow the cup to completely air dry and then store it in a breathable storage bag or container.
4. Create a vinegar solution
Try mixing up a solution of half water and half vinegar. Soak your menstrual cup or disc in the mixture for around an hour and then rinse thoroughly. This also acts as a bleach that can get rid of discolouration.
5. Use lemon juice to remove odour
Use fresh lemon juice to wipe the inside and outside of your cup or disc, or soak your cup in the juice for around an hour. Once finished, boil your cup for a few minutes in water to ensure all lemon juice residue is removed before reusing.
Explore our menstrual cup & disc cleaners:
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Saalt Compact Sanitizer
$ 19.95 -
Hello Wash
$ 14.95 -
Ruby Sterilizer
$ 19.95 -
Lunette Cup Wipes
$ 8.95
Is it normal for my menstrual cup to smell bad?
While the silicone that most menstrual cups are made from is odourless, it is possible for your cup to develop an odour with use. This is an odour of the cup itself, not the period odour you may smell during your cycle.
Every cup user is different and some women may find that their menstrual flow odour is stronger than others. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a strong menstrual cup odour during your cycle. If you’re constantly thinking, “my menstrual cup smells bad,” remember that your smell sensitivity is heightened at the time and it probably isn’t as bad as you may think. If you happen to have health conditions such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, this could affect the smell of the cup too.
With that being said, say goodbye to stinky menstrual cups today by trying out the methods above. Menstrual cups are a reusable, environmentally friendly alternative to period products like single-use tampons and pads. We recommend keeping them odour-free to enjoy all the benefits.
Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about menstrual cup and disc care with the FAQ’s below.
Yes, both menstrual cups and menstrual discs can be cleaned by sterilising them in the microwave. We recommend using a silicone microwave steriliser or a microwave steriliser bag. Be careful when removing from the microwave as both these items will be very hot.
Yes. It is normal for menstrual cups and discs to become discoloured with age. This does not affect the use of the cup, it may just look a little unsightly. Clear or light coloured cups and discs are the most likely to discolour.
Menstrual cups and discs should last for 2-10 years with proper care. If there are any signs of deterioration, damage, a white powdery film accompanied with a grainy texture, or a very foul smell, then it is probably time to buy a new cup or disc.
We usually recommend not using a menstrual cup if you have a yeast or other vaginal infection.
We recommend rinsing your cup or disc in cold water only. This will reduce the chance of staining. Once rinsed with cold water, you can wash in warm water or sterilise your cup by boiling.
Yes. The same methods are used to clean both menstrual cups and discs. Both are also suitable to be cleaned in microwave sterilisers. Just be aware that menstrual discs usually have much thinner silicone and may require more delicate handling during cleaning and boiling.
Sometimes hard water minerals can accumulate and dry on the surface of a menstrual cup or disc following boiling. This is nothing to be worried about. This white powder should just wipe or rinse off. If the white powder is accompanied by any sign of cup deterioration, it may be time to purchase a replacement.
Learn more about menstrual cups and periods:
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