How do I clean and maintain the cup?
Cleaning process
Before first use
Before using your AllMatters cup for the very first time, you have to boil your menstrual cup in water for 3-5 minutes. Please make sure to keep an eye on the pot so the water doesn’t vaporise and the cup doesn't fall to the bottom and burn.
During your period
While on your period, we recommend that you empty the cup in the toilet or sink and simply rinse it with clean water and reinsert it. It’s not necessary to use soap to clean your cup, but if you prefer using soap, it’s important to use a perfume free and pH-balanced soap, such as our cup wash.
After your period
After your period, you have to boil your cup in water for 3-5 minutes. Again, please make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t accidentally burn. If you are not able to boil your cup, you can sanitize it with a sanitizing wipe.
After your cup has dried, store it in its organic cotton bag. If needed, you can wash the cotton bag in the washing machine, on 30 degrees Celsius. If you have lost the bag, you can use any other cotton bag.
Can I sanitise my menstrual cup in a microwave or pour boiling water over it?
We recommend that you boil the cup in a pot because it's important to make sure the water reaches 100°C (212°F) and kills any bacteria. This is more difficult to control if you’re using a microwave or pouring boiling water over the cup, since the water's temperature drops quickly.
When on the go
Since the cup holds up to three times as much liquid as a super tampon and only needs to be emptied a couple of times a day, it makes traveling and public outings much easier and more convenient. Most users only need to empty it in the morning and evening, in the comfort of their home or a private space.
When out of the house, we recommend carrying a water bottle or a disinfectant wipe. Rinsing the cup with water from the bottle helps avoid exposure to contaminated water. If neither is available, wipe the cup clean with toilet paper and rinse it once you have access to a clean water.
Discoloration and Odor Maintenance
It’s normal for the cup to develop an odor or slight discoloration after use. Odor is usually caused by leaving the cup in longer than the recommended 8–12 hours. Discoloration is often due to a buildup of residue. In both cases, here are some effective ways to refresh your cup:
- Hydrogen Peroxide (Most Effective): Mix equal parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl. Submerge the cup and leave it overnight.
- Rubbing Alcohol: You can wipe the cup thoroughly or soak it in rubbing alcohol for about an hour.
- Lemon Juice: Soak the cup in fresh lemon juice for one hour. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly with cold water, as warm water can sometimes cause odors to set.
- Vinegar: Create a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar and soak the cup for one hour.
Before using your cup again, be sure to sterilize it by boiling it for 3–5 minutes.
Learn more about cup safety here: https://dk.allmatters.com/pages/how-to-use