Why Does My Menstrual
Cup Smell
Menstrual cups can smell, and that can happen to anyone. If you find your cup smelling, don’t feel down. There are some easy and effective solutions for that.
Menstrual Cups: Why Does it Smell?
If you leave your cup inside you for more than the recommended hours, this can cause your cup to smell. And if your cup already has an odor, the smell can increase from time to time.
You have a medical problem
As I have said, the smell is coming from your cup, not from your menstrual period.
Moreover, while menstruating some smell is normal.
If the smell is strong and you think that your cup isn’t what’s causing the unpleasant odor, it maybe your vagina.
If this is the case it might be a good idea to see a doctor.
Keep in mind that common vaginal infections and yeast infections can cause unpleasant smells. So, if you can’t stand the odor from your menstrual cup and your vagina, it would be better for you to visit a doctor soon.
Doing this will allow the cup to stay fresh, and this is for hygienic purposes also. Additionally, the blood residue that is left in your menstrual cup, when you don’t clean it, can cause the embarrassing odor. If you find your cup smelling bad, the answer is -you might not be cleaning it properly.
So when in public toilets, wash hands before removing the cup, rinse the cup with plain water, (or cleaning agent designed for this purpose), don't use regular soap that is available in the toilet.
Now that you understand the main reasons why a cup smell, let us show you how to reduce or remove menstrual cup odor. However, before you decide to follow the tips below, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your cup to keep it safe and functional.
Ways to Reduce or Remove Your Menstrual Cup Odor
Sun dry your menstrual cup
This trick is very simple. Just put your cup under the sun and let it dry. This simple technique can help reduce cup odor and also helps with discoloration.
Furthermore, don’t leave it in a place that is too hot as the cup can melt. Just find a good sunny spot, leave it there for some hours, and let the sun do the work for you. You’ll get to reduce your cup’s odor by the help of this effective trick.
Clean your cup thoroughly
Each time you remove and insert your cup, always ensure to clean it thoroughly. Also, there are some cup wipes and wash that is designed to fight odor. As much as possible, make sure that all rim holes and hollow areas are fully clean. You don’t want to leave any blood residue behind as this can cause an annoying smell.
Always remember to boil (5 - 20 minutes) your cup after any other cleaning-agents than water, or very thoroughly rinse it, depending on the manufacturers recommendation.
Use a white vinegar solution
A white vinegar is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to eliminate the smell from your menstrual cup. Using a mixed of half white vinegar and half water solution, soak your cup in the mixture for around an hour. Don’t forget to rinse it thoroughly. Continue doing this regularly until your satisfied with how your cup smell.
Always remember that to remove any cleaning agent, boiling (5 - 20 minutes) your cup is required.
Use a lemon juice solution
Lemon juice can also help get rid of your menstrual cup’s odor. You can either wipe your cup with a lemon juice or soak your menstrual cup in the juice at least an hour. Furthermore, don’t forget to boil your cup for a few minutes. This is to make sure that all the lemon juice is removed.
To remove the lemon juice from the cup, boil the cup for 5 to 20 minutes, before using the cup again.
Boil your cup
You can sterilize your cup by soaking it in a boiling water. Also, make sure that the water is boiling, not hot or warm.
Simply put your cup in a boiling water for at least for 2 to 10 minutes.
You should boil the cup before and after your cycle as this is the only way to sterilize a menstrual cup.
But remember to keep an eye and be sure that your cup won’t touch the bottom of the pot as it can get damaged or melt.
A whisk is good for this, just spread the whisk and insert the cup.
Use a rubbing alcohol
Alcohol can help disinfect your cup. It’s an effective germ-killer solution that can also help reduce the smell of your menstrual cup.
Similar to lemon juice solution, you can either wipe or soak your cup in a rubbing alcohol.
Leave it there for an hour, and allow it to air dry completely before you use it again. Be sure to test carefully if your cup can handle the rubbing alcohol!
Some people have reported that their cup melted, while some have used rubbing alcohol with no problems at all.
Don’t worry if your menstrual cup is smelling. There are some ways to remove the smell! With the above tips, you’ll get to find out what’s causing your cup to smell. And with our help, you’ll be able to eliminate the unpleasant odor coming from your menstrual cup with this guide.