Key Takeaways:
- Boil For A Fresh Start: Sanitize your cup by boiling it for 4–5 minutes to ensure a thorough clean without damaging the medical-grade silicone.
- Consistency Matters: Regular disinfecting helps keep your menstrual cup clean and extends the life of your cup, making it a reliable, sustainable choice.
- Daily Care Is Simple: While boiling is best at the start and end of your cycle, a quick daily wash with mild, fragrance-free soap or Saalt Wipes keeps your cup clean between uses.
Your period is something that shows up regularly, so your care routine should feel just as reliable. At Saalt, we believe period care should be intuitive, empowering, and refreshingly low-maintenance. That’s where reusable products come in. If you’re already using a Saalt Cup or just checking out your options, knowing how to clean your cup properly is key to making it last and loving the experience.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long do you boil a menstrual cup?” It’s a valid question, and the answer is more straightforward than you might think. Boiling your cup for a few minutes ensures a deep clean without harsh chemicals or complicated routines, and it helps your cup stay in top shape, cycle after cycle.
In this guide, we’ll cover exactly how long to boil your menstrual cup, why cleaning your menstrual cup matters, and how to care for your reusable products in a way that supports your health and the planet.
What Is A Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, bell-shaped device made from medical-grade silicone that’s designed to collect, not absorb, your flow. Unlike single-use products, the Saalt Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time with no strings, no dryness, and no unnecessary waste. It forms a gentle seal against your vaginal walls, allowing you to move confidently through your day with leak-free protection and zero irritation.
Why Choose Reusable Period Care?
Did you know that the average person has about 456 periods in their lifetime? That adds up to over 10,000 menstrual products used, according to The Lancet Regional Health. Choosing a Saalt Cup is a powerful shift toward a more environmentally conscious period routine. With proper care, your Saalt Cup can last up to 10 years, replacing thousands of single-use products — many of which contain plastic. That’s less waste in landfills and a more intentional way to care for your body and the planet.
Meet The Saalt Cup: Smart, Sustainable Protection
The Saalt Cup is thoughtfully designed to be one of the most comfortable and user-friendly menstrual cups on the market, perfect for both first-timers and seasoned cup users. Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, it’s odor-free, biocompatible, and free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and latex. Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that BPA — commonly used in plastics and food packaging — may pose developmental concerns, especially in fetuses and infants. That’s why choosing a product that does not contain BPA matters.
Each FDA-registered cup is also vegan and cruelty-free, and comes in three colors: Ocean Blue, Himalayan Pink, and Seafoam Green. Your cup will also come with a reusable carry bag, making clean, convenient storage simple no matter where life takes you. Best of all? You’ll get up to 12 hours of leak-free protection day or night, even while you sleep.
Saalt Soft Cup: Gentle Support, Same Great Protection
If you have bladder sensitivity, cramping, or discomfort with firmer cups, the Saalt Soft Cup might be your match. Made with an ultra-soft silicone formula, it’s designed to be extra gentle while offering the same trustworthy protection. Available in three shades — Mountain Iris, Mist Grey, and Desert Blush — it’s a comfortable option for the days when you need a little softness.
If internal products aren’t the right fit for you, Saalt period underwear offers reliable, reusable protection with no insertion required. And if you’re looking for a no-suction alternative, a period disc provides the same long-lasting comfort without creating a seal around the vaginal walls. Whether you want soft support, suction-free freedom, or a completely external option, Saalt has you covered.
Find Your Fit: Saalt Cup Sizes
Choosing the right size ensures better comfort and leak protection. Saalt offers three sizes to support every body:
- Teen Cup: Ideal for teens or people who are petite with a very low cervix.
- Small Cup: Great for people with a medium to low cervix.
- Regular Cup: Best for people with a medium to high cervix.
Not sure which size is right? Saalt’s Cup Quiz and Cup Size Guide are helpful tools to help you figure it out. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us!
Listening To Your Flow
While the Saalt Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, it’s best to empty it morning and night. On heavier days, you may need to empty it more often — your body knows best. Once the cup is full, leaks can happen regardless of the seal. Paying attention to your flow is key to staying comfortable and confident every cycle.
Step-By-Step Guide To Boiling Your Menstrual Cup
Before your Saalt Cup joins your rotation, it deserves a clean intro. Since it doesn’t arrive sterile, giving it a quick boil helps keep unwanted bacteria out of the equation from day one. Your body’s doing amazing things, so it deserves to be introduced to hygienic products. Not sure how to boil a menstrual cup? Here’s how:
- Wash Your Hands: Before you do anything else, wash your hands thoroughly with mild, fragrance-free soap and water. According to the CDC’s Menstrual Hygiene guidelines, clean hands are essential when handling any menstrual product — including when you’re about to boil your cup.
- Gather Your Essentials: Grab your cup, a small pot, and clean tongs or a wire whisk. Pour in enough water to submerge your cup fully. If it gives you peace of mind, consider using a pot designated just for this purpose.
- Bring To A Boil: Once the water hits a rolling boil, gently place your cup in and let it boil for 4–5 minutes (but never more than 7). This step is essential when learning how to sterilize a menstrual cup safely. Use clean tongs or a whisk to keep the cup suspended so that it doesn’t rest at the bottom of the pot. This helps avoid heat damage.
- Cool It Down: Remove your cup carefully from the hot water and set it on a clean towel. Let it cool off and dry completely before storing it.
- Store It Right: Place your cup in a breathable bag (never an airtight container) and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Wondering how often to boil your menstrual cup? We recommend boiling it before your first use and between cycles. If it’s your first time using a cup or you just want a little extra peace of mind, you can check out our detailed guide on how to insert a menstrual cup for helpful tips and visuals. And if you’re still getting the hang of it, there’s no harm in pairing your cup with a backup layer like moisture-wicking underwear for added security.
Travel-Friendly Cleaning & Sanitizing Methods for Your Menstrual Cup
Boiling your cup is the gold standard for sanitizing, especially between cycles. But when you're traveling or short on time, other options can help you maintain a clean and safe routine. It’s important to distinguish between cleaning (removing residue and buildup) and sanitizing (killing harmful bacteria). Here’s how to do both effectively—wherever you are:
Cleaning On The Go
1. Saalt Intimate Cleansing Wipes
These biodegradable, flushable wipes are made with only seven plant-based ingredients, making them gentle enough for both your cup and your vulva. While they do not sanitize, they’re a perfect solution for quick and convenient cleaning when you're camping, at work, or between restroom stops.
2. Fragrance-Free Soap and Hot Water
Between uses, rinse your cup with hot water and a mild, fragrance-free soap that’s safe for silicone. This removes residue and maintains hygiene, but doesn’t replace the need for sanitization. Avoid soaps with oils, fragrances, bleach, vinegar, or dish detergents, which can damage the cup or irritate your body.
Travel-Ready Sanitizing Options
1. Saalt Compact Sanitizer
This sleek, portable steamer uses high heat to sanitize your menstrual cup without boiling water. It’s ideal for travel and home use alike, offering a fuss-free solution that fits in your bag.
2. Saalt Steamer
Another convenient at-home option, the Saalt Steamer ensures your cup is sanitized between cycles with minimal effort. Simply plug it in, add water, and let the device do the work.
3. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
When boiling or steaming isn’t possible, wiping your menstrual cup with 70% isopropyl alcohol can be used as a sanitizing method. Allow the cup to air dry completely before using or storing it.
For everyday cleaning, wipes and soap get the job done. But to truly sanitize your cup and ensure it’s safe for continued use, stick to boiling, steaming, or using 70% isopropyl alcohol—especially between menstrual cycles.
Make The Switch
Every time you rinse, boil, and reuse your menstrual cup, you're embracing a routine that's good for you and gentler on the Earth. And when you feel supported in your cycle, everything shifts for the better. No more wasteful toss-away products, no more guessing games — just period care that works.
At Saalt, we’re here with you at every step. Whether you're learning the ropes or fine-tuning your flow, our team, tools, and mission are all about making periods feel better for everyone. We prioritize high-performance care that’s as powerful as you are. Make the switch to reusables today!
Read also:
- Menstrual Cups 101: How They Work And Why You Might Love Them
- Menstrual Cup & Disc Cleaning - Sanitizing vs. Sterilizing
- Menstrual Discs: Weighing The Pros And Cons
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long To Boil A Menstrual Cup
How do I store my menstrual cup after boiling it?
Once your cup has cooled and dried completely, store it in the breathable pouch it came with or another clean, lint-free fabric bag. Avoid plastic containers or zipped pouches that trap moisture. Good airflow helps your cup stay fresh and ready for your next cycle.
Can I use a microwave to sanitize my menstrual cup?
Yes, you can use a microwave to sanitize your Saalt Cup, but we recommend using the Saalt Compact Sanitizer for this process. Simply fill the sanitizer with water, place your cup inside, and microwave for about 3 minutes (or until the water boils). This provides a quick and effective way to keep your cup clean.
Is it safe to use tap water to boil my menstrual cup?
Generally, yes. If your tap water is safe to drink, it’s safe for sterilizing your cup. For added peace of mind, especially in areas with hard water or known impurities, filtered or bottled water works well, too.
How do I handle my menstrual cup when it’s hot after boiling?
Use clean tongs to remove your cup from the pot. Place your cup on a clean towel and let it air dry completely before storing.
Can boiling my menstrual cup cause damage?
Not if done properly. Boil your cup for 4–5 minutes, keeping a close eye and setting a timer. Avoid overboiling for over 7 minutes or walking away mid-process. If the water boils away or the cup rests on the bottom of the pot for a prolonged time, the cup could become damaged.
Can I boil my menstrual cup with other items?
Your cup deserves its own clean space. Boil it alone. Mixing it with other items could cause contamination or damage.
