How to Clean Your Reusable Period Products Between Uses

We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of something every reusable period product user needs to know: how to keep your menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period panties clean between uses. Not that half-hearted rinse we’ve all guiltily done when tired, but the proper cleaning that keeps them fresh, functional, and lasting way longer.

When I started my periods, I had no idea what I was doing. Boil my cup? Soak my underwear? Avoid fabric softener? It felt like learning a secret society’s handshake. But after years of trial and error (and some very avoidable mistakes), I’ve figured out a system that works without turning period care into a part-time job.

How to Clean Your Reusable Period Products

So whether you’re new to reusables or just looking to up your cleaning game, I’m breaking down exactly what I do from my daily shower routine to that magic peroxide trick that saved my favorite cup from permanent staining. No fluff, just the real-deal methods that actually work for my busy, imperfect life.

Ready to give your period products the care they deserve? Let’s do this.

How to Clean a Menstrual Cup?

Most menstrual cups I‘ve tried are made of medical-grade silicone, so their care instructions are pretty similar. The best way to keep them fresh and hygienic? A good old-fashioned boil.

• Drop your cup into a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes.
• This kills bacteria and keeps it sanitized—super important since it sits inside your body for hours at a time.

I personally boil mine at the start and end of each cycle for a deep clean. But let’s be real—boiling it every single day during my period would be way too much work. Instead, I keep it simple with a daily wash using a menstrual cup cleanser.

Also Read: Pads, Tampons, or Cups? Let’s Break Down Your Best Options

My daily routine is quick and hassle-free:

• Take the cup out in the shower.
• Rinse it thoroughly with water.
• Wash it with a menstrual cup soap.
• Reinsert it.

The whole process takes less than a minute, and just like that, everything stays fresh and clean.

Dealing with Stains On Mentraul Cup

Even with regular cleaning, your cup might develop those stubborn, lingering stains that don’t budge with soap or boiling. But don’t worry—there’s a magic fix: a hydrogen peroxide soak.

• At the end of each cycle, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water in a plastic cup.
• Drop your menstrual cup in and let it soak overnight.
• By morning, it looks brand new—no stains, no weird discoloration.

Keeping your menstrual cup clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little routine care and the occasional deep clean, it’ll stay fresh, stain-free, and ready for your next cycle!

How to Wash Reusable Cloth Pads and Period Panties

Reusable period underwear and cloth pads are game-changers—but only if you care for them properly! The secret? Presoaking. Skip this step, and you might end up with stains or lingering odors. Here’s my tried-and-true method for keeping them fresh:

1. Rinse First

The moment I take them off, I:

✔ Rinse under cold water (in the sink or tub) to remove as much blood as possible.
✔ Avoid hot water—it can set stains instead of lifting them!

2. Soak in a Cleaning Solution

Next, I prep a simple soak:

✔ Fill a bucket with 1-2 gallons of water.
✔ Add a little mild detergent (the kind for delicates).
✔ Add a splash of hydrogen peroxide—it breaks down blood and fights odors.
✔ Let them soak for at least an hour for a deep clean.

3. Wash on Delicate

Once they’re soaked and ready:

✔ I toss them in the washing machine, but only with other period products (no mixing with regular laundry!).
✔ Use the delicate cycle with cold water to protect the fabric.
❌ No fabric softener! It coats the fibers and makes them less absorbent.

Also Read: 7 Period Hygiene Tips – How to Maintain Menstrual Hygiene

4. Air Dry

✔ I always hang them to dry. But do not heat from the dryer can break down the elastic and shorten their lifespan.

With this routine, your reusable period products will stay clean and fresh and last as long as possible! Even with the best care, period panties and cloth pads won’t last forever. Over time, they may start holding onto smells or losing absorbency. When does that happen? Time for a replacement!

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