How to clean the Mooncup menstrual cup
Always wash hands with soap, before and after handling your Mooncup.
During Period
Wash with water, or mild, non-perfumed soap. Always rinse the Mooncup with water after using soaps as any traces left on the Mooncup may cause irritation.
Changing in public toilets
Try to take a small bottle of water into the toilet cubicle with you. Remove the Mooncup, tip the contents into the toilet bowl and rinse with a small amount of water and re-insert.
If you have not got a bottle of water, then wipe the Mooncup with toilet paper and re-insert.
Clean Mooncup before first use/deep cleaning
Boil it immersed in water for 5-7 minutes (in a pan put aside for this purpose)
Use sterilising solution/tablets. These are commonly used to sterilise baby equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution and soak for the minimum recommended time. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Mooncup whilst travelling
Make sure to use drinking water to clean Mooncup.
Storing Mooncup between periods:
Dry your Mooncup thoroughly and store in the breathable cotton bag provided.
Do not store in a plastic bag or sealed container.
Remove staining on the Mooncup
Soak the Mooncup in sterilising solution/tablets, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for dilution and soaking for the minimum time.
Use a clean damp cloth or a toothbrush with plenty of sodium bicarbonate and rub it on to the stained area. Once you have cleaned your Mooncup rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Contraindications
Do not clean the Mooncup in a microwave as doing this may damage the material.
Do not clean the Mooncup in a dishwasher because the detergent may adversely affect the material and/or your vaginal flora.
Do not clean the holes of the Mooncup with a pin.This can tear and damage the material.
Using an IUD/IUS alongside the Mooncup
We know that there are Mooncup users who are happily using their Mooncup alongside an IUD/IUS. However, there have been some instances where an IUD/IUS has become dislodged when using the devices together, possibly due to anatomical factors (e.g. a low cervix), usage issues (e.g. wearing the Mooncup too high) or simply that the IUD/IUS has been naturally rejected by the body; one in twenty IUD/IUS will be expelled, most commonly, in the first 3 months after the IUD/IUS has been inserted. IUD/IUS expulsions happen most frequently during menstruation.
If you are considering using the Mooncup alongside an IUD/IUS you may wish to discuss this with your doctor/nurse/gynaecologist first. If you have decided to use both devices together then please consider the following information:
- There should always be a space between the Mooncup and the cervix. If you have a low sitting cervix then there may not be enough room for your Mooncup to sit safely and work effectively alongside your IUD/IUS.
- Remember to place the Mooncup low in the vagina and ensure you have an adequate seal (read more about Mooncup positioning.) It is important to always release the seal before removing a Mooncup.
- It is important to always release the seal before removing a Mooncup.
- After each period, check you can still feel the IUD/IUS strings. If you cannot feel them or think that your IUD/IUS has moved or is causing/has caused you pain, use another form of contraception such as a condom until you have had your IUD/IUS checked by a doctor/medical professional.