Best Menstrual Cup Steriliser | How to Sterilise Your Cup

Sterilizing your menstrual cup is an essential step to keep it hygienic, safe, and long‑lasting. While rinsing your cup during your period is usually enough, you should always sterilise your menstrual cup between cycles. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it, find out the best menstrual cup sterilizer, and help you choose the easiest option for your routine.

Why You Should Sterilise Your Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are made from high-quality medical-grade silicone, but they still come into contact with blood and bacteria. Sterilising your cup:

• Removes bacteria and odors

• Helps prevent irritation or infections

• Extends the lifespan of your menstrual cup

• Keeps your cup fresh and ready for your next cycle

The good news? Sterilizing is quick and easy, especially if you use a dedicated menstrual cup steriliser.

How to Sterilize a Menstrual Cup (Step by Step)

Step 1: Rinse Your Cup

Rinse your menstrual cup with clean water to remove any residue. Avoid harsh soaps or antibacterial products.

Step 2: Place the Cup in a Steriliser

Put your cup inside a menstrual cup steriliser, such as the Ruby Cup Steriliser, and fill it with water until the cup is fully covered.

Step 3: Heat the Water

You have two safe options:

• Microwave method: Place the steriliser in the microwave and heat for 3–5 minutes, or until the water boils.

• Stovetop method: Place the steriliser on the stove and let it boil gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Let It Cool and Dry

Carefully remove the steriliser (it will be hot), let everything cool, then allow your cup to dry completely before storing it in its breathable cotton bag.

The Best Menstrual Cup Steriliser

Using a dedicated sterilizer makes the process safer, easier, and more hygienic than using a kitchen pot.

⭐ Best Overall: Ruby Cup Steriliser

The Ruby Cup Steriliser is designed specifically for menstrual cups and fits perfectly with all Ruby Cup sizes and other brands.

Why we love it:

• Made from 100% food-grade silicone

• Safe for microwave and stovetop use

• Collapsible, lightweight, and travel-friendly

• Easy to use, clean, and store

The Ruby Steriliser collapses for easy storage and travel, making it the perfect choice for on-the-go use.

Can You Sterilize a Menstrual Cup Without a Sterilizer?

Yes! You can boil your menstrual cup in a pot of water for 2–3 minutes. Ensure:

• The pot is clean

• The cup does not touch the bottom of the pot

• You don’t leave it unattended

While this method works, a menstrual cup sterilizer is more convenient and safer.

Avoid Using:

• Wet or menstrual cup wipes (non-biodegradable, unnecessary waste, not designed for vagina)

• Scented/oil-based/antibacterial soaps

• Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, dishwashing liquid, rubbing alcohol, bleach

• Dishwasher cleaning

Always handle your cup with freshly washed hands to avoid transferring bacteria.

Watch How to Sterilise Your Menstrual Cup

For a visual guide, check out our Ruby Cup video showing exactly how to clean your cup and use the Ruby Steriliser:

This video demonstrates both the pot method and steriliser method, plus provides tips for easy, hygienic care.

How Often Should You Sterilize Your Cup?

• Between cycles: Always sterilize after your period ends and before your next cycle.
• During your period: Rinse with cold water at least every 12 hours. Sterilizing daily during your period is not necessary; once per cycle is sufficient.

Here on the Ruby Cup blog, we already have a full guide on how to clean a menstrual cup, and as we promise in the article: It’s easier than you think. We also have a guide specifically on how to clean your menstrual cup in a public bathroom, which can seem a bit scary at first, but is totally doable (and doesn’t necessarily entail being bold enough to use the sink).

Full Menstrual Cup Care Tips

Your menstrual cup is a zero-waste period product that can last up to 10 years. To help it reach its full lifespan and stay hygienic:

• Sterilize between cycles (boil 2-3 minutes)

• Avoid harsh chemicals (alcohol, bleach, dishwashing liquid)

• Handle with clean hands

• Empty and rinse every 12 hours during your period

• Store in a breathable cotton bag, washing it every 4 months

• Avoid oil-based lubricants, soaps, or lotions

• Do not use alongside vaginally injected medicine

• Give your cup a break during infections (yeast or bacterial)

• Keep away from scratchy surfaces and pets

By following these simple steps, your menstrual cup will stay safe, clean, and eco-friendly, making your period care easy and stress-free.