Tricks to "whiten" the menstrual cup

Does your menstrual cup look yellow or faded? Don't worry, we reveal some secrets to keep it in perfect condition for as long as possible!

Even if you follow a cleaning routine that suits your menstrual cup, it is very likely that it will acquire a yellowish or brown tint over time.. This usually happens, especially on white or clear ones, because iron from menstrual blood builds up on medical silicone or TPE walls and stains them. But don't worry, with these tricks that we list, your cup will be as before. (READ also: Menstrual cup: everything you need to know)

Is it normal for the menstrual cup to turn yellow?

If your menstrual cup has a yellowish or brown hue, don't worry, it is normal for this to happen after using it several times. Attention! This does not mean that it is dirty or deteriorated and that it must be changed, the coloring is only a consequence of its use. So despite its yellow tone, the cup is clean and continues to efficiently collect menstrual flow.

When to replace the menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup, properly cared for and well preserved, can last up to 10 years. It should only be replaced if you notice any changes in material or shape, if you notice any cracks, cuts, if it becomes sticky or if it has suffered variations from being subjected to harsh chemicals.

Tips for "whitening" the menstrual cup Tricks to

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It is not difficult to remove the brown or yellowish color from a menstrual cup, but we still recommend that you carefully read the instructions and cleaning methods suggested by each manufacturer before choosing one of these methods.

Below we tell you some simple tricks to "whiten" our menstrual cup:

Index

Hydrogen peroxide

One of the most effective and accessible forms is use of hydrogen peroxide. Just dip the yellowed menstrual cup in hydrogen peroxide for about 8 hours. Then wash it and boil it for about 3 minutes in order to remove any kind of residue before re-use. Voila, as good as new!

We strongly advise you to wait at least 6 months before reusing this method because frequent use of hydrogen peroxide could ruin the material of our cup.

Sodium percarbonate

Our ecological whitening agent is also present here! Leave your menstrual cup to soak in hot water (above 50 °) with a spoonful of sodium percarbonate for a few minutes. After a few minutes you will already see the results.

Sunbath

The sun is a natural stain remover. After washing the cup well with water, let it dry for a couple of hours directly in the sun. This treatment can be repeated every time the menstrual cycle ends because it works well with "young spots". Avoid this method if you use the TPE cup.

If you choose one of these methods, before reusing the menstrual cup, you need to make sure that all traces of hydrogen peroxide or percarbonate have been removed by boiling it and allowing it to dry completely in the open air (if exposed directly to the sun's rays even better ). Also remember that, apart from sunbathing, all of these methods should not be used regularly as they could compromise the longevity of the cup.

A few extra tips for cleaning your menstrual cup

To keep your cup in good condition for as long as possible, it is important to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of the menstrual cup.
Cleaning the cup correctly in all its parts (edge, holes, stem) will help to delay the formation of stains or yellowing.
Whenever the cup is emptied, it is important to rinse it with cold water and not hot water (which could fix the stains).
Do not wear the menstrual cup for more than 12 hours in a row.
If your menstrual cup smells bad, let it soak in water and vinegar or with water and baking soda.

The menstrual cup is a revolutionary and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable tampons and sanitary pads. If you have come to this article it is very likely that you too are using it and contributing to the reduction of our environmental impact.

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