How to Clean My Diva Cup

The Diva Cup is a silicone cup used by women to contain menstrual flow. The cup can be used in place of tampons or pads, either to avoid the health risks of tampons or as an environmentally responsible alternative to disposable sanitary products. Because the Diva Cup contacts the sensitive mucosa of the female reproductive tract, it must be cleaned thoroughly after each use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. However, because the cup is made of silicone, only gentle cleansing methods should be used to avoid damaging the cup.

Things You'll Need

• Diva Cup
• Diva brand cleanser or other gentle, non-oil and non-chemical based cleaner
• Saucepan
• Water
• Soft toothbrush or toothpicks (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your Diva Cup with cleanser and warm water. During the menstrual cycle when the cup is in daily use, wash it once a day with warm water and specially formulated cleaner. If you do not have Diva brand cleaner, you can use another cleaner as long as it is not oil-based and contains no harsh chemicals.

• 2

  Boil to sterilize. At the end of your menstrual cycle, clean the cup with cleanser and warm water while you bring water in a saucepan to a rolling boil. Submerge the Diva Cup in the boiling water for five to ten minutes.

• 3

  Clean the four holes under the rim of the cup, which may tend to retain some residual material. Use a soft toothbrush or a toothpick to gently remove the residue from the holes. Do not use a sharp object such as a pin, which could damage the cup.

• 4

  Store properly. The Diva Cup should be stored in its cloth pouch. Do not seal it in a plastic bag or container, as this will prevent moisture from evaporating. Bacteria thrive in moist conditions and may contaminate a cup sealed in an airtight bag or container.