Should I get a new cup, or keep what I have?
I have some slight mysophobia, or Germaphobia if you’d like to call it that, which means I end up cleaning repeatedly or using alcohol to clean my cup(obviously boiling between cycles as is recommended) but if I drop it anywhere it feels like the end of the world. Awhile ago I dropped it on the side of the toilet, which to me is even worse than the regular floor, I picked it up washed it with soap and water then sprayed it down with alcohol and have sense left it sitting in my drawer because I’m afraid to use it again, am I being irrational or would washing with soap and water, spraying with alcohol, and boiling it be sufficient or should I purchase a new cup? (It has been sitting for almost a year)
Hello There!
I can understand your concern although I may not have the same phobias as you do. I also feel the same about the floor around the toilet compared to the “regular” floor and will often throw something away if it falls there or will have the compulsion to wash it several times before using it again IF I end up using it again at all.
Your method of washing with soap and water, spraying it down with alcohol, and then boiling it is sufficient. Boiling a cup can remove 99.9% of germs if done correctly.
First, bring the water to a rolling boil. Then place the cup in and make sure it is fully submerged. I like to use a designated whisk, ‘cage’ the cup, and turn it to the side so that the stem is sticking out on one side. This way, you can tilt the cup and release any air bubbles within. It will also keep your cup submerged better so that it doesn’t have room to bob around inside of the whisk. You can see a photo here:
Cleaning a Menstrual Cup
Silicone should be boiled for 8-10 minutes at the least. Set a timer so you don’t forget!
Cup steamers seem to be popular these days. Cup users have used egg or bottle steamers to sanitize their cups, but I think single-cup steamers might be cheaper and you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. There are also reusable microwave steamer bags if you’re interested in that.
One more thing you can do is set the cup in a sunny place. The sun can do wonders for cleaning and bleaching.
Since it has been sitting for a year, I would check it for any signs of deterioration; pitting, or feeling gummy, sticky, or tacky that won’t wash away. If it has any of these, it’s time to replace the cup. On a side note, never use anti-bacterial soap. It can cause all of these to happen more quickly.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Good Luck! <3
Red Herring
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