How to Clean and Store Elys Cup

Cleaning a menstrual cup is a short routine, but the details matter. Start with the current instructions supplied with Elys Cup: they are specific to its material and design. Research can inform the general approach, but an in-vitro laboratory study does not prove that one method prevents infection in every real-life situation.

Elys Cup can be worn for up to 8 hours and may need to be emptied sooner according to flow. Wash your hands before every removal and reinsertion. Replace the cup if it becomes damaged or if the product instructions advise replacement.

Before the first use

Inspect the cup under good light. Check the rim, body, tab and air channel for tears, cracks or residue. Clean and prepare it exactly as directed in the product instructions. Use a clean pot or the recommended sterilizing method, keep the cup away from unclean surfaces, and let it cool before handling.

If your current Elys Cup instructions specify boiling or steeping, follow their time and water guidance. Do not assume that instructions for another brand apply to this product.

During your period: the between-wear routine

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Remove the cup slowly and empty the contents into the toilet.
Rinse the cup with clean water. Pay attention to the rim, folds and air channel.
If the instructions allow a cleanser, use only the type they recommend and rinse it away completely.
Check that openings are clear, then reinsert with clean hands.

Do not place the cup on a toilet seat, floor, public sink edge or other unclean surface. If it falls somewhere unclean, follow the full cleaning procedure before reinserting it.

What to do in a public bathroom

A private sink is convenient but not always available. Prepare before entering the cubicle: carry a small bottle of water that is safe for personal hygiene and clean tissues or toilet paper. After washing your hands, empty the cup. Rinse it over the toilet with safe water, or wipe it temporarily with clean tissue if the product instructions allow. Reinsert, then clean it thoroughly at the next suitable opportunity.

Hand sanitizer can be useful for surfaces or after leaving the bathroom, but do not leave sanitizer residue on the cup or insert it into the vagina unless the product instructions explicitly say it is safe. Soap residue, fragrances and alcohol may irritate sensitive tissue or affect materials.

Between cycles: what the cleaning study found

A 2022 in-vitro study deliberately contaminated silicone menstrual cups with blood and Staphylococcus aureus, then compared four cleaning methods. Soap and water followed by steeping in boiled water was most effective in that laboratory setup. Water followed by a five-minute steep in boiled water was not statistically different in the experiment. The authors concluded that steeping for at least five minutes may remove the logistical need for continuous boiling.

This was a laboratory study, not a clinical trial of infection prevention, and cup design can affect cleaning. Use it as background evidence—not as permission to ignore the current Elys Cup instructions. If those instructions specify a different validated method or time, follow them.

Cleaning the air channel and openings

Hold the cup under clean running water and let water pass through the air channel and openings. Gently flex the silicone if directed, rather than scraping with a pin or sharp object. Raised details and narrow areas can retain residue; the cleaning study found more bacterial recovery from pieces with raised lettering than from smooth pieces. That result supports careful visual inspection, but it does not mean all textured cups are unsafe.

Products and methods to avoid

Do not use bleach, solvents, household disinfectants or abrasive cleaners unless the Elys Cup instructions explicitly direct their use.
Avoid fragranced washes, essential oils and products that can leave residue.
Do not use a dishwasher or microwave unless the instructions provide a compatible method.
Do not scrape channels with needles or tools that can damage silicone.
Do not share a menstrual cup.

If you are unsure about a product, use the method in the official instructions rather than an online recipe.

Drying and storage

Let the cup air-dry completely in a clean place. Store dry Elys Cup in its breathable pouch, away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, pets and bathroom splashes. Do not seal a damp cup in an airtight bag or container. Wash or replace the pouch according to its care instructions.

Before the next cycle, inspect the cup again and repeat the preparation method specified by Elys Cup.

Stains, odour and replacement

Discolouration alone may be cosmetic, but changes in texture or integrity matter. Replace Elys Cup if you see cracks, tears, a sticky or powdery surface, damage to the air channel, or another change listed in the product instructions. A persistent odour after correct cleaning also deserves attention. Do not try increasingly harsh chemicals to rescue a damaged cup.

With proper care, Elys Cup is designed for use for up to 5 years. “Up to” is not a guarantee: actual replacement may be earlier if damage or material changes appear.

When health advice is needed

The 2019 systematic review found menstrual cups to be a generally safe menstrual-management option, while also documenting rare adverse events and emphasizing the need for better-quality research. No menstrual product is entirely risk-free. Stop use and seek medical advice for severe pain, fever, dizziness, rash, urinary symptoms, unusual discharge or other concerning symptoms.

Next, read how to insert Elys Cup, review calm removal steps, visit the FAQ, or explore Elys Cup.

This article provides general information and is not medical advice.

Sources

Sources support the specific evidence statements above. Product-specific directions, including the Elys Cup 8-hour maximum, should also be checked against the current instructions supplied with the product.