Getting rid of the menstrual cup smell

Have you noticed an odor coming from your menstrual cup? The truth is, if you use your cup at all, there’s a risk that you could end up with a stinky menstrual cup on your hands. While a menstrual cup smell doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your cup (or with your period), it can be annoying.

The good news? A smelly menstrual cup is usually easy to fix — and even easier to prevent with proper cleaning and care.

If you’re wondering:

• Is it normal for my menstrual cup to smell?
• Why does my menstrual cup smell like sulfur or eggs?
• How do I remove odor from a silicone menstrual cup?

You’re in the right place.

Is it normal for my menstrual cup to smell?

Yes! It’s completely normal for a menstrual cup to develop an odor with regular use. This happens because menstrual blood reacts with air and natural vaginal bacteria. This odor may be completely different from the smell associated with your menstrual flow. Some people have described the smell similar to:

• Sour
• Similar to eggs or broccoli
• Sulfur-like

But don’t worry — it’s unlikely that other people will notice the smell of your menstrual cup or the smell of your period. But if it bothers you, here’s how to fix it!

How do I get the smell out of my menstrual cup?

The tips below will help remove both smell and discoloration from your menstrual cup. It’s always a good idea to read your manufacturer’s instructions for your specific cup brand. The following is what we recommend for Pixie Cup menstrual cups. If you have a cup from a different manufacturer (such as a Diva Cup or a Lena Cup), they may recommend different cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

1. Deep Clean and Sanitize Before and After Your Period

If your menstrual cup smells, deep cleaning is the first step. Sanitizing your cup can be easy with Pixie’s Sanitizing Steamer.

We recommend:

• Sanitizing your cup before and after each period
• Rinsing your cup at least once daily during use
• Washing thoroughly every time you empty it

Consistent cleaning dramatically reduces odor buildup.

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2. Don’t Wear Your Cup Too Long

Menstrual cups are safe to wear for up to 12 hours. Ideally, it’s best to remove and empty your cup even more frequently — every 4 to 8 hours if possible. Leaving your cup in for longer than recommended can increase the chance of an odor developing. If your cup already has an odor, leaving it in too long could make it worse.

3. Always Rinse With Cold Water First

You may be tempted to wash your cup in hot water right after you take it out, but hot water can actually cause odor and stains to set in. When you remove your cup:

1. Wash or rinse it in cold water first.
2. Then wash it in warmer water with a menstrual cup-safe cleanser.

Tip: The same is true for underwear or other clothing that gets menstrual blood on it: Give it a good scrub in cold water to keep stains from setting.

4. Scrub Thoroughly (Especially the Air Holes)

After rinsing in cold water, give your cup a good scrub using a menstrual cup cleanser.

• Use a mild, fragrance-free wash designed for silicone cups. Pixie has one that comes in a gel and foam wash. You can find all of our safe ingredients used here.
• Avoid regular soaps that contain oils or fragrances.
• Clean around the rim and air holes carefully — residue often builds up there.

Pro tip: Keep a small toothbrush designated just for cleaning your cup.

If you’re changing your cup in a public restroom and can’t wash it, it’s fine to just wipe it off and reinsert. Keep some menstrual cup wipes in your bag or pocket for this purpose, and just make sure to give your cup a good wash the next time you’re at home.

5. Boil or Steam Your Cup

Before and after each cycle, sanitize your cup by steaming or boiling it.

• Boil for 2–10 minutes on the stove. Or you can boil it with Pixie’s cup boiler for a safer option.
  
• Or use a menstrual cup steamer for quicker sanitizing. We created our menstrual cup steamer to make sanitizing your cup as easy as pushing a button.
  

Heat sterilization kills bacteria that can contribute to odor.

6. Let Your Cup Sit in the Sun

Find a nice sunny spot and let your cup soak up some rays for a few hours! This will naturally help with both odors and discoloration. Just don’t leave it where it may get too hot or melt.

7. Try a Natural Deodorizing Rinse (Occasionally)

Sometimes your cup needs a little more than soap and water to keep it smelling fresh. Every month or so you can create an all-natural menstrual cup rinse with just some lemons and vinegar to help neutralize lingering smells.

Important:

• Always boil or steam your cup afterward to remove any residue.
• Don’t soak for extended periods.

Why Does My Menstrual Cup Smell Like Sulfur?

A sulfur or egg-like smell is typically caused by:

• Blood oxidizing when exposed to air
• Natural vaginal bacteria
• Wearing the cup too long

• Incomplete cleaning

This is common and usually harmless.

However…

When To See A Doctor

Keep in mind that vaginal infections and yeast infections can cause unpleasant smells. If you notice an unpleasant or unusual odor that isn’t just related to your cup, it may be time to see your doctor.

Check out our online store to purchase our menstrual cup wipes, wash, steamer, and other products that can help you keep your cup clean and odor-free!

This content was originally written on May 28, 2019, and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.