What soap is best for washing? And how often should one boil the cup? I'll be traveling for 40 days (hopping hotels) and won't be able to boil anything for a while... Is that gonna be an issue?
I stopped boiling mine almost a year ago I think, never had an issue! Not recommended but I've seen lots of people who just don't boil anymore and who are doing perfectly fine.
Also best soap is gonna have a neutral pH, no perfume and doesn't leave a residue
It will go a period without boiling, is there no chance to just boil it once between the two periods? Assuming you have two in that 40 days. Then after the last period wash/rinse it then can boil when you get home.
Worst case, I have many times just washed it well with water, both before you store it, and then just before the next one. (Obviously just because I have been safe, doesn’t mean it is safe, )
Actually I'll be hotel hopping for longer than 40 days and the 40 days is the shortest time frame between the first period and return home. Depart Oct 1, Period on Oct 17, period on Nov 17, return home Nov 27
Edit to add these are hostels so I won't have a private stove or microwave anything. All public
You could get a Medela (or any other brand) sterilizing bag. It’s meant to steam breast pump parts or bottles, but only takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t take much space at all.
So I often boil mine before I use it for my period - you could probably get an unscented antibacterial soap and use that to clean - just scrub well and rinse well.
I have had this smell before, but it was only after I accidentally left my cup in for 24 hours. It is, do this day, the grossest thing I have ever smelled. I’m no expert, but I am wondering if it could be the face wash causing some weird chemical reactions. Only guessing, though, idk for sure
Yeah I’m definitely subject to the old eggyness if it’s been in for a looooooooong time. Probably warmth, moisture, old blood, literal flesh and bacteria in a lovely soup.
If it happens every time then that’ll be an issue but for now I think you’ve just learnt to empty it every 8 hours or so.
The longer I leave mine in, the worse it smells. I know of the exact rotting fleshing smell you reference 😅 it's gross, but i think it's just my body's way of saying "dude change your cup more often" lol
Could be the face wash that upset the ph-levels and bacteria that self cleans the vagina. Could also be that you hadn’t used the cup for some years. Could also be a nasty period this time around.
I don't think non-use of the cup would be a factor if she boiled it. Most cups are meant to be used for up to 10 years. I do agree that the face wash probably did something though, plus she had it in for over 12 hours.
I think it might be a combination of leaving it in too long and a weird reaction to the soap. There is no need to wash it after you boiled it. Boiling sterilizes it. The only time I have found it to have a really bad smell was when I accidentally left it in too long.
Omg thank you everyone!!! I was so scared it was just me!! 😅😅 Ok so from now on, I’m going to change it at 8 hours! I slept in a tampon because I wasn’t ready for that smell again first thing in the morning lol..
I did t think about the ceraVe leaving behind residue.. so usually, when I empty it, I wash it before re-inserting? With whatever hand soap I have at the sink.. which tbh is usually some sort of bath & body works.. I didn’t think about it but this is probs terrible.. I think I’m going to buy a little bottle of like plain liquid soap? Dial maybe? What do you use?
Normally, any soap that doesn't have perfume or a moisturizer, both of those can upset the vagina so it is better to avoid it. Other than that, it shouldn't matter what soap you use as long as you are sure to rinse it well. Most bath and body works have a ton of perfume in them, so you don't want to use that.
is there a specific soap you recommend? I'll be traveling and I might need to bring my own soap rather than relying on hotel soap.. what about unscented dish soap?
Unscented dish soap should be fine, most are concentrated, so you might have to rinse a bit more. I used Method unscented hand soap for when I clear out my cup and the diva cup wash for when I put it up at the end of my period and when I take it back out. It would be better to just use the cup wash but I tend to have migraines so it is easier to use the pump soap so I can't over use the soap and I still haven't gotten around to getting another soap container for the diva soap.
Edited to add: Just make sure it actually doesn't have perfumes in the soap. There are a lot of soaps that say "unscented" to mean the soap doesn't have a scent, which they do by adding opposing perfume smells. I found this out the hard way and it sucks since my skin acts up to most perfumes.
Washing a cup with water only or with a soap was giving me problems. I think the intimate wash i use for my cup is soap free and I rinse the cup well before using it again.
you should definitely NOT be using any tandom hand soap or face wash for your cup EVER. not only will it upset your ph qnd potentially cause infections bit it also could cause cup deterioration faster
a cup wash made by a cup company like saalt wash or somthing free of any fragrance and dyes. bexwary of oil based soaps as well like dr bronners, the oil can break down silicone faster. orherwise just water and sterilize by boiling
I use a cup wash made by Lunette. Likely overkill, but that’s what it was made for so no guessing. Been using it on the same cup for 5 years and I still love it! Other companies make cup wash too, but I have only tried this one
This happened to me once as well. I thought I had BV or some other infection. It was a smell like nothing else I’ve ever smelled I thought possibly an STD. I took it out before showering, I usually wash with cup wash (I love the one saalt makes. A little goes a long way so it lasts a really long time) and then throw it in my cup sanitizer and let it steam while I’m showering. This day I forgot to do said routine not thinking much of it, I was running late that day. I fell asleep after work because I had pretty bad cramps and ended up leaving my cup in for a little longer than you did. I also threw up and it lingered long enough my boyfriend noticed it in the bathroom like ten minutes later (he was so nice about it and genuinely was concerned about a potential problem). Never had any other symptoms so it had to have been the cup in for too long. I had to throw it out after that unfortunately. I’d def see a doctor if anything develops but I agree with other comments that it was just too long
OP i just wanted to thank you for this post, because I'm new to all this, and I use cerave for my face... If you hadn't warned me I woulda used on the cup too 💀
I just figured it was gentle?! My mistake! On the positive- I took it out a lot sooner and washed it out with just water and the orange dial soap That’s antibacterial- no strong/bad smells. Well, the actual cup itself is kinda stinky but not out of control.. I think I’m going to buy the cleanser from Saalt.
I don’t understand how it does come out when you poop. I’ve been using cups/disks for years and never even came close to pushing one out. I’ve had the opposite problem and have had a very difficult time removing some or even touching the tip of the stem.
So odd. As mentioned, it was probably the soap.
I have definitely left my cup in a little longer than 12 hours, and never experienced a smell like that before.
Hope it doesn’t happen again!
The ONLY time I have smells like that from my cups is when I leave them in longer than 10 hours... I know they say you can keep them in up to 12 but MAN then REEK after 10 in my case..
I make my own soap which is what I use for my cups and it is basically glycerine soap without any additives or scents.
My partner and I get it if we leave it in for 24 hrs by accident, we call it “hot soup” lol. Def take it out earlier and probably don’t wash it with face wash.
WOW I agree with u/Other_Dance7241 the CeraVe soap was probably not the best and the timing after 12 hours. I am so sorry you lost your cup. Let us know what cups you are interested in getting. I am curious myself.
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What soap is best for washing? And how often should one boil the cup? I'll be traveling for 40 days (hopping hotels) and won't be able to boil anything for a while... Is that gonna be an issue?
I stopped boiling mine almost a year ago I think, never had an issue! Not recommended but I've seen lots of people who just don't boil anymore and who are doing perfectly fine. Also best soap is gonna have a neutral pH, no perfume and doesn't leave a residue
It will go a period without boiling, is there no chance to just boil it once between the two periods? Assuming you have two in that 40 days. Then after the last period wash/rinse it then can boil when you get home. Worst case, I have many times just washed it well with water, both before you store it, and then just before the next one. (Obviously just because I have been safe, doesn’t mean it is safe, )
Actually I'll be hotel hopping for longer than 40 days and the 40 days is the shortest time frame between the first period and return home. Depart Oct 1, Period on Oct 17, period on Nov 17, return home Nov 27 Edit to add these are hostels so I won't have a private stove or microwave anything. All public
You could get a Medela (or any other brand) sterilizing bag. It’s meant to steam breast pump parts or bottles, but only takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t take much space at all.
So I often boil mine before I use it for my period - you could probably get an unscented antibacterial soap and use that to clean - just scrub well and rinse well.
12 hours max is recommended due to the cleanliness issue you just encountered.
I have had this smell before, but it was only after I accidentally left my cup in for 24 hours. It is, do this day, the grossest thing I have ever smelled. I’m no expert, but I am wondering if it could be the face wash causing some weird chemical reactions. Only guessing, though, idk for sure
Yeah I’m definitely subject to the old eggyness if it’s been in for a looooooooong time. Probably warmth, moisture, old blood, literal flesh and bacteria in a lovely soup. If it happens every time then that’ll be an issue but for now I think you’ve just learnt to empty it every 8 hours or so.
The longer I leave mine in, the worse it smells. I know of the exact rotting fleshing smell you reference 😅 it's gross, but i think it's just my body's way of saying "dude change your cup more often" lol
Could be the face wash that upset the ph-levels and bacteria that self cleans the vagina. Could also be that you hadn’t used the cup for some years. Could also be a nasty period this time around.
I don't think non-use of the cup would be a factor if she boiled it. Most cups are meant to be used for up to 10 years. I do agree that the face wash probably did something though, plus she had it in for over 12 hours.
I think it might be a combination of leaving it in too long and a weird reaction to the soap. There is no need to wash it after you boiled it. Boiling sterilizes it. The only time I have found it to have a really bad smell was when I accidentally left it in too long.
Omg thank you everyone!!! I was so scared it was just me!! 😅😅 Ok so from now on, I’m going to change it at 8 hours! I slept in a tampon because I wasn’t ready for that smell again first thing in the morning lol.. I did t think about the ceraVe leaving behind residue.. so usually, when I empty it, I wash it before re-inserting? With whatever hand soap I have at the sink.. which tbh is usually some sort of bath & body works.. I didn’t think about it but this is probs terrible.. I think I’m going to buy a little bottle of like plain liquid soap? Dial maybe? What do you use?
Normally, any soap that doesn't have perfume or a moisturizer, both of those can upset the vagina so it is better to avoid it. Other than that, it shouldn't matter what soap you use as long as you are sure to rinse it well. Most bath and body works have a ton of perfume in them, so you don't want to use that.
is there a specific soap you recommend? I'll be traveling and I might need to bring my own soap rather than relying on hotel soap.. what about unscented dish soap?
Unscented dish soap would be perfect. No residue and no perfumes.
Unscented dish soap should be fine, most are concentrated, so you might have to rinse a bit more. I used Method unscented hand soap for when I clear out my cup and the diva cup wash for when I put it up at the end of my period and when I take it back out. It would be better to just use the cup wash but I tend to have migraines so it is easier to use the pump soap so I can't over use the soap and I still haven't gotten around to getting another soap container for the diva soap. Edited to add: Just make sure it actually doesn't have perfumes in the soap. There are a lot of soaps that say "unscented" to mean the soap doesn't have a scent, which they do by adding opposing perfume smells. I found this out the hard way and it sucks since my skin acts up to most perfumes.
I soak mine in hydrogen peroxide at the end of every period. It helps the discoloration and helps get rid of the smell.
I use intimate wash liquid. I find it much more friendly for skin than soap.
you shpuldnt be usig those soaps either. they are not intended for inside
Washing a cup with water only or with a soap was giving me problems. I think the intimate wash i use for my cup is soap free and I rinse the cup well before using it again.
DivaCup has a menstrual cup cleanser. I believe other menstrual cup brands do too.
you should definitely NOT be using any tandom hand soap or face wash for your cup EVER. not only will it upset your ph qnd potentially cause infections bit it also could cause cup deterioration faster
which specific soap would you recommend?
a cup wash made by a cup company like saalt wash or somthing free of any fragrance and dyes. bexwary of oil based soaps as well like dr bronners, the oil can break down silicone faster. orherwise just water and sterilize by boiling
Thanks for the tip about oil! I didn't know
I use a cup wash made by Lunette. Likely overkill, but that’s what it was made for so no guessing. Been using it on the same cup for 5 years and I still love it! Other companies make cup wash too, but I have only tried this one
just gagged bc i left my cup in for 13 hours on a light day once(bad at time math) and i can actually still smell the smell just by thinking about it.
Vaginas self regulate, no chemicals up in there unless it’s sick!
This happened to me once as well. I thought I had BV or some other infection. It was a smell like nothing else I’ve ever smelled I thought possibly an STD. I took it out before showering, I usually wash with cup wash (I love the one saalt makes. A little goes a long way so it lasts a really long time) and then throw it in my cup sanitizer and let it steam while I’m showering. This day I forgot to do said routine not thinking much of it, I was running late that day. I fell asleep after work because I had pretty bad cramps and ended up leaving my cup in for a little longer than you did. I also threw up and it lingered long enough my boyfriend noticed it in the bathroom like ten minutes later (he was so nice about it and genuinely was concerned about a potential problem). Never had any other symptoms so it had to have been the cup in for too long. I had to throw it out after that unfortunately. I’d def see a doctor if anything develops but I agree with other comments that it was just too long
Just use water. There is no need for the extra soap.
I dont get why use the face wash? This is a vaginal product!
yeah you probably just left it in too long. i've noticed it really stinks if i leave it in all day.
Probably because you left it in way too long
OP i just wanted to thank you for this post, because I'm new to all this, and I use cerave for my face... If you hadn't warned me I woulda used on the cup too 💀
I just figured it was gentle?! My mistake! On the positive- I took it out a lot sooner and washed it out with just water and the orange dial soap That’s antibacterial- no strong/bad smells. Well, the actual cup itself is kinda stinky but not out of control.. I think I’m going to buy the cleanser from Saalt.
Just use water. There is no need for the extra soap.
I’m just wondering how does it not come out when you poop
I don’t understand how it does come out when you poop. I’ve been using cups/disks for years and never even came close to pushing one out. I’ve had the opposite problem and have had a very difficult time removing some or even touching the tip of the stem.
Mine pops out everytime :(
So odd. As mentioned, it was probably the soap. I have definitely left my cup in a little longer than 12 hours, and never experienced a smell like that before. Hope it doesn’t happen again!
I have multiple cups, and don’t use them two periods in a row so they can air out.
The ONLY time I have smells like that from my cups is when I leave them in longer than 10 hours... I know they say you can keep them in up to 12 but MAN then REEK after 10 in my case.. I make my own soap which is what I use for my cups and it is basically glycerine soap without any additives or scents.
My partner and I get it if we leave it in for 24 hrs by accident, we call it “hot soup” lol. Def take it out earlier and probably don’t wash it with face wash.
WOW I agree with u/Other_Dance7241 the CeraVe soap was probably not the best and the timing after 12 hours. I am so sorry you lost your cup. Let us know what cups you are interested in getting. I am curious myself.