La Cup Luneale is transparent because we have chosen not to use any dye and to apply a polish to our moulds so that its surface is as smooth as possible and therefore catches as little blood and bacteria as possible to facilitate its cleaning. But this polishing has a (tiny) disadvantage: its initial transparent appearance can become opaque, and this is the subject of regular questions. We explain everything you need to know about cleaning your menstrual cup, whether it is stained or coloured or whether it has become opaque.
Please note that these tips are only valid for silicone cups, we do not guarantee the result with TPE cups.
If your menstrual cup has become opaque when it was initially transparent.
Why has your cup become opaque?
This is a case that arises very quickly - sometimes from the first sterilisation - in regions where the water is particularly hard, which is the case in many places in France. It is simply an opaque deposit of limestone that forms on the surface of the cup.
What are the consequences of this opacification?
If you allow lime deposits to build up :
- Your cup may become more rigid.
- Limescale could retain blood odours
- The limestone will tend to stain quickly
- Your cup will look a little less pretty (but that's subjective ... and not very important)
If your menstrual cup is stained or coloured (brown or yellow)
Why did your cup turn colour?
Over time, the blood from your period has coloured your cup, and this varies according to its composition, particularly its iron content.
This staining will be even faster if you tend to rinse your cup with hot water while it is still full (in the shower or bath for example).
This is because heat tends to fix the pigments present in the blood of your period. The best way to avoid rapid staining is to rinse your cup with cold water first, and then rinse it under hot water if necessary.
What are the consequences of this colouring?
As long as you take good care of your cup during the cycle (with water or a specific care product such as La Mousse bio from Luneale) and between cycles (by sterilising it between each cycle), the only consequence is that your cup will look a little less aesthetic, or even unattractive, without any consequences for the health of your vagina.
How can I restore my menstrual cup to its original appearance?
In both cases, whether your cup is opaque or coloured, don't panic or use complicated products, there are simple solutions to restore the silicone to its original appearance.
If your cup has become opaque :
Every time you sterilise, add a little spirit vinegar (white vinegar) or lemon juice to your sterilisation water. The acidity will prevent limescale deposits. Then remember to rinse your cup well with fresh water. And if the deposits have been there for a long time and simple sterilisation is not enough, you can leave it to soak overnight in a mixture of hot (or even boiling) water + spirit vinegar or lemon juice. The next morning it will be as good as new. Again, rinse well before using again.
To remove stains or discoloration:
- Place your menstrual cup in a glass
- Pour in the juice of half a lemon and cover with boiling water. You can also use hydrogen peroxide instead of lemon.
- Leave to soak overnight
- Rinse well with clean water and then sterilise (in a pan or in the microwave)
Want more information on cleaning your cup?
- Which soap should I choose for my cup?
- Should I buy a steriliser for my menstrual cup?
- How do I clean my cup during my period?
- How do I clean my cup in public places?
- What should I do if my cup smells?
comment
I have been using my Cup for 3 years now and I am very satisfied with it. However, I would like to know if it has a limited life span and if so how long?
It is starting to harden because of the limescale and is becoming painful despite standing in vinegar all night and rinsing carefully.