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Common Ground News

Why is my menstrual cup staining?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on March 11, 2026

Why is my menstrual cup staining?

The warm water can cause stains to set in the silicone. Sometimes all you need is a little elbow grease. Often, much of the discolouration you see may be surface stains. Use a mild, scent-free, water based soap with a cloth and give your menstrual cup a really good scrub.

Similarly one may ask, is it normal for my menstrual cup to stain?

Stains are an unavoidable side effect of using a menstrual cup. A stained cup does not need to be replaced, but if you prefer to use a cup without staining you can do a 3% hydrogen peroxide soak overnight. Soaks should not be done too often, but once every few months is ok.

Secondly, why am I bleeding through my diva cup? The number one reason why your cup might be leaking is because it hasn't completely unfolded. When your cup is inserted, it should “pop open” so that it suctions to the walls of your vagina. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease that causes it to leak.

Then, how often should you boil your menstrual cup?

We advise boiling your cup for 20 minutes between each menstrual cycle to keep it fresh and clean, but if you forgot or didn't have time to boil it, you can sanitize the cup with our handy Cup Wipes, or wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.

How often should I replace menstrual cup?

When cared for properly, the DivaCup can last several years. Which is why we recommend that customers inspect the DivaCup regularly for signs of deterioration.

How do you get discoloration out of a menstrual cup?

If your cup is dingy or has staining, let it soak at room temperature for an hour in a glass container or jar with 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide and 2/3 cup water. This should eat the stains away on its own but if there is anything remaining, take a toothbrush or washcloth and scrub.

What happens if I over boil my menstrual cup?

When boiling your Ruby Cup, make sure you don't over boil it (no more than 10 minutes), otherwise, the silicone will lose some of its bounciness and not open up so easily anymore when inserted, hence leading to potential troubles with leaking. The best and easiest way to sterilise your cup is using a Ruby Clean.

Can I leave my menstrual cup in for 24 hours?

You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection. You should always remove your menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before then, you'll have to empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaks.

Why does my menstrual cup smell bad?

The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Can I bleach my menstrual cup?

When it comes to cleaning your menstrual cup, a natural option is almost always the best form of sterilization. Avoid bleach, scented or fragranced soaps, oil-based soaps, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing detergent or soap, and the dishwasher.

How long does a menstrual cup last?

Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care.

Can I sanitize my menstrual cup in the microwave?

You can sterilize your menstrual cup with water that's been boiled in the microwave. Don't put the cup itself in the microwave, or it could damage it. Fill a large mug with water – not too full or else it could boil over – and put it in the microwave.

How do I know if my menstrual cup is in right?

If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has unfolded and created the necessary suction seal. If you're in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round or oval and not have any noticeable folds.

How do I boil my diva cup?

Start by washing both of your hands and the cup with a mild, unscented cleanser. Next up: Boil a pot of water, and let the cup sit in the boiling water for no more than 10 minutes. Be careful to monitor the cup so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.

What do you do if your menstrual cup falls in the toilet?

If that's what you choose to do, make sure you submerge your menstrual cup in rolling, boiling water for 20 minutes (not touching the bottom of the pan, so suspended by another utensil, like a pea strainer). Again, this comes down to personal choice.

Can a menstrual cup overflow?

In that regard, some leaking might be expected when you're first getting the hang of it so you might want to wear a back-up pad. Once it's inserted properly, however, leakage because of overflow is very rare. For most women, a menstrual cup can actually hold an entire cycle's worth of period blood!

Can a menstrual cup make you bleed more?

We are often asked if a menstrual cup can be used with heavy periods. The short answer is yes but it's more involved than that. Though many who are cup-curious feel that they have a heavy flow most quickly learn that they really don't bleed as much as their tampons or pads may have implied.

How do I know if my menstrual cup is too high?

If you feel like your cup is stuck, or you're having trouble getting it out, it's likely sitting too high, sitting sideways, or perhaps the suction seal this time was super strong when you inserted it.

Does using a menstrual cup shorten your period?

After a few brief (and very bloody) learning experiences, I can attest to the fact that my menstrual cup is totally awesome. My periods are shorter, my cramps are lighter, and I can go for up to 12 hours without emptying it, thus eliminating many messy moments in public restrooms.

How much do girls bleed on their period?

Most women will lose less than 16 teaspoons of blood (80ml) during their period, with the average being around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80ml or more in each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both. But it's not usually necessary to measure blood loss.

What happens if you leave your diva cup in for over 12 hours?

Wearing a cup in the vagina for more than 12 hours is not advised but it's something that has happened accidentally to many users who have reported nothing catastrophic happening other than a very smelly cup of blood upon removal.

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