How to Clean a Saalt Menstrual Cup and Its Air Holes
Cleaning a Saalt cup involves two different jobs: washing away menstrual fluid during use and sanitizing the clean cup before first use and between cycles. Neither job is improved by aggressive scrubbing or an improvised household disinfectant. This guide covers reusable silicone Saalt menstrual cups and their four air holes, not period underwear, disposable products or other brands' materials. It follows Saalt's cup instructions and keeps appearance, cleanliness and physical condition separate so a stain is not mistaken for a reason to damage the silicone.
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Primary reference: Saalt official menstrual cup cleaning instructions. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- During use
- Cool rinse, mild wash, thorough rinse
- Air holes
- Clear four holes without sharp tools
- Boiling
- 4–5 minutes; maximum 7
- Storage
- Fully dry in a breathable container
- Replace
- Torn or deteriorating silicone
What you will need
- Clean hands and a clean work surface
- Safe running water and mild soap or Saalt Wash
- A soft clean cloth and the breathable storage bag
- For boiling: a clean pot, water, timer and tongs or wire whisk
- An alternative period product if the cup cannot be cleaned properly
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare a clean handling area
Wash and rinse your hands before handling the cup. Keep a clean cup away from the sink drain, toilet rim and used towels while you organize the cleaning materials. If the cup has been dropped into a toilet or heavily contaminated, do not simply rinse and reinsert it; set it aside for appropriate cleaning and manufacturer guidance. Check the silicone for tears or deterioration before starting. This is a reusable body-contact product, so a damaged surface should not be disguised with a stain treatment or repaired with adhesive.
Step 2: Wash after emptying, starting with a cool rinse
Saalt's cup instructions recommend an initial cold-water rinse to help limit staining, followed by washing with mild soap and warmer water. Clean the inside, outside, rim, stem and grip rings without scraping them. Use a soft cloth for visible residue rather than a stiff brush. Rinse away all soap before reuse. If you are cleaning away from home, plan for access to safe water and clean hands instead of relying on a fragranced bathroom wipe or whatever cleaner happens to be available.
Step 3: Clear all four air holes
Inspect the small holes near the rim, not just the open cup interior. Pass water through them, or fold the silicone at each hole and wipe the exposed opening gently with a damp cloth. Saalt also describes turning the cup inside out to repeat cleaning. Do not enlarge a hole with a needle, toothpick or metal tool. The aim is to remove residue while preserving its original size. Recheck the rim in good light; a cup that looks clear in the bowl can still have material lodged at a hole.
Step 4: Sanitize the clean cup with the specified boiling method
Before first use and between cycles, Saalt specifies boiling for 4–5 minutes, with a maximum of 7 minutes. Use enough water and keep the cup away from the hot pan bottom with tongs or a wire whisk as directed. Stay with the pot and use a timer; letting the water boil away can damage the cup. Remove it carefully and let it cool before handling or using it. Home boiling is described as sanitizing here, not a promise that the cup has become a sterile medical instrument.
Step 5: Keep alternative sanitizing methods separate
Saalt also permits an alcohol-wipe method: after rinsing and drying the cup, use 70% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth, wet the surfaces and allow complete air drying. Its cleaning support page discusses the available methods. Do not combine methods into a chemical bath or apply alcohol while the cup is being heated. If you choose a branded steamer, follow that device's directions. One correct, compatible protocol is preferable to stacking several partially followed treatments.
Step 6: Assess stains, odors and damage separately
Saalt notes that discoloration can develop with use. A color change alone does not tell you whether residue remains or whether the silicone is damaged. Wash carefully, inspect the holes and check the cup after it dries. Do not use harsh cleaners merely to restore the original color. If odor persists after proper cleaning, or there is a rip, unusual surface deterioration or contamination you cannot resolve, stop using that cup and contact Saalt. Repeated boiling does not repair physical damage or guarantee that any persistent problem has been solved.
Step 7: Dry and store between cycles
Allow the cup to dry fully before placing it in the supplied bag or another breathable container. Wash the bag as needed so a clean cup does not return to a soiled pouch. Saalt advises against airtight storage or a plastic bag. Store it where it will stay clean and protected rather than loose beside bathroom cleaning products. Keep routine emptying separate from end-of-cycle storage: follow the maximum wear time in your regional instructions, and do not extend it because the cup was recently sanitized.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.