This Hack Makes Using A Menstrual Cup Way Easier (& More Hygienic)

Menstrual cups are better for the environment, your wallet, and, in some cases, your vagina. But there's one huge downside to menstrual cups that plagues both dedicated users (like myself) and newbies alike: the clean up.

Before using a new menstrual cup and between cycles, you have to pop the reusable cup into boiling water. This processes sanitizes the cup, which is essential for removing stains and keeping it safe for insertion. (Remember: Disrupting your vagina's PH balance can lead to issues like UTIs or yeast infections.)

If this all sounds like a hassle, that’s because it is. But as a dedicated menstrual cup user of the last 4 years, I've considered it a necessary evil. Or at least it was until popular feminine brand Saalt released its new Steamer. And let's just say: It’s a must-have for any menstrual cup user (or a wanna-be one).  

Why I love the Saalt Steamer

Like most menstrual cup users, I’ve always dreaded cleaning my menstrual cup even if its critical to maintaining vaginal health. I had to get a separate pot to boil my menstrual cup in because I felt uncomfortable thinking about first boiling my cup then making soup in the same dish—even if I washed it a million times. 

Plus, it just took forever for me to get my cup completely clean with this method. I even tried some scrubbing brushes but nothing would ever fully lift the stains, even if it was technically clean.

So, you can imagine how delighted I was when I got the opportunity to test the new Saalt Steamer i.e. the solution to all these issues.

The compact, easy-to-use, and aesthetically pleasing steamer was designed with busy menstrual cup users in mind, especially folks like myself who dread the cleaning process but crave a super clean, stain-free menstrual cup.  

Once I tested the steamer, I said good bye to the boiling pot method for good.

Not only was it so easy to use, but it also produced a shiny new menstrual cup with zero residual stains. The size of the steamer makes it easy to store under the sink and the detachable components make it super easy to clean with some soap and water. 

I have collected a few different cups and discs over the years, and I put this steamer to the test on an array of shapes, sizes, and colors (all with great success). In fact, I had to double-check the user's manual because I could’ve sworn I missed a step, it was truly that simple. 

How to use it

In just a few minutes (no more than it took me to clean my room), your menstrual cup is sparkling clean. After that, I like to clean the clear part of the steamer with soap and water and wipe down the base as well. Then, I store it away until the next month. 

As a menstrual cup advocate, it’s never been a better time to hop on the train. Using menstrual cups doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially with an invention like this one. I know I’ll never go back to tampons, and this makes it that much easier to say so. 

Plus, our deputy commerce editor Braelyn Wood actually started using menstrual cups for the first time thanks to this device. She'd previously ruined a kitchen trying to steam a menstrual cup and decided the process wasn't worth the hassle. This steamer changed everything.

The takeaway

The new Saalt Steamer makes cleaning your menstrual cup easier than ever, with literally one click of a button. Best of all, it's less than $40 and comes in three super chic colorways you won't mind leaving on your kitchen counter.