Give the DivaCup Some TLC

We talked to our experts on our Consumer Experience Team and they provided us with tips and tricks for care and cleansing of your DivaCup.

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Your period is just a few days away and you’re more than ready this month because you’ve finally mastered the DIVA™ Cup! From insertion to removal, the DIVA™ Cup has been your go-to monthly period accessory!

However, maybe you’re still asking yourself some of the same questions each and every cycle. Questions such as, “How do I possibly clean The DIVA™ Cup in a public washroom?” Don’t worry. We have all the answers that you’re looking for! We talked to our experts on our Consumer Experience Team and they provided us with tips and tricks below on care and cleaning for the DIVA™ Cup.

Your first cycle

When you first purchased the DIVA™ Cup, you most likely experienced an abundance of emotions. From excitement to mild freak-outs, you weren’t really sure how your first cycle using the DIVA™ Cup would turn out, but you were hopeful. Anxiously, you removed the DIVA™ Cup from the box and examined it, up close and personal, for the first time. Before your period started, you knew that you had to clean the cup before insertion (because the DIVA™ Cup User Guide told you so), but with what? How?

Let us explain

Because the DIVA™ Cup is made from healthcare grade silicone, there are a few rules to follow! Remember to wash your cup every 10 to 12 hours (basically anytime you remove and insert it) with our DIVA™ Wash – a wash that is plant-based, pH balanced and ideal for care of the DIVA™ Cup. If you are unable to find DIVA™ Wash at your local retailer, using a mild, fragrance and oil-free soap is also a good option. Just be sure to AVOID the following when cleaning the DIVA™ Cup as these have been shown to compromise the silicone of the cup: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, baking soda, pre-moistened wipes, dish washing soap, fragranced soaps, castile/peppermint soap or any other oil based soap as well as bleach or any harsh chemicals

DIVA™ Wash is Your New Best Friend

Now that you know what and what not to use when cleaning the DIVA™ Cup, I’m sure you’re wondering how to clean it.

As we alluded to already, DIVA™ Wash is your new BFF when it comes to cleaning the DIVA™ Cup.

When using DIVA™ Wash, squeeze a pea-sized amount into your palm and run it under warm water. Form a lather with the wash and use your fingers to clean both the inside and outside of the DIVA™ Cup, thoroughly. A good tip is to remove and clean the DIVA™ Cup while you’re in the shower!

Rinse DIVA™ Wash off the cup completely – no residue! Although plant-based and pH balanced, DIVA™ Wash is not a vaginal wash and really all you need for a clean vagina is warm water.

You aren’t done yet. Most importantly, clean the four tiny holes located under the rim of the cup. These four holes aid in airflow and ensure the seal of the cup stays in place once inserted.

Tip: When cleaning the four holes gently stretch them open and remove any leftover debris. You can also fill the cup with water, place your palm over the cup and squeeze. After you’ve cleaned the cup and holes, you can either pat the cup dry with a clean towel or you can leave some water on the cup to aid with insertion.

Cleaning The DIVA™ Cup in a public washroom. Yes, public…

One of the most commonly asked questions about the DIVA™ Cup is “how do you clean it in a public bathroom?” Let us tell you! Before entering the stall, make sure to wash your hands well with soap and water. Enter the stall and remove the cup. Empty the contents of the DIVA™ Cup in the toilet, as you normally would, and wipe the inside of the cup with some damp toilet paper.

Tip: Bring potable water (safe to drink water in a water bottle) into the stall with you! When you get home, or at the next convenient time, thoroughly clean the DIVA™ Cup using the proper cleaning instructions.

The same instructions apply when traveling, while at a concert or an event when you simply don’t have access to private washrooms within the 10-12 hours.

My period is over. Where do I put the DIVA™ Cup?

Your cycle has ended and it’s time to store your favorite monthly accessory. Luckily, the DIVA™ Cup comes with a cute cotton pouch. The pouch is great for travel (doesn’t take up space in your suitcase), while at school and for monthly storage. After your last removal, give the DIVA™ Cup a thorough clean and place into the pouch. You want to store your pouch in a place that is dry and breathable. Do not store the DIVA™ Cup in a plastic bag, airtight container or a space without airflow. You also want to be sure not to store your pouch beside heavily fragranced items like perfumes or makeup.

When to Replace The DIVA™ Cup

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “when should I replace the DIVA™ Cup?”. As the DIVA™ Cup is regulated as a medical device a general guideline is to replace your cup once a year, but ultimately, it is up to you to decide when it is necessary to replace the cup. Silicone is very durable, but we recommend that you inspect your cup regularly for signs of deterioration (such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc.) or if you experience irritation. If, for any reason, your cup presents the above you may want to consider replacing it. Depending on the factors unique to each woman, like vaginal pH, how well and often the cup is cleaned, what cleansing agents are used, etc., the lifespan may vary.

Microwave and dishwasher safe?

Although many silicone-based products can be cleaned in both the microwave and dishwasher, we do not recommend cleaning the DIVA™ Cup in these appliances.

To boil or not to boil

This is often the question. While boiling the DIVA™ Cup can help with discoloration and give your cup a more thorough clean, it is not a required cleaning step. Note: the DIVA™ Cup will naturally discolor over time, but this will not impair its functionality. Boiling the cup is really a personal choice. If you do decide to boil the DIVA™ Cup, be sure to use cookware specifically designated for cup cleaning and keep a careful eye to ensure the water does not boil dry. Once the water has begun to boil, move the cup around for 5 to 10 minutes. Boiling your cup while camping or traveling is also a great cleaning option if potable water is not easily accessible.

Yeast infection: Can I still use my cup?

As if there wasn’t enough to worry about, women are more prone to yeast or bacterial infection during their cycle. If you develop an infection, it is important to not use the DIVA™ Cup until the infection has cleared completely. If the cup was worn while the infection occurred, we recommend replacing your cup with a new one to ensure against repeat infection.