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Cleaning a Diva Disc is quick and easy. And because it’s a reusable menstrual disc, you can use it every cycle for up to 5 years – if it’s cared for properly!
Read on to learn how to clean a reusable menstrual disc properly, so that you can ensure it lasts it’s intended lifetime.
How to Clean a Reusable Menstrual Disc
The Diva Disc is designed to be reused every time you get your period, cleansing between uses, and boiling between periods, if you like. Similar to the DivaCup, it’s made of 100% medical grade silicone and requires cleaning regularly and storing properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Before using your reusable disc for the first time, it’s recommended that you set a timer for 5-7 minutes and place it in a pot of boiling water. This will sanitize your disc. After the timer goes off, turn off the stove, take it out with tongs, and leave the water to cool. Rinse the disc with water and let it sit out to dry. Once dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure all surfaces are sufficiently wet by the alcohol and leave it to airdry again.
Tip: Insert the Diva Disc into a metal whisk before placing it in the hot water. This will prevent it from touching the bottom and melting, if the water boils down.
Between each use, cleanse it with a mild, unscented, oil-free, and pH balanced cleanser and re-insert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by washing your hands so that your disc doesn’t become contaminated with unwanted bacteria before insertion. Rinse the disc with warm or cold water, and lather with a pH balanced cleanser like DivaWash. A pH-balanced cleanser is vital to avoid interfering with the vagina’s natural pH balance. The pH level of the vagina is quite acidic, and many cleansers will be too alkaline for this area. Altering its pH can lead to irritation and infection.
Never use vinegar, tea tree oil, castile soap, anti-bacterial soap, hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide, or any harsh chemicals near the vaginal canal.
Nitty Gritty
If you’ve cleaned a DivaCup before, you know it’s always important to pay attention to cleaning out the holes around the top just under the rim. The Diva Disc, however, doesn’t have holes for a seal. Instead, with the Diva Disc, pay close attention to washing under the Leakproof GuardTM.
Never soak your disc in vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or other chemicals to prevent staining. It’s not necessary and can affect the integrity of the silicone.
If you’re cleaning in a public restroom and only have access to toilet paper, wipe thoroughly, including under the Leakproof ShieldTM. If you have a water bottle with you, you can also bring it into the stall, wet the toilet paper and wipe the disc thoroughly. Check to ensure there are no remnants of toilet paper left behind before re-inserting.
How Do I Clean a Diva Disc On-The-Go?
The Diva Disc can be cleaned at home and on-the-go. By purchasing a ShakerCup and DivaWash, you can feel confident about thoroughly cleaning it anywhere you go.
Maybe you’ve got tricks for how to clean a menstrual cup in public bathrooms that can also apply here. We always love to hear them! But for the novice, we always recommend two things. If you’re in a stall, empty its contents into the toilet. Wipe the disc out with toilet paper. Inspect to ensure no remnants are stuck to the disc, then simply, re-insert. Or if you have easy access to a sink, empty its contents into the toilet and rinse the disc with warm water before re-inserting.
If you have a water bottle, bring your ShakerCup and DivaWash into the stall with you. Put water and DivaWash into the ShakerCup, shake well to form a lather, and then rinse. It’s like an on-the-go dishwasher for your disc!
How to Store a Diva Disc
Never store your Diva Disc in a plastic bag or airtight container. The 100% medical grade silicone is nonporous and bacteria resistant when stored at room temperature in a breathable cotton bag away from moisture.
How to Deal with Staining
We often get asked about how to clean menstrual cup stains. For the Diva Disc, being a similar menstrual product, the same guidelines apply.
The Diva Disc can be worn for up to 12 hours of protection and has the capacity to support a heavy flow. Staining can, therefore, occur over time. This is normal and may vary from person to person.
If you follow the above guidelines for cleansing, this can reduce discoloration. Over time, however, some discoloration may occur, but this doesn’t jeopardize the integrity of the disc. It is still safe to use!
If, however, your disc does become ripped, torn, or the silicone shows signs of deterioration, it’s time to replace your Diva Disc. The use of non-recommended cleansers and harsh chemicals can contribute to this deterioration.
Dropping the disc in the toilet is another instance that would warrant replacement. Unfortunately, it is difficult to ensure complete sanitization, and it’s not worth the risks of continuing to use it in the sensitive vaginal area.
Long-Lasting Protection
Cleaning your disc doesn’t have to be hard. Avoid unwanted ingredients and chemicals, be diligent about cleansing between uses, and always store it properly between periods. Now that you know how to clean a reusable menstrual disc, you can enjoy up to 5 years of superior period protection!
