Yes! Mahina Cup is very hygienic. Always make sure your hands are washed before you handle your cup. It is only necessary to thoroughly clean Mahina Cup in-between moon cycles, which is best done by boiling it for a few minutes. During your period the good bacteria in your vagina will support cleanliness. You only need to rinse your Mahina Cup with cool water upon emptying and it’s ready for reinsertion.

It is very important to sterilize Mahina Cup before using it. This is best done by boiling it in a pot of water for three to five minutes. This is a very safe way of killing bacteria. During your menstruation you can rinse the cup with cool water from the tap when you empty it and re-insert it. When there is any blood in the cup, cool water is best, as using hot water increases the chance of staining your cup.

During extensive travels, there is a possibility that you do not have access to a kitchen to boil and sterilize the cup. The best alternative to clean Mahina Cup is to soak it in a glass of clean water with a few drops of Tea Tree oil. This is a natural antiseptic oil that does not affect the pH level of your vagina. You can also choose to flip your cup inside out and gently clean it with a natural soap. In this case, it is very important that you rinse off any soap residue before inserting. While on the go, you can also give your cup a wipe with toilet paper for a quick clean. If you are out camping and enjoy eco-sustainable practices, the most sterile way to clean your cup is to urinate on it and then it is ready for reinsertion.

No — the biggest risk posed here is not to your cup but to your vagina. The chemicals used in dishwasher detergents are harsh and likely to be very dangerous to your mucous membranes. Strong detergents can leave residue on the cup (even if you can’t see it) and cause serious irritation in your mucous membranes. The best way to wash your cup is with mild soap,  a diluted tea tree oil soak, or a flash boil.