You don't need a dedicated steriliser to care for a reusable menstrual cup or disc, but the right device can make between-cycle care easier. Depending on the product instructions, you may be able to use boiling water, a microwave steam container, a plug-in steam device or a portable UV device.
Although these products are commonly called sterilisers, home-use devices are generally intended to sanitise cups and discs. They should not be assumed to make a product clinically sterile. Always follow the care instructions supplied with both your reusable period product and the device you use.
Your best option will depend on whether the method is suitable for your cup or disc, whether the product fits inside the device, where you plan to use it and how much storage space you have. This guide compares the cup and disc sterilisers currently available at Period Shop.
Steriliser types at a glance
- Boiling water: usually the simplest and least expensive option when the cup or disc instructions permit boiling. Some people prefer to keep a dedicated saucepan for this purpose.
- Microwave steam sterilisers: compact containers that use water and microwave heat to create steam. They can be convenient at home or while travelling when you have access to a microwave.
- Plug-in steam sterilisers: dedicated appliances that create steam without a saucepan or microwave. The models below have Australian plugs and are best suited to home use.
- UV sterilisers: rechargeable, water-free devices that can be convenient for travel. The cup or disc must fit inside, be positioned correctly and usually be completely clean and dry before use.
These methods are not automatically interchangeable. A method that is suitable for one cup or disc may not be recommended for another.
What to check before choosing a cup or disc steriliser
1. Check the care instructions for your product
Do not assume every cup or disc can be cared for in the same way. Manufacturers may recommend boiling, microwave steam, another sanitising method or a particular water temperature. Some products also have material or temperature restrictions. The instructions for your cup or disc should always take priority.
2. Compare the usable internal measurements
A device described as fitting “most” cups or discs may still be too small for a particular product. Compare the usable internal chamber diameter and height with the dimensions of your cup or disc.
A menstrual disc may need to be pinched into a narrow shape and positioned vertically. Chamber shape, lids and internal components can also affect the available space, so check the device instructions as well as its measurements.
3. Think about where you will use it
A microwave option is useful only when you have access to a microwave. A plug-in steam device may be easier if you want a dedicated appliance at home, while a rechargeable UV device may be more practical for travel when a cooktop, saucepan or microwave is not readily available.
4. Look beyond the cycle time
A short cycle does not necessarily mean the entire process will be faster. Microwave and plug-in steam devices require water, preparation and cooling time. Steam containers can remain very hot after the cycle has finished, while UV devices may require the cup or disc to be washed and completely dried first.
Compare cup and disc sterilisers
Use the comparison chart to check the sanitising method, power source, cycle time, internal measurements and practical features of each option. Always compare the actual dimensions of your cup or disc rather than relying only on a general “fits most” description.
Shop all menstrual cup and disc sterilisers
Microwave steam options
Microwave sterilisers use a small amount of water and microwave heat to create steam. They are generally compact and portable, but every model has its own fill level, heating time, microwave wattage and cooling instructions.
SteriPod Silicone Microwave Menstrual Cup and Disc Steriliser
The SteriPod is a soft, collapsible silicone container designed for menstrual cups and discs. It can also be used as a storage case and is a particularly compact microwave option.
- External size: 60 mm diameter × 90 mm high
- Internal chamber: 58.5 mm diameter × 80 mm high
- Microwave cycle: approximately 1–2 minutes, depending on microwave wattage
Saalt Compact Menstrual Cup or Disc Sanitiser
The Saalt sanitiser is a collapsible silicone option that can be used in a microwave or filled with boiling water when used according to Saalt’s instructions. Its wider chamber may be helpful for larger cups or discs.
- External size: 95 mm diameter × 65 mm high when open; approximately 25 mm high when collapsed
- Internal chamber: 78 mm diameter × 65 mm high
- Microwave cycle: approximately 2–3 minutes or until the water boils
- Boiling-water method: leave the product submerged for 3 minutes, following the supplied instructions
Ruby Microwave Steriliser for Menstrual Cups
The Ruby Steriliser is a wide, collapsible silicone microwave container intended for menstrual cups. It is not described as a menstrual disc steriliser, so disc users should choose an option specifically intended for discs.
- External size: 120 mm diameter × approximately 23 mm high when collapsed
- Internal chamber: 72 mm diameter × 75 mm high when open
- Microwave cycle: approximately 3 minutes; follow the instructions supplied with the steriliser
Hello Caddy and Steriliser
The Hello Caddy is a flexible silicone carry case made specifically for the Hello Disc. It also doubles as a microwave steam container, providing one option for storing and sanitising a Hello Disc at home or while travelling.
- Compatibility: designed specifically for the 68 mm Hello Disc
- External size: 80 mm wide × 80 mm high × 35 mm deep
- Internal chamber: 70 mm wide × 70 mm high × 30 mm deep
- Microwave cycle: approximately 2 minutes in a 1000-watt microwave or up to 3 minutes in a lower-wattage microwave
- Material: certified food-grade silicone
Plug-in steam options
Plug-in steam sterilisers have their own heating element, so you do not need a saucepan or microwave. Both options below include an Australian plug and switch off automatically at the end of the heating cycle.
Period Shop Menstrual Cup and Disc Steam Steriliser
The Period Shop steam steriliser has a tall outer body and a compact internal chamber. It is intended for cups and discs that fit within the chamber and includes an Australian power cable, measuring cup, instructions and cleaning cloth.
- External size: 80 mm diameter × 150 mm high
- Internal chamber: 67 mm diameter × 75 mm high
- Cycle: approximately 6 minutes, with automatic shut-off
Hello Steamy Menstrual Cup and Disc Steam Steriliser
The Hello Steamy has a slightly wider internal chamber than the Period Shop steam steriliser. It is designed for cups and discs, but it does not fit the Hello Cup High Cervix Large. Check the internal measurements against your product before purchasing.
- External size: 75 mm diameter × 140 mm high
- Internal chamber: 70 mm diameter × 70 mm high
- Cycle: approximately 4 minutes, with automatic shut-off
Portable UV option
A UV device does not require boiling water or steam, which can make it convenient for travel. However, it is not a substitute for washing. The cup or disc must be cleaned first, completely dried when instructed and positioned so the intended surfaces are exposed to the UV light.
UV effectiveness depends on the device, exposure time and how the item is positioned. Folds, shadows and obstructed surfaces may receive less exposure, so use the device exactly as directed and do not assume that a short UV cycle is equivalent to steam or boiling.
Compact Travel UV Steriliser for Menstrual Cups and Discs
The Compact Travel UV Steriliser is a rechargeable device with enclosed UV-C LED lights and a collapsible silicone dome. The cup or disc must be clean and completely dry before it is placed inside. Because the chamber is narrow, check both the product measurements and the required positioning before choosing it.
- External size: 84 mm diameter × approximately 32 mm high when collapsed
- Internal dome space: approximately 37 mm diameter × 58 mm high
- Cycle: approximately 3 minutes
- Power: rechargeable battery with USB charging cable
Do you need a dedicated menstrual cup or disc steriliser?
No. A dedicated device is optional. Many reusable cup and disc manufacturers recommend boiling as part of between-cycle care, provided the product is suitable for boiling and the instructions are followed.
A purpose-designed device may make your routine more convenient, private or portable. It may be particularly useful if you:
- live in shared accommodation
- prefer not to use a household saucepan
- travel frequently
- do not have reliable access to a cooktop
- want a dedicated appliance with an automatic cycle
Safe cleaning basics
During your period, clean your cup or disc between uses according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash your hands before handling it and use clean water and a suitable cleanser where directed.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s menstrual cup guidance requires menstrual cup information to explain cleaning before use and between uses and to state that cups are not supplied sterile. Menstrual disc users should follow the instructions supplied with their particular product.
- Follow the instructions for both the reusable period product and the sanitising device.
- Do not allow a cup or disc to sit directly on the base of a hot saucepan unless its instructions specifically permit this.
- Use the stated water level, heating time and microwave wattage.
- Take care around boiling water, hot surfaces and escaping steam.
- Allow steam containers and devices to cool before handling. Open lids away from your face and hands.
- Use a UV device only with a clean, dry product when instructed and position it exactly as directed.
- Allow your cup or disc to dry and store it according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
The quickest way to choose
- Want the simplest option without buying another device? Check whether your cup or disc can be boiled.
- Want a collapsible microwave option? Compare the SteriPod, Saalt sanitiser, Ruby Steriliser and Hello Caddy, taking compatibility and internal measurements into account.
- Use a Hello Disc and want one container for storage and microwave sanitising? Consider the Hello Caddy.
- Want a dedicated appliance for home? Compare the Period Shop steam steriliser and Hello Steamy.
- Want a water-free travel option? Consider the Compact Travel UV Steriliser, provided your product fits and its care instructions permit this method.
Whichever option you choose, begin with two questions: Is this method suitable for my cup or disc, and will my product fit inside?
Related reading
- How to use a menstrual cup
- How to use a menstrual disc
- How to remove menstrual cup stains
- Menstrual disc comparison chart
- Menstrual products comparison hub
Sources
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Meeting regulatory requirements for menstrual cups in Australia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Introduction, methods and definition of terms for disinfection and sterilisation
Product measurements, cycle times and compatibility information are based on the current product information and supplied instructions. Always check the instructions included with your product, as specifications and recommendations may change.