You do not need a dedicated steriliser to care for a reusable menstrual cup or disc but it can make keeping your cup or disc sanitised much easier. Boiling may be suitable when the product instructions allow it, while a purpose-designed microwave, plug-in steam or UV device can make between-cycle care more convenient.
The right option depends on the care instructions for your cup or disc, whether you have access to a microwave or power outlet, how much storage space you have and whether the product will fit inside the steriliser. This guide compares the options currently listed at Period Shop.
Steriliser types at a glance
- Boiling water: this is the least expensive option although some people do buy a dedicated pot soley to boing their cup or disc. Check your cup or disc instructions permit boiling.
- Microwave steam sterilisers: compact options that use water and microwave heat to create steam. They are useful at home or while travelling when you have access to a microwave.
- Plug-in steam sterilisers: dedicated appliances that create steam without using 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 item must fit inside the device and may need to be completely dry before use.
These methods are not automatically interchangeable. Always follow the cleaning and care instructions supplied with your specific menstrual cup or disc.
What to check before choosing a cup or disc steriliser
1. Check the care instructions for your product
Do not assume that every cup or disc can be cleaned in the same way. Manufacturers may specify boiling, microwave steam cleaning or another sanitising method, and some products may have material or temperature restrictions. The instructions for your cup or disc should take priority.
2. Compare the internal measurements
A steriliser described as fitting “most” cups or discs may still be too small for a particular product. Compare the steriliser’s internal chamber diameter and height with the dimensions of your cup or disc. A disc may need to be pinched into a narrow shape and positioned vertically, so check the steriliser 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 steamer may be easier if you want a dedicated appliance at home, while a rechargeable UV device can suit travel where power points, saucepans or microwaves are not readily available.
4. Check the full instructions and cooling time
Cycle time is only part of the process. Steam sterilisers and containers can remain very hot after heating and must be allowed to cool before opening or handling. UV devices may have different preparation and safety requirements, including placing only clean, dry items inside.
Compare cup and disc sterilisers
Use the comparison chart to check power source, cycle time, internal measurements and other practical features side by side. Measurements are particularly important: check the actual size 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 each model has its own fill level, microwave time 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 the most compact, lower-priced microwave option in the current range.
- 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 can 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 steriliser intended for menstrual cups. It is not described as a menstrual disc steriliser, so disc users should choose a model 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
Hello Caddy is a flexible silicone carry case made specifically for the Hello Disc. It also doubles as a microwave steam container, making it a convenient choice 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 x 80 mm high x 35m deep
- Internal chamber: 70 mm wide x 70 mm high x 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 automatically switch off at the end of the heating cycle.
Period Shop Menstrual Cup and Disc Steam Steriliser
The Period Shop steam steriliser unit has a tall outer body and a compact internal chamber. It is intended for cups and discs that fit within the chamber and is supplied with 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
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, so the internal measurements still need to be checked carefully.
- 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 use boiling water or steam. This makes it convenient for travel, but it must be used exactly as instructed and only with items that fit inside the flexible dome.
Compact Travel UV Steriliser for Menstrual Cups and Discs
This Compact UV Steriliser is a rechargeable device uses enclosed UV-C LED lights and has 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 the measurements and positioning carefully before choosing it for your product.
- 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 steriliser is optional. Many cup and disc manufacturers recommend boiling as part of between-cycle care, provided the product is suitable for that method and the instructions are followed.
A purpose-designed device may make your routine more convenient, private or portable. It can 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 each time it is removed and reinserted, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash your hands before handling it and use clean water and a suitable cleanser where instructed.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s menstrual cup guidance requires menstrual cup information to explain cleaning before and between uses and to state that menstrual cups are not supplied sterile.
- Follow the instructions for both the reusable product and the steriliser.
- Do not let a cup or disc sit directly on the base of a hot saucepan unless its instructions specifically allow this.
- Take care around boiling water, hot surfaces and escaping steam.
- Allow the product and device to cool before handling or opening.
- Use UV devices only with clean, dry items when instructed.
- Allow your cup or disc to dry and store it as directed by its manufacturer.
The quickest way to choose
- Want the simplest option without buying another device? Check whether your product can be boiled.
- Want something collapsible for travel? Compare the UV Steriliser or Saalt and Ruby for microwavable options.
- Use a Hello Disc and want one container for storage and microwave sanitising? Consider the Hello Caddy.
- Want a dedicated appliance at 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 can be used with this method.
Whichever option you choose, start with two questions: Is the method suitable for my cup or disc and will my product fit inside?