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So you’ve mastered the menstrual cup at home — high five Eco Girl!! You’ve conquered something that many brave and noble women dare not attempt. You have succeeded where others have given up. But now you find yourself in a public restroom stall… a challenge perhaps unforeseen until this moment. No running water, and no sink within arm’s reach. What to do now? Here’s some advice you gave us on how you clean your menstrual cups in public bathroom stalls.

How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup in a Public Bathroom Stall 5 Different Ways

1. The Avoidance Method – Just Don’t

How to change your menstrual cup in a public bathroom stall? The simplest and surprisingly common answer seems to be: *shrug* “Don’t!” Since menstrual cups don’t need to be changed as often as tampons, you may just be able to wait it out.

“I usually empty my cup once in the morning and once at night, so I avoid the public bathroom stall thing altogether. If anything I look for a family restroom that has one room with a sink.”

PROS: Less mess, less bother

CONS: Not always an option if you have a heavy flow, you find yourself traveling often, or have stalls in your dorm or workplace. So, now what?

2. The Toilet Paper Method

Use What You’ve Got! Empty it and wipe it off with good ol’ toilet paper.

“I grab toilet paper first. After removing the cup and emptying it into the toilet, I wipe it off with the T.P. then put it back in. I also use toilet paper to wipe my hands so I don’t look like I’m coming from a Quentin Tarantino film on my way out of the stall.”

PROS: Toilet paper is usually available (fingers crossed anyway) and can be flushed.

CONS: Some toilet paper sometimes sticks to the cup creating a messy situation. We’ve found that the T.P. approach works best if you just kind of dab the cup with it. It also doesn’t do a great job cleaning your hands so we recommend using fresh toilet paper to open the door with on the way out. (…Or using your elbows if you’re super talented!)

3. The Water Bottle Method

How do you know there will be good snacks at the party? Bring good snacks to the party. How do you know there will be water in your bathroom? B.Y.O. H2O!

“I carry a (reusable) water bottle in my bag. Once I remove and empty the cup I pour water on it over the toilet to clean it. I use the water to rinse my hands too and dry them with toilet paper before I can get to the sink.”

PROS: Water does a great job rinsing.

CONS: The possibility of forgetting your water bottle or running out of water.

This water bottle idea seems fantastic! Especially if you regularly carry a water bottle with you anyway.

4. The Paper Towel Method

“I wash my hands first, then dry them using a wet paper towel. I bring the wet paper towel into the stall with me and use it to wipe the cup off and wipe my hands after.”

Another good idea! It’s also a great idea to wash your hands before removing your cup no matter which method you’re using. One thing to note is that paper towels are not flushable so please remember to discard them in the wastebasket.

PROS: A wet paper towel is more sturdy than toilet paper. There’s nothing additional to carry around, plus your hands are already clean before removing your cup.

CONS: Some restrooms do not offer paper towels.

5. Menstrual Cup Wipes

“I keep a few individually wrapped menstrual cup wipes in my wallet. They don’t take up much room and work well for cleaning my cup, body, and hands”

PROS: Small enough for your pocket, formulated especially for your cup and body, great for hikes & camping too.

CONS: Additional Cost, Individual moisture protecting sleeves are not biodegradable.

Menstrual cup wipes are moist wipes designed specifically for cleaning your cup when water is not available. It’s important to note that regular sanitizing wipes and scented wipes should definitely not be used to clean your cup as they can damage the silicone and irritate your skin.

If menstrual cup wipes sound like a good method for you, we offer OrganiWipes on our website which are Allergy-Certified™, vegan, and made from organic cotton.

What do you think of these methods on how to clean your menstrual cup in a public bathroom stall? Which is your go-to? Or do you do something else?

Drop a comment & let us know how you clean your menstrual cup in a public restroom stall! If you found this article interesting please share it on social media using the buttons below. & If you would like to support our blog please consider purchasing something you need from Eco Girl Shop.

XOXO,