How to Clean FASCIQ® Silicone Cups

Cleaning silicone cups can be challenging due to the use of oils, gels, and lotions during cupping therapy, which can leave behind residue and promote bacterial growth. Here are the best practices for cleaning your silicone cups without effort.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy has gained recognition over the past few decades for its numerous lymphatic benefits, and it has been practiced by a significant amount of people. While you can find them cupping sets in various materials, silicone suction cups stand out for their benefits: this cups are lightweight, easily portable, resistant and long-lasting.

Whether you are a long-time practitioner or have recently started exploring cupping therapy, you might find yourself wondering about the proper method to clean silicone cups.

Ensuring the desinfection of silicone cups used in cupping therapy is crucial to maintain hygiene and prevent any potential cross-contamination. Besides, it guarantees the good maintenance of your cups.

Check all the cupping sets FASCIQ® has for you: trigger point cupping set, facial cupping set (special for face, neck and hands), classic cups and the high suction cupping set (often used to treat cellulitis).

Best Practices

Best Practices

1. Soaking: If you can’t clean the cups immediately, submerge them in water and detergent. This prevents organic matter from drying on the cups and makes cleaning easier.
2. Washing: Use a detergent or enzymatic cleaner to thoroughly clean the cups and remove any visible residue of oils, gels or creams. Detergents help reduce surface tension and suspend the residues in water.
3. Rinsing: It is crucial to rinse the cups thoroughly to remove all the soil as well as cleaning agents. This step prevents spotting and ensures the cups are completely clean. Depending on your water quality, the final rinse may require distilled or de-ionized water. Make sure to remove any residual cleaning agent to prevent neutralization of the disinfectant.
4. Drying: Allow the excess of water to drain off the cups after rinsing. Drying is essential to prevent microbial growth. Ensure that all cups are completely dry before storing or reusing them on the next client to avoid cross-contamination.

Avoid Improper Sanitation Methods

Avoid Improper Sanitation Methods

When desinfecting or sterilizing silicone cups, avoid using improper methods such as boiling, ultraviolet light, glass bead sterilization, microwave ovens, or chemical sterilization, as these can damage the cups due to the silicone features.
Using proper cleaning methods is important, starting with the use of effective cleaning agents. Be cautious as detergents can leave residues and make the cup surface slippery or promote bacterial growth. Additionally, they may neutralize the disinfectant. Recommended disinfectants include:

• 2% glutaraldehyde
• 7.5% hydrogen peroxide
• 0.2% peracetic acid
• 2-7% enhanced action formulation hydrogen peroxide
• 0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

For low-level disinfection, 3% hydrogen peroxide is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Cups should be soaked for 10 minutes to achieve low-level disinfection.
For high-level disinfection, options include 2% glutaraldehyde, 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, 0.2% peracetic acid, 2-7% enhanced action formulation hydrogen peroxide, and 0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA).
Cups should be soaked for 30 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.

Tips for Cleaning Silicone Cups

Tips for Cleaning Silicone Cups

• Ensure you are disinfecting the cups, not just cleaning them, to prevent microbial growth.
• Use effective disinfectants, that are safe for both the cups and the skin of your patient.
• Have an ample supply of cups available to avoid rushing between clients. So you can start with the next therapy while leaving your other cupping set soaking.
• For an easy sanitation, wash the cups with hot water and dish soap, then air dry or use a clean cloth to dry them.
• Use clean and dry cleaning cloths.
• Avoid using dishwashers, baby wipes, wet wipes, diluted mouthwash, or homemade sanitation products, as they may damage the cups or they may lack of proven effectiveness in disinfection.
• Avoid using sponges, as they can harbor bacteria and transfer contaminants.
• Improper techniques can alter the properties of silicone drying the material or affecting its functionality.

Remember, maintaining proper cleanliness and disinfection practices is essential for safe and effective cupping therapy and cross-contamination prevention.