How Do You Clean Period Underwear (Wash Your Delicates The Right Way!)
If you’ve recently invested in a pair of period underwear, you are not alone! Their popularity is sky-rocketing for many reasons. Period underwear is one of the many ways that we can reduce the plastic crisis and save the planet.
The reason for this is that period underwear is reusable! All you have to do is sit down to wash your undies and you’ll be ready to re-use them on the next day of your flow.
You should clean period underwear by washing it in cold water on a delicate laundry cycle. Or, you can wash your period underwear by hand using gentle products.
How To Wash Period Underwear in a Machine
The easiest way to wash period underwear is to throw it into the laundry machine. You don’t even need to rinse it out first, however, rinsing them first can help them to last longer.
Whether you rinse or not, just throw it in the laundry along with your regular clothes.
Although not compulsory, you may use a lingerie bag to keep them separately from the rest of the washing load – this will minimize their movement during the spinning phase, which will help extend their life.
To wash your period underwear in the laundry machine, you’ll need to select a cycle for delicates and to set the temperature of the water to cold. It’s important NOT to wash the underwear with hot water because it can impact the effectiveness of the material at containing your flow.
Next, add a gentle laundry detergent to your washing machine. We recommend a natural laundry detergent, as this helps you steer clear of bleach and harsh chemicals which could damage the functionality of your panties.
How To Wash Period Underwear by Hand
Now, not everyone has access to a washing machine that has a cool setting. In that case, it might make more sense to sit down and wash your period underwear by hand.
Even if you do have access to a good washing machine, you might feel more comfortable washing your period panties out by hand anyway. Just make sure to do so as soon after wearing them as you can.
With those tips in mind, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle the task of washing period underwear by hand!
Turn on the Tap
The first step to washing period underwear by hand is to run cool water over your underwear. Dab a small amount of laundry detergent onto the underwear.
You can also use hand soap to wash out your period panties. Just make sure that whatever soap you choose, it’s a gentle soap that won’t cause damage to your panties.
Scrub the Stains
Next, you’ll want to gently scrub at any stains on the underwear. Do this by folding the fabric over and rubbing it against itself.
Rinse and Repeat
After you’re done scrubbing, rinse the period panties out. This helps you check that the blood is coming off the underwear.
Once the water runs clear, rinse the underwear with a little bit more clean, cold water. Repeat the rinsing process as many times as you need to finish getting all the blood out of the panties.
It’s smart to use a reliable period tracker app to know when your period is coming. This helps you plan activities and get ready with the right menstrual products, like period underwear.
Is Period Underwear A Good Investment?
Definitely yes! Period underwear can absorb menstrual flow directly, eliminating the need for additional menstrual products. With soft, breathable materials, people find them comfortable to wear. The initial cost of period underwear may be higher than disposable products, but they can save you money in the long run due to its reusability.
Period underwear is typically made of a combination of absorbent and moisture-wicking materials. The absorbent layers, responsible for soaking up menstrual flow, are commonly crafted from materials like bamboo fiber, microfiber, and organic cotton. This underwear often includes waterproof layers made from polyurethane laminate (PUL) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prevent leaks and offer extra security. These thin, waterproof materials act as barriers, preventing menstrual flow from escaping the underwear.
In addition to functionality, period underwear also prioritizes comfort. The outer layer is typically made from a soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric, enhancing the overall comfort of the wearer. Some brands even integrate antimicrobial or odour-controlling technology to keep the underwear fresh and hygienic.
Does Period Underwear Stain Easily?
If you purchase black or dark period underwear, you probably won’t notice any stains on the fabric. If you choose nude or white period underwear, you might see a little bit of staining on the outer layers.
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to remove most stains. You can usually get stains out of period underwear just by throwing them in the washing machine.
Tips for Cleaning Period Underwear
Cleaning your period underwear for the first time can be intimidating. To make things easier, here are seven cleaning tips to help you keep your underwear feeling and looking fresh.
- Rinse your period panties out with cold water before you throw them in the laundry for extra cleanliness.
- Place your underwear in a mesh bag before throwing them into the washing machine.
- Spread your panties out flat on top of a dry towel or hang them up on a clothesline to try
- Do not iron your panties as the heat can cause the material to lose its effectiveness.
- Avoid using bleach, harsh detergents, or hot water on your period panties as this causes damage and discoloration.
- Wash your period panties right after you wear them rather than letting them sit in the dirty laundry basket for several days.
- Avoid wearing light-colored clothes over your period panties as it can cause any accidental leaks to show through.
By following these tips, you can keep your clothes and your period panties clean and in the best condition possible. They’re the first steps to take toward becoming a period panty pro!
How Long Do Period Panties Take to Dry?
Since you won’t be putting your period underwear in the dryer, you’ll need to have a bit of patience with the drying process. It can take anywhere from two short hours to two whole days for your underwear to fully dry out.
If you want your underwear to dry even more quickly, blot them with a towel before hanging them up. You can also roll them up in a towel and use the towel to wring them out before hanging them up on the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you wash period underwear separately?
Even though period underwear might feel ultra-dirty, there’s no need to wash it separately from your other clothes. You can just throw it into the laundry with your other delicates to have it come out completely clean. You may use a laundry bag – but that’s more about protecting them during the spinning cycle rather than for hygiene concerns.
How often do you change period undies?
You only have to change period underwear as often as your flow dictates. Some women can make it through an entire 24 hours without having to change their underwear while others will need to change them every 12 hours for extra protection.
How do you get the smell out of period underwear?
If you’re worried about the smell of your period underwear, don’t be! Period underwear, thanks to the design of the underwear and the fabric used, doesn’t smell. A simple hand or machine wash will get rid of any lingering smell.