How do I wash and care for my menstrual panties?

To make sure your menstrual pants last as long as possible, it's important to take good care of them. Rinsing, washing and drying your menstrual panties - we'll show you how!

How do you wash your menstrual panties?

Menstrual lingerie, such as menstrual panties, represent a hygienic and practical solution. They are designed for optimum absorption, replacing traditional sanitary towels. As a result, menstrual pants have become an essential part of modern menstrual lingerie, offering comfort and protection. But let's get straight to the heart of the matter by reviewing all the steps involved in cleaning this particular product!

Pre-wash or rinse

Like any item of clothing, especially underwear, you need to rinse or pre-wash your menstrual panties when you receive them. It will have been handled before reaching you. So you need to be sure it's clean. The pre-wash step will also activate the absorbent properties of the menstrual panties. The operation is very simple: just soak the underwear for 30 minutes in lukewarm or room-temperature water. Squeeze out the water and leave to dry flat.

In addition to pre-washing when you receive your menstrual panties, it's important to rinse them after each use. When you take them off in the evening after wearing them all day, rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear, especially if you have a heavy flow. You can then put them to dry while you wait for their turn in the washing machine.

So which menstrual panties for heavy flow should I choose? Menstrual pants offer several levels of absorbency, eliminating the need for traditional sanitary towels, even for very heavy flows. There's just a bit more rinsing to be done!

Machine washing

While it's possible to rinse your menstrual panties and wear them for several days, at the end of your period you'll need to wash them more thoroughly. You can wash your menstrual panties in the washing machine on a delicate cycle, using a washing net to preserve the laces and elastics. However, do not exceed 30°. Hot water will bind blood to the panties. What's more, too hot a temperature could damage the natural fibers of your absorbent underwear and minimize its absorption capacity. We also recommend using a washing net, such as an eco-friendly washing bag, especially if your panties have lace parts. As they've been rinsed beforehand, you can wash your menstrual panties with the rest of your laundry: there's no need to wash them separately. You can also wash them by hand, rubbing them gently with a suitable detergent such as our menstrual panty detergent.

Drying

Another very important step is drying. You need to let your menstrual panties air-dry on a drying rack. This may take a little time, but will preserve your underwear. They're thicker than conventional panties, so it's best to lay them flat. Don't use a tumble-dryer, as it's too aggressive for your menstrual panties. And don't place them near heat sources such as a radiator.

What detergent should I use to wash my menstrual pants?

We don't recommend industrial detergents such as washing powder for menstrual pants. They contain too many chemicals that can be harmful to intimate flora. We also don't recommend using fabric softeners or whitening agents. They could attack the absorbent part of the panties. Other products to avoid are detergents containing glycerine. Marseille soap and black soap are particularly high in glycerine. This highly greasy agent clogs the pores of panty fibers, which can lead to a loss of absorbency and leakage. Opt for a natural detergent, specially designed for menstrual panties, or a homemade detergent.

What can I do if my menstrual underwear still smells bad?

Thanks to their eucalyptus-fiber absorbent core, menstrual pants retain moisture, but also unpleasant odors. If, however, you find that some odors persist, especially if you perspire a lot (sport, heat...), there's a very simple solution: add a few drops of essential oils when washing. Choose tea tree or lemon for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Don't use chemicals like bleach, which will discolor your menstrual underwear and are bad for your skin.

And by the way, can you play sports with menstrual panties? Yes, because these menstrual pants are designed to offer optimal absorption, eliminating the need to use traditional sanitary pads during physical activity.

How can I extend the life of my menstrual pants?

If you want to enjoy your period pants for as long as possible, as opposed to disposable sanitary pads, it's important to look after them properly. Rinse them well after each day's use, and follow the washing instructions above.

If your menstrual panties have lost their absorbency, there's a solution. You can use sodium percarbonate (or soda crystals). Made from calcium carbonate and salts from natural quarries, these crystals have the following properties:

• Cleaning ;
• Degreasing ;
• Whitening.

It is also capable of deeply cleansing clogged fibers. The pores in the fibers of your menstrual panties will then be cleared, and they'll regain all their absorbent capacities. The process is very simple:

• Rinse your panties (they should no longer contain blood);
• Plunge them into hot water, at around 60°, to activate the sodium percarbonate (even if the temperature exceeds the recommended 30°, this is not a problem, as this is a one-off operation. You won't repeat it every month or every week);
• Add a tablespoon of sodium percarbonate, then stir;
• Leave to stand for a dozen hours, then machine wash.

Care for your ruler underwear: mistakes you shouldn't make!

But what are the advantages of menstrual panties if maintenance is so laborious? Simply put, these menstrual lingerie items are hygienic, durable and offer optimal absorption while eliminating the need for conventional sanitary towels. Menstrual briefs combine comfort and practicality in the management of menstrual flow. There are just a few mistakes not to be made when it comes to maintenance: once you've got the hang of them, they're very easy to care for and use!

No chemical cleaning products

They can damage the fibers of your menstrual panties or discolor the fabric. Here's a quick reminder of the products you shouldn't use:

• Industrial detergents;
• Fabric softeners;
• Stain removers;
• Bleach;
• Bleach.

Choose eco-friendly detergents and those with labels. Take the time to read the label carefully to be sure of the composition of each product.

No glycerine-based products

Glycerine is particularly greasy and will clog your menstrual panties. It will also be less absorbent, increasing the risk of leakage. For this reason, avoid detergents containing this ingredient, such as those based on Marseille soap or black soap.

Avoid washing at high temperatures

Too high a temperature will fix blood to your menstrual panties. Its pores will also be clogged, and therefore able to absorb less fluid. Don't exceed 30° when you put them in the washing machine, or use lukewarm water if you wash them by hand.

Forget the wash bag

Another useful accessory: the wash bag. It protects your menstrual panties from rubbing in the drum. It will keep its original appearance for longer.

Very practical to use, it's nevertheless important to take care of your menstrual pants to keep them looking as good as possible for as long as possible. Washing is particularly important.

FAQs on washing menstrual pants

Which soap should I use to wash my menstrual panties?

How do I wash my menstrual panties by hand?

How do I remove odors from my menstrual panties?

What should I do if my menstrual panties are no longer absorbent?