How to wash and maintain your period pants ?

In collaboration with Rokiyah Hosen Professional proofreading

 

To make sure it stays with you for as long as possible, it's important to look after your period pants. Rinsing, washing period pants, drying - we'll show you how!

How to wash your period pants ?

Menstrual lingerie, such as the period pantsis a hygienic and practical solution. These panties are designed to ensure optimum absorption, replacing traditional sanitary towels. As a result, menstrual panties 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!

Prewash or rinse

Like any garment, especially underwear, it is necessary to rinse or pre-wash your period pants when you receive it. It will have been handled before reaching you. So you need to be sure it's clean. The pre-wash step will also activate period pants's absorbent properties. The operation is very simple: simply soak the underwear for 30 minutes in lukewarm or room-temperature water. Squeeze dry, then lay flat to dry.

In addition to pre-washing when you receive your period pants, it is important to rinse it after each use. When you take it off in the evening after wearing it all day, rinse it in cold water until it runs clear, especially if you have a heavy flow. You can then put it out to dry before putting it in the washing machine.

And which period pants for very heavy flows should you choose? Menstrual pants offer several levels of absorption, 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 period pants and wear it for several days, at the end of periods, a more thorough wash is required. You can machine-wash your period pants in a delicate cycle with a washing net to preserve the laces and elastics. However, do not exceed 30°. Hot water will set the blood on 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 will have been rinsed beforehand, you can wash your period pants with the rest of your laundry: no need to do a separate wash. 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. Leave your period pants to 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 sources of heat such as a radiator.

What detergent should I use to wash a period pants ?

We do not recommend industrial washing powders for your period pants. They contain too many chemicals that can be harmful to intimate flora. Similarly, we don't recommend 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 to do if unpleasant odours persist on your period underwear ?

Thanks to their absorbent eucalyptus fibers, 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 exercise with a period pants ? Yes, because these menstrual pants are designed to offer optimum absorption, eliminating the need to use traditional sanitary towels during physical activity.

How can you extend the life of your period pants ?

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

If your period pants has lost its absorbency, there is 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:

  • Cleansing ;
  • Degreasers ;
  • Whitening.

It is also capable of deeply cleaning clogged fibers. The pores of your period pants fibers will then be freed, restoring all their absorbent capacities. The process is very simple:

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

Maintaining your period underwear : mistakes you shouldn't make!

But what are the benefits of period pants if maintenance is so laborious? These pieces of menstrual lingerie are simply 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 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 period pants or discolor the fabric. Here's a quick reminder of which products are not recommended:

  • Industrial detergents ;
  • Fabric softener ;
  • Stain removers ;
  • Whiteners ;
  • 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

A particularly oily substance, glycerine will clog your period pants. It will be less absorbent, increasing the risk of leaks. 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 the blood on your period pants. Its pores will also be clogged, and therefore able to absorb less liquid. Don't exceed 30° when you put it in the washing machine, or use llukewarm water if you wash it by hand.

Forget the wash bag

Another useful accessory: the wash bag. It will protect your period pants from rubbing in the drum. It will keep its original appearance for longer.

Very practical to use, it is however important to take care of lyour period pants to keep it as long as possible. Washing is particularly important.

Washing FAQ period pants

Which soap should you use to wash your period pants ?

To wash your period pants, choose natural, organic detergents with labels or certifications. You can also opt for our Elia detergent specially created for periods knickers.

How to wash your period pants by hand?

To wash your period pants by hand, choose a suitable detergent. Then soak your underwear in llukewarm water and rub gently, paying particular attention to the thicker absorbent area. Rinse thoroughly, then lay the underwear flat.

How to remove odors from a period pants ?

If your period pants starts to smell even after washing, add a few drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil to eliminate it.

What to do when your period pants is no longer absorbent?

Should your period pants lose absorption, you can use sodium percarbonate. It deeply de-inks the fibers, making them more efficient.