Washing your period underwear the right way!

Another article on how to properly wash your period underwear? After the mistakes to avoid and all the tips on how to deep-clean your period lingerie, you’d think we’d be repeating ourselves… almost!

Today is laundry day – and not just any laundry, it’s your period underwear! Your period is over? It’s time to wash your period underwear carefully.

How do you wash period lingerie properly? What’s the right wash routine for period panties?

Taking care of your period panties starts with proper washing. Good care ensures perfect hygiene while extending their lifespan and effectiveness cycle after cycle. Unlike disposable products, organic cotton period panties require careful maintenance to preserve their absorbency and long-term comfort.

Discover our complete guide to caring for your period underwear: from immediate rinsing to cold machine washing, including optimal drying techniques. With these simple tips, your period panties will retain all their qualities for several years.

**Rinsing menstrual panties** is a crucial step. **Rinsing your period lingerie** prevents blood from drying and becoming deeply embedded in the fabric.

Did you know? A good rinse removes up to 80% of residue before the main wash, making machine washing easier and preserving absorbency.

Our Loulou tip: even if this step feels a bit tedious, don’t skip it! Getting into the habit of rinsing immediately after you take off your protection is really important to maintain absorbency performance.

As soon as you take off your menstrual panties, rinse them immediately under a stream of cold or lukewarm water. This helps remove the absorbed blood before it coagulates. Our menstrual panties are designed with technical fabrics that make rinsing easier, but always use a gentle water flow to protect the absorbent layer.

Avoid using soap at this stage: greasy residues can clog the fibers and reduce absorption. Rinse for two to three minutes, rubbing lightly until the water runs clear.

Before putting them in the washing machine, make sure there are no visible traces of blood left on the inner fabric. This step is crucial because dried blood is very hard to remove and could permanently dull your laundry.

Pay special attention to the most stained period panties. Sort them according to how heavy the flow was: lightly stained items at the end of your period need less care than those used for heavy flow.

For an optimal cold wash, you can soak the most soiled pieces for five minutes in cold water with a little mild soap, then rinse thoroughly.

Stubborn stains can often be removed with diluted Castile soap or a natural enzymatic stain remover, applied for a maximum of thirty minutes before rinsing again with cold water.

Never give in to the temptation to use hot water: it permanently sets blood stains and can damage the absorbent capacity. Sticking to cold water ensures effective care, optimal cleaning and quick drying without harming your underwear.

After the first rinse, you can choose between two cleaning methods: machine wash or hand wash.
Machine washing is more practical day to day, while hand washing is ideal for taking extra care of technical fabrics. Whatever you choose, follow a few simple care rules and you’ll extend the lifespan of your period underwear.

To machine-wash your period panties, always choose a delicate or wool cycle (short cycle, hand-wash cycle, wool cycle, delicate cycle) at a maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F).

A temperature of 40°C (104°F) can be used for stubborn stains, but this should really remain occasional:

• Protecting your fabrics: use a laundry bag or a pillowcase to avoid friction.
  
  
• Suitable detergent: Choose a gentle detergent, free from enzymes and fragrances, to preserve absorbency. Go for a natural, non-greasy, minimally processed detergent.
  
  
• Ideal amount: Wash 2 to 3 panties per cycle for effective rinsing.
  
  
• Odor removal: Add a spoonful of baking soda or a little white vinegar to neutralize odors.

Also avoid a spin speed higher than 800 rpm to preserve the elasticity of the underwear.

If you have several dirty period panties, one wash at the end of your period is enough. In the meantime, a simple rinse in cold water will do.

Hand washing is the gentlest way to care for your period panties and ensure a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. Apply a mild soap to the stains, avoiding classic Marseille soap, which is too rich in glycerin. The water should be lukewarm (20–30°C) to prevent blood from coagulating:

• Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, which preserves the absorption capacity.
• Gently press dry in a towel without wringing, so as not to damage the fabric.
  
  
• Absolutely avoid fabric softener, chlorine-based stain removers or any harsh chemical products, which clog the fabric’s pores.

Some products are not recommended and can damage the fibers, reducing absorbency. By following these care tips, you’ll enjoy your period underwear for a long time.

Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to caring for your period underwear: using the wrong method can undo all your cleaning efforts. Artificial or intense natural heat damages period lingerie, wears out the elastics and gradually reduces its absorbency, which significantly shortens its lifespan.

We recommend always air-drying your period lingerie in a well-ventilated place but out of direct sunlight, which can damage and fade the fabrics. To preserve its properties, lay it flat or hang it by the sides—this prevents creases that can harm absorption and leakproofing.

Where should you dry it? Choose an airy space such as a bathroom, a shaded balcony or a well-ventilated laundry room.
How long? Between 12 and 24 hours depending on the style. Heavy-flow period underwear needs more time because it’s thicker.

Avoid tumble dryers, radiators, fireplaces or hairdryers at all costs: above 30°C, heat irreversibly damages the fibers and reduces absorbency, which can lead to leaks and odors. If the weather is damp, simply place your underwear near a window or use a fan on low for faster drying, always on a cool setting.

No more choosing between comfort, health and the planet: Louloucup is a gentle revolution, combining textile innovation with ecological commitment.

• Check your panties regularly: worn-out elastics, tiny tears in the absorbent area...
  
  
• Alternate styles depending on your flow to spread out wear and preserve their absorbency.

You’re sure to find the perfect model for you at Louloucup, whether it’s a teen period panty, a plus-size period panty or many more options!