How to Clean Menstrual Underwear: Mistakes to Avoid
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Time to read 10 min
Do you rinse your period underwear with hot water, use fabric softener, or worse, put it in the dryer? These common mistakes unfortunately ruin the absorbency and protective qualities of your period underwear. As a result, the eco-friendly and cost-effective investment you made in reusable protection turns out to be not so great after all. Period panties that should have lasted at least five years end up only lasting two…
Cleaning your period underwear is actually really simple. You just need to follow the right steps, use the right techniques, and most importantly, avoid certain mistakes.
Discover the 7 bad habits that drastically reduce the effectiveness of your washable period underwear. You’ll get all the info you need to take care of them and enjoy them for a long, long time!
With proper care, you’ll preserve both the absorbency and elasticity of your period underwear for a long time. So what’s the best routine? Skip boiling water, avoid harsh products, and opt for natural air drying: these practical tips will make cleaning your period underwear second nature—no more leaks or disappointment.
In this article
🧴 Why is proper care of your period underwear essential? Period underwear: an eco-friendly and economical investment Proper care: guaranteed effectiveness Poor care, many consequences 🧴 The 7 mistakes that ruin your period underwear Mistake #1: using hot water to rinse Mistake #2: choosing the wrong laundry products Mistake #3: Choosing high-temperature drying Mistake #4: Letting it soak for too long Mistake #5: Washing in the machine at over 30°C (86°F) Mistake #6: Using harsh detergents with enzymes Mistake #7: opting for intense spin cycles Top 3 most absorbent Louloucup menstrual underwear 🧴 Mistakes to avoid to maintain effectiveness The risks of an unsuitable wash cycle Products you shouldn’t use for laundry The pitfalls of drying, spinning, and ironing Top 3 Period Panties for Light Flow 🧴 Stains and odors: quick fixes (and their pitfalls) How do you "deep clean" period underwear that absorbs less? Fighting stains and bad odors… … With effective homemade cleaning products 🧴 Taking care of your period underwear: a simple habit for years of peace of mind FAQ: How to clean period underwear Learn more A menstrual panty that lasts a long time?
🧴 Why is proper care of your period underwear essential?
Period underwear: an eco-friendly and economical investment
Period underwear or washable period panties are an eco-friendly and economical investment. They drastically reduce menstrual waste every month. They also mean you no longer have to keep buying yet another pack of pads or tampons.
However, the upfront cost of washable period panties is still fairly high. That’s why we consider it an investment. But this investment pays off quickly when you see how practical and easy reusable period underwear really is.
If you don’t care for it properly, your period underwear won’t last as long as expected. That means your investment isn’t as worthwhile as you’d hoped. So, properly cleaning your period underwear is really important.
Poor care can cut the lifespan of your period underwear in half and cancel out its absorbent properties, making it completely ineffective.
Proper care: guaranteed effectiveness
To make this eco-friendly and budget-conscious investment worthwhile, period underwear needs proper care to maintain its technical properties: absorbency, moisture-wicking, breathability, and more.
The effectiveness of period underwear relies on technical absorbent fabrics, but also on natural, often organic materials like cotton or bamboo. Improper cleaning can reduce performance and also damage these plant-based fibers from organic farming.
“A well-cared-for Louloucup period panty lasts at least 5 years without any issues.”
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Poor care, many consequences
Improper, insufficient, or poor cleaning can have multiple consequences:
unpleasant odors,
damaged, rough, faded fabrics,
frequent leaks, quick saturation,
insufficient elastic hold,
or irritation from discomfort.
🧴 The 7 mistakes that ruin your period underwear
Mistake #1: using hot water to rinse
Blood contains proteins that coagulate with heat. Hot water sets stains and damages the absorbent fibers. Result: stubborn stains that won’t come out and a loss of effectiveness and absorption.
Louloucup tip: Once you’ve taken it off, immediately rinse your menstrual underwear with cold water. Rinse out the blood by running cold water over your underwear and gently pressing the inside with back-and-forth motions.
Mistake #2: choosing the wrong laundry products
Fabric softeners, strong and chemical detergents, and softeners—be careful with the ingredients in your laundry products. Softeners leave a greasy layer that blocks absorption. Marseille soap, if it contains glycerin, clogs the fabric’s pores. Bleach destroys the waterproof membrane. Avoid detergents with enzymes, as they damage fibers over time.
Louloucup Tip: Sodium percarbonate or baking soda are excellent natural cleaning products and perfect for period underwear. If possible, opt for a laundry detergent that’s as natural as possible, low in fat, and with minimal chemicals or processing.
Mistake #3: Choosing high-temperature drying
Excessive heat is very bad for period underwear. When drying after washing, using a dryer, radiator, fireplace, hair dryer, or even direct sunlight is definitely not a good idea! Did you know that after just 5 rounds in the dryer, a washable period panty loses 40% of its waterproofing?
Louloucup tip: Lay your period panties flat to dry on a rack in open air. Choose a well-ventilated spot by a window or even outside, but not in direct sunlight—especially in summer!
Mistake #4: Letting it soak for too long
Every 6 months, soaking is helpful to deep clean your period underwear. However, soaking for more than 12 hours encourages bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Louloucup tip: Soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to rinse with cold water. For stubborn stains, soak for 15-20 minutes in a mix of white vinegar and cold water.
Mistake #5: Washing in the machine at over 30°C (86°F)
It’s tempting to choose a high-temperature cycle to thoroughly wash dirty period underwear. However, a 30°C short cycle (30 or 45 minutes) is more than enough! Technical fabrics are sensitive to heat. Washing above 30°C damages the leak-proof layer. Fibers lose 25% of their elasticity after several high-temperature washes.
Louloucup tip: use a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) and place your absorbent and hygienic underwear in a laundry bag. You can wash your period panties with the rest of your dirty laundry—no worries!
Mistake #6: Using harsh detergents with enzymes
Laundry enzymes attack blood proteins excessively. Over time, this damages the fabric.
Louloucup tip: choose formulas without enzymes or homemade options like white vinegar + baking soda. Enzyme detergents reduce a panty’s lifespan by 20%.
Mistake #7: opting for intense spin cycles
Again, it’s tempting to choose a strong spin cycle. Period underwear can take a while to dry. But high-speed spinning weakens the seams and waterproofing. Leaks become inevitable after several washes. Spinning at 800 rpm is too harsh.
Louloucup’s tip: Always choose the lowest spin cycle setting before starting your laundry. Air dry or use a manual spinner to protect the elastic.
|
The mistake |
The risk for your underwear |
Best practices |
| Rinse with hot water |
Sets blood stains, damages fibers |
Always rinse with cold water |
| Using a fabric softener |
Clogs the fibers, makes the underwear ineffective. |
Completely avoid fabric softeners (they’re bad for your underwear and for the planet!) |
| Use a fatty soap (Marseille soap, etc.) |
Clogs the pores of the absorbent fabric |
Use a gentle, non-greasy detergent |
| Tumble dry or place on a radiator |
Destroys the waterproof layer, causes leaks |
Air dry only |
| Wash at over 30°C |
Damages elasticity and technical fabrics |
Machine wash at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) |
Top 3 most absorbent Louloucup menstrual underwear
🧴 Mistakes to avoid to maintain effectiveness
Do not rinse immediately with cold water
There’s always something better to do than rinsing your period underwear. It’s probably the least appealing part of using period lingerie. But this step is really important!
Delaying this step and waiting before rinsing sets the blood into the fibers. An immediate rinse with cold water is essential to prevent stains and damage. And don’t forget, hot water is a no-go: it cooks the blood, making stains permanent and damaging the technical layers.
The risks of an unsuitable wash cycle
A long cycle, water that’s too hot, or a spin cycle that’s too strong will shorten the lifespan of the elastics and affect absorbency. Always choose a delicate cycle at a maximum of 86°F (30°C), use a laundry bag, and protect the seams.
Products you shouldn’t use for laundry
- Fabric softeners create a greasy barrier that blocks absorption.
- Bleach or hydrogen peroxide will damage the fibers and reduce effectiveness.
- Laundry detergents high in glycerin or vegetable oils can clog the fabric’s pores.
- Traditional Marseille soap often contains glycerin, which can damage technical fabrics.
The pitfalls of drying, spinning, and ironing
Air drying is the only recommended method, without direct sunlight. Ironing and heavy spinning can damage the materials.
Top 3 Period Panties for Light Flow
Deep cleaning is an effective rescue solution, but it should only be used occasionally. Using these agents too frequently can weaken the fabrics over time.
🧴 Stains and odors: quick fixes (and their pitfalls)
How do you "deep clean" period underwear that absorbs less?
After several washes, especially with greasy detergents, the fibers get clogged and lose their effectiveness. Deep cleaning, which should be done only occasionally, involves soaking your period underwear for several minutes in lukewarm water with a spoonful of baking soda or sodium percarbonate.
How do you use percarbonate? Thanks to its oxidizing action, percarbonate removes residue without damaging technical fabrics. This process restores flexibility to absorbent fibers.
Percarbonate brightens colors and removes stains. Activate it at 40°C (104°F), but don’t exceed this temperature to protect the fibers. Rinse to avoid irritating residue. Air drying protects waterproof materials and prevents heat-related deformation.
Fighting stains and bad odors…
For old stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the spot. Hydrogen peroxide can be used on light fabrics, but only after a patch test. Odors usually come from soaking too long or storing while damp, so avoid leaving items to soak for too long. Rinsing with cold water right after use helps prevent the bacteria that cause unpleasant smells from multiplying.
Did you know? A quick soak in baking soda or a drop of white vinegar will deodorize fabrics.
… With effective homemade cleaning products
Baking soda removes stains and deodorizes without damaging the fibers. Its gentle mechanical action gets rid of residue without affecting elasticity.
Sodium percarbonate removes stubborn stains (for occasional use). Its oxidizing power breaks down organic stains deep within the fabric, without damaging it.
White vinegar neutralizes odors by balancing the pH of fabrics and softening the water during washing, making it easier to remove residue.
🧴 Taking care of your period underwear: a simple habit for years of peace of mind
Taking care of your period underwear isn’t complicated. A few good habits are enough to maintain its effectiveness and lifespan. Proper cleaning ensures comfort, savings, and environmental respect.
The benefits are many: less waste, long-term savings (up to €800 saved over 38 years), and peace of mind during your period thanks to reliable, comfortable protection. By avoiding common mistakes, your period underwear will stay effective for years.
Here are the 3 golden rules to remember:
- I always rinse with cold water right after use to prevent blood from setting in.
- I wash at a maximum of 30°C with a natural detergent, without fabric softener or fatty soap.
- I let it air dry, away from heat sources to protect the fabric.
By following these steps, you maximize absorbency and material durability. Improper care, like using hot water or a dryer, damages the fibers and shortens the product’s lifespan.
🧴 In a nutshell
Avoid hot water, fabric softeners, and the dryer to preserve the absorbency and lifespan of your period panties. Proper care prevents bad odors, discomfort, leaks, saturation, irritation, and can save you up to €150 a year while reducing waste. Improper washing can cut their lifespan in half, according to manufacturers. Taking care of your period panties is simple, economical, and eco-friendly. Just follow three rules: rinse with cold water, wash at 30°C, and air dry.
FAQ: How to clean period underwear
How do I properly wash my period underwear?
For effective cleaning, immediately rinse your heavy flow period underwear or moderate flow period underwear in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, wash them by hand with a gentle detergent or in the machine at a maximum of 86°F (30°C), using a laundry bag. Air dry them, keeping them away from heat. These steps will help maintain their absorbency and elasticity over time.
How do I get rid of persistent odors on my period underwear?
Bad odors often come from a bacterial buildup caused by insufficient drying or prolonged soaking. To fix this, soak your period underwear for no more than 1 hour in cold water with a spoonful of baking soda, then rinse thoroughly. For persistent odors, add a few drops of white vinegar during rinsing. Avoid harsh products like bleach, which can damage the fabric.
How do I effectively remove blood stains from my period underwear?
Old stains need gentle but targeted action. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the stain before washing, then gently rub. For stubborn stains, diluted hydrogen peroxide can be used occasionally, but only on light fabrics. Always rinse with cold water first, as hot water sets blood into fibers.
Which detergent is recommended for washing my period underwear?
Choose certified eco-friendly detergents (like those with Ecocert or Nature & Progrès labels), Marseille soap flakes without added glycerin, or homemade formulas with non-greasy soap. Ideally, shop at organic stores. Avoid fabric softeners, greasy soaps (traditional Marseille soap), and products containing glycerin, as they clog the technical fabric. A gentle liquid detergent is best to preserve absorbency.
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