How to properly wash your period panties: all the mistakes to avoid!
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Time to read 11 min
You rinse your period panties in **hot water**, you use **fabric softener**, or worse, you put them in the **dryer**? These common mistakes unfortunately cancel out the absorbent and leak-proof properties of your period underwear very quickly. As a result, the eco-friendly, budget-saving investment you made by switching to washable protection doesn’t really pay off. Your **washable period panties**, which should have lasted at least 5 years, end up lasting only 2…
Washing your period panties is actually really simple. You just need to follow the right steps, use the right techniques and, above all, avoid certain mistakes.
Discover the 7 bad habits that drastically reduce the effectiveness of your washable period underwear. You’ll have all the information you need to care for them properly and enjoy them for a long, long time!
With the right care routine, you’ll preserve both the absorbency and elasticity of your period underwear for a long time. So what’s the right approach? Avoid boiling water, steer clear of harsh products and choose natural drying: there are plenty of practical solutions so that washing your period panties becomes a smart habit, not a source of leaks or disappointment.
In this article
🧴 Why proper care of your period panties is essential Period panties: an eco-friendly and budget-friendly investment Proper care: guaranteed effectiveness Poor care, multiple consequences 🧴 The 7 mistakes that damage your period panties Mistake #1: using hot water for rinsing Mistake #2: choosing the wrong washing products Mistake no. 3: choosing high-temperature drying Mistake #4: soaking for too long Mistake #5: washing at more than 30°C in the machine Mistake #6: using harsh, enzyme-based detergents Mistake no. 7: choosing a high-speed spin cycle Top 3 most absorbent Louloucup period panties 🧴 Mistakes to avoid to preserve effectiveness The risks of an unsuitable wash cycle Laundry products to avoid The pitfalls of drying, spinning and ironing Top 3 period panties for light flow 🧴 Stains and odors: emergency solutions (and their pitfalls) How do you “deep clean” panties that are absorbing less? Fighting stains and bad odors… … With good homemade cleaning products 🧴 Caring for your period underwear: a simple habit for years of peace of mind FAQ: how to wash menstrual panties Learn more A period panty that lasts a long time?
🧴 Why proper care of your period panties is essential
Period panties: an eco-friendly and budget-friendly investment
Period underwear or washable period panties are both an eco-friendly and budget-friendly investment. They drastically reduce the amount of menstrual waste we produce each month. They also mean no more endless trips to the store for yet another pack of pads or tampons.
That said, the upfront cost of washable period panties is still relatively high. That’s why we call it an investment. This investment pays off very quickly when you realise just how practical and easy to use reusable menstrual underwear really is.
If they’re not properly cared for, your period panties will last far less time than expected. Your investment will therefore be less worthwhile than planned. So properly washing 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
For this eco-friendly and economical investment to really pay off for users, period underwear requires careful maintenance to preserve its technical properties: absorbent, moisture-wicking, breathable, etc.
The effectiveness of period underwear relies on technical absorbent fabrics as well as natural, often organic materials such as cotton or bamboo. Improper washing can reduce their 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 problem.”
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Poor care, multiple consequences
Inadequate, incorrect or too superficial cleaning has multiple consequences:
unpleasant odours,
fabrics that are damaged, rough, faded,
frequent leaks, quick saturation,
insufficient stretch/elasticity,
or irritation due to discomfort.
🧴 The 7 mistakes that damage your period panties
Mistake #1: using hot water for rinsing
Blood contains proteins that coagulate with heat. Hot water sets stains and damages the absorbent fibres. The result: stubborn stains that won’t come out and a loss of effectiveness and absorbency.
Louloucup tip: Once you take it off, rinse your period panty immediately in cold water. Rinse out the blood by running cold water over your underwear and gently pressing the inside of the panty with back-and-forth motions.
Mistake #2: choosing the wrong washing products
Fabric softeners, harsh chemical detergents, conditioners – pay close attention to what’s in your laundry products. Softeners leave a greasy film that blocks absorption. Marseille soap that contains glycerin clogs the fibers. Bleach destroys the waterproof membrane. Avoid enzyme-based detergents, which damage the fibers over time.
Louloucup tip: Sodium percarbonate or bicarbonate of soda are excellent natural cleaning agents and perfect for period lingerie. Whenever possible, choose a laundry detergent that’s as natural as possible, low in fats and not overly chemical or processed.
Mistake no. 3: choosing high-temperature drying
Excessive heat is very damaging for period panties. When it comes to drying after washing, the tumble dryer, radiator, fireplace, hairdryer or even direct sunlight are really not a good idea! Did you know that after 5 tumble-dryer cycles, a washable period panty can lose 40% of its waterproofing?
Louloucup tip: lay your period panties flat on a drying rack and let them air dry. Choose a well-ventilated spot in front of a window or even outside, but not in direct sunlight, especially in summer!
Mistake #4: soaking for too long
Every 6 months, it’s helpful to soak your period underwear to deep-clean it. However, soaking for more than 12 hours encourages bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
Louloucup tip: A 30‑ to 60‑minute soak is enough. Remember to rinse in cold water. For stubborn stains, soak for 15–20 minutes in a mix of white vinegar and cold water.
Mistake #5: washing at more than 30°C in the machine
It’s tempting to choose a high-temperature wash cycle to thoroughly clean period underwear. However, a 30°C cycle and a short programme (30 or 45 minutes) is more than enough! Technical fabrics are sensitive to heat. Washing above 30°C damages the leak-proof layer. Fibres lose 25% of their elasticity after several high-temperature washes.
Louloucup tip: use a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C and place your absorbent, hygienic lingerie in a laundry bag. You can wash your period panties with the rest of your laundry – nothing to worry about!
Mistake #6: using harsh, enzyme-based detergents
The enzymes in laundry detergents attack blood proteins too aggressively. Over time, this kind of washing damages the fabric.
Louloucup tip: go for enzyme-free detergents or homemade options like white vinegar + baking soda. Enzymatic detergents shorten a panty’s lifespan by 20%.
Mistake no. 7: choosing a high-speed spin cycle
Again, it’s tempting to choose a strong spin cycle. Period panties can take a while to dry. However, high-speed spinning weakens the seams and waterproofing. After several washes, leaks become inevitable. A spin speed of 800 rpm is already too harsh.
Louloucup tip: always choose the lowest spin speed before starting your wash. Air dry or use a manual spinner to protect the elastics.
|
The mistake |
The risk for your panties |
Best practices |
| Rinse in hot water |
Sets blood stains, damages fibres |
Always rinse in cold water |
| Using fabric softener |
Clogs the fibers, makes the panty ineffective |
Completely avoid fabric softeners (they’re bad for your panties and for the planet!) |
| Use a fatty soap (Marseille soap, etc.) |
Saturates the pores of the absorbent fabric |
Use a gentle, non-greasy detergent |
| Tumble drying or placing on a radiator |
Damages the waterproof layer, causes leaks |
Air dry only |
| Washing at over 30°C |
Damages elasticity and technical fabrics |
Machine wash at a maximum of 30°C |
Top 3 most absorbent Louloucup period panties
🧴 Mistakes to avoid to preserve effectiveness
Not rinsing immediately in cold water
We always have something better to do than rinse our **period panties**. It’s probably the least appealing part of using period lingerie. But this step is very important!
Putting this step off and waiting before rinsing sets the blood into the fibres. An immediate rinse in cold water is essential to avoid 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, too-hot wash cycle or a spin that’s too fast shortens the lifespan of the elastics and affects absorbency. Always choose a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C, use a laundry bag, and protect the seams.
Laundry products to avoid
- Fabric softeners create a greasy film that cancels out absorbency.
- Bleach or hydrogen peroxide damage the fibres and reduce effectiveness.
- **Detergents** rich in glycerin or vegetable oils clog the fabric’s pores.
- Traditional **Marseille soap** often contains glycerin, which harms the technical performance of the fabric.
The pitfalls of drying, spinning and ironing
Air‑drying is the only recommended method, away from direct sunlight. Ironing and vigorous spin‑drying weaken the fabrics.
Top 3 period panties for light flow
Deep cleaning is an effective rescue solution, but it should remain occasional. Using these agents too often can weaken the fabrics over time.
🧴 Stains and odors: emergency solutions (and their pitfalls)
How do you “deep clean” panties that are absorbing less?
After several washes, especially with greasy detergents, the fibers get clogged and lose effectiveness. Deep cleaning, to be done only occasionally, involves soaking your menstrual lingerie for several minutes in warm water with a spoonful of baking soda or sodium percarbonate.
How to use percarbonate? Thanks to its oxidising action, percarbonate removes residue without damaging technical fabrics. This process restores softness to the absorbent fibres.
Percarbonate revives colours and removes stains. Activate it at 40°C, without exceeding this temperature to protect the fibres. Rinse thoroughly to avoid irritating residue. Air-dry to protect waterproof materials and prevent heat-related warping.
Fighting stains and bad odors…
For old stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the area. Hydrogen peroxide can be used on light-colored fabrics after a prior test, as an exception. Odors usually come from soaking for too long or storing the underwear while still damp, so avoid leaving it to soak for hours. Rinsing in cold water right after use limits bacterial growth responsible for unpleasant smells.
Did you know? A short soak in **bicarbonate of soda** or a **drop of white vinegar** will remove odors from fabrics.
… With good homemade cleaning products
Baking soda lifts stains and deodorizes without damaging the fibers. Its gentle mechanical action removes residue without affecting elasticity.
Sodium percarbonate lifts stubborn stains (to be used occasionally). Its oxidizing power breaks down organic stains deep down, without marking the fabric.
White vinegar neutralizes odors by balancing the fabric’s pH and softens the water during washing, making it easier to remove residues.
🧴 Caring for your period underwear: a simple habit for years of peace of mind
Caring for your period panties is not complicated. A few good habits are enough to preserve their effectiveness and lifespan. Proper cleaning ensures comfort, savings and respect for the environment.
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 panties will stay effective for several years.
Here are the 3 golden rules to remember:
- I always rinse in cold water right after use to stop the blood from setting into the fabric.
- I wash at a maximum of 30°C with a natural detergent, without fabric softener or greasy soap.
- I let them air‑dry, away from direct heat sources, to preserve the fabrics.
By following these steps, you maximize absorption and preserve the strength of the materials. Poor care, such as using hot water or a tumble dryer, damages the fibers and shortens the product’s lifespan.
🧴 In short
Avoid hot water, fabric softener and tumble drying to preserve the absorbency and lifespan of your period panties. Proper care prevents bad odors, discomfort, leaks, saturation and irritation, and can save you up to €150 a year while reducing waste. Poor 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 in cold water, wash at 30°C, and air dry.
FAQ: how to wash menstrual panties
How do I properly wash my menstrual panties?
For effective cleaning, immediately rinse your washable heavy-flow period panties or medium-flow period panties in cold water until it runs clear. Then wash them by hand with a gentle detergent or in the washing machine at a maximum of 30°C, using a laundry bag. Air-dry them away from direct heat. These steps will preserve their absorbency and elasticity over the long term.
How can I get rid of persistent odours in my period panties?
Bad odors often come from bacterial proliferation due to insufficient drying or prolonged soaking. To remedy this, soak your period panties for a maximum of 1 hour in cold water with a spoonful of baking soda, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn odors, add a few drops of white vinegar during rinsing. Avoid harsh products like bleach, which damage fabrics.
How can I effectively remove blood stains from my period panties?
Older stains need a gentle but targeted approach. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly onto the stain before washing, then rub gently. For stubborn stains, diluted hydrogen peroxide can occasionally be used, but only on light‑colored fabrics. Always rinse with cold water first, as hot water sets blood into the fibers.
Which detergent is recommended for washing my period panties?
Choose certified eco-friendly detergents (such as those with Ecocert or Nature & Progrès labels), Marseille soap flakes with no added glycerin, or homemade formulas based on non-greasy soap. Ideally, shop in organic stores. Avoid fabric softeners, greasy soaps (traditional Marseille soap), and products containing glycerin, which clog the pores of technical fabrics. A mild liquid detergent is ideal to preserve absorbency.
Camille
Rédactrice depuis plusieurs années pour Louloucup, j'aime papoter aussi bien culotte menstruelle que remèdes de grand-mère pour soulager les douleurs de règles ! Je partage chaque semaine mes coups de cœur et mes inspirations avec un seul objectif : vivre des règles enfin sereines ! 🩷
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Organic menstrual panties that are soft, affordable, high‑quality and long‑lasting?
