You've just bought your first pair of Period Panties and you're staring at the sink, wondering how the hell you're going to wash them without ruining them. It's normal. Between conflicting advice online, brands each recommending different things, and your mom telling you to boil them (no, definitely not), it's hard to know what to do.
The good news is that washing Period Panties is really not rocket science. Just understand three basic rules to never make a mistakeCold water for rinsing, gentle temperature for washing (30-40°C max), and no clogging products. This article separates fact from fiction, gives you the exact steps to follow, the products to use (and those to absolutely avoid), and all the tips to keep your panties effective for years to come.
The main thing to remember
- Golden Rule : Rinse with COLD water (never hot, otherwise the blood "cooks" and sets the stains)
- Machine temperature : 30-40°C maximum, never more
- Before first use : Wash 1-2 times to activate absorption
- Drying : Outdoors only, no tumble dryers or heaters
- To ban : Fabric softener, glycerin, bleach, hot water (clogs the fibers)
- SOS clogging : Sodium percarbonate in hot water, soak overnight
- Frequency : Rinse after each use, wash within 48 hours
Why Washing Your Period Panties Is So Important
Poorly washed Period Panties lose their absorbency within a few months. The fibers become clogged, odors set in, and you end up with leaks even though your panties are barely a year old. The problem is, no one really explains what happens to the fabrics when you use the wrong product.
Period Panties work thanks to several layers of technical fabrics. The absorbent layer, usually made of cotton, bamboo, or microfiber, captures blood thanks to its porous fibers. If these pores become clogged with glycerin, fabric softener, or improperly rinsed blood, absorption drops. The waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminate) layer does not withstand high temperatures and harsh products well. A single wash at 60°C does not destroy everything, but repeated washes at high temperatures eventually crack this membrane. The result: leaks.
Lifespan of Period Panties depending on maintenance
- Optimal maintenance : 5 to 7 years of use
- Average maintenance : 2 to 3 years
- Poor maintenance : 6 months to 1 year before loss of effectiveness
Should You Wash Your New Period Panties Before First Use?
Answer: YES, absolutely
For two reasons, one hygienic, one technical. Even if your panties appear clean upon receipt, they have been handled during manufacturing, storage, and shipping. More importantly, this first wash activates the absorbent fibers and optimizes their absorption capacity.
Some panties, especially those made of cotton or bamboo, require this initial wash to allow their fibers to tighten and reach their full absorbency. Without this pre-wash, you risk leaks from the first use, not because the panties are defective, but simply because they weren't ready.
How to Do That First Wash
Option 1 (quick)
Soak for 3 hours in lukewarm water, then machine wash at 30°C
Option 2 (optimal)
1 to 2 machine washes at 30°C on a long cycle with your usual detergent
Drying
Out in the open as usual
After this pre-wash, your panties are ready. You can use them as soon as your next period starts.
The 3 Steps to Washing Your Period Panties
Washing Period Panties is broken down into three distinct steps. Each is important. Skipping one of them or doing it in a hurry risks your panties getting dirty, smelling bad, or losing their effectiveness.
Step 1: Cold Water Rinse (Mandatory)
When : Immediately after removing your panties, or within a maximum of a few hours
How to do
1. Run your panties under cold tap water
2. Squeeze and squeeze several times to remove the blood
3. Gently rub the absorbent area (the crotch) against itself
4. Continue until the water runs perfectly clear.
⚠️ MISTAKE TO AVOID: Hot water
NEVER rinse with hot water. Heat coagulates blood proteins and binds them to the fibers. The result: brown stains that are impossible to remove and dirty fibers that lose their absorbency. The water should be cold or at room temperature at the most.
Soaking option (heavy flow) : If your flow is very heavy or you don't have time to rinse right away, soak your panties in a basin of cold water for no more than 20-30 minutes. Change the water 2 to 3 times until it remains clear. No soap is needed at this stage.
If you are not at home : Rinse quickly in the toilet, wring well, then store it in a waterproof pouch while waiting to get home. But wash it within 48 hours maximum.
Step 2: The Main Wash (Machine or Hand)
Once your panties are thoroughly rinsed, proceed to the full wash. You have two options, each with its own advantages.
Option A: Machine Wash (Recommended)
Benefits : More effective in eliminating all bacteria, less time spent, deep washing
Temperature : 30 to 40°C maximum (some brands like ob tolerate 60°C, check the label)
Program : Delicate or cotton cycle, depending on your machine
With other clothes : Yes, no problem. If the rinsing was done properly, there will be no blood left. Just avoid putting it with white linen as a precaution.
Washing net : Recommended to protect your panties from chafing and prolong their lifespan, as with all delicate lingerie
Option B: Hand Wash
Benefits : Gentler on fabrics, ideal if you only have one pair of panties, economical
How to do :
- Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water
- Add a little mild detergent or rub gently with a suitable soap
- Gently knead the panties for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Squeeze without twisting
⚠️ Important : Even if you hand wash daily, put your panties in the washing machine at least once at the end of the cycle to eliminate any residual bacteria.
Step 3: Air Drying
Drying is the step everyone neglects, yet it's the one that can kill your panties in just a few uses.
✓ TO DO
- Hang on a clothesline or drying rack
- Choose a well-ventilated area
- Avoid direct sunlight in high heat (may discolor)
- Turn the panties inside out if you want to speed up drying (the absorbent layer dries better in the air)
✗ NEVER DO
- Tumble drier : Intense heat destroys the waterproof PUL layer and reduces the elasticity of fabrics
- Radiator : Same risk, too much heat which weakens the fibers
- Dry towel : Same, direct heat source
- Iron or steamer : Destroys the waterproof membrane
Drying time : Allow 6 to 24 hours depending on ambient humidity and ventilation. Period Panties take longer to dry than regular panties because of their thick absorbent layer.
Tip to speed up : Increase your machine's spin speed (1200 rpm max) to extract more water. Or dry near an open window with a good draft.
At what temperature should you wash Period Panties?
Washing temperature is one of the most debated issues. Between those who swear that 30°C is enough and those who wash at 60°C to "kill bacteria," it's difficult to know which is the best.
Our recommendation : Wash at 30°C most of the time. If you have had a vaginal infection or if you want a more hygienic wash, wash at 40°C at the end of the cycle. An occasional wash at 60°C (once every 6 months maximum) can be considered for cleaning, but not routinely.
Which detergent should I use to wash Period Panties?
Laundry detergent is the lifeblood of the game. Use the wrong one, and your underwear will be dirty in three months. The right choice is a detergent that cleans without leaving greasy or chemical residue in the fibers.
The Criteria for a Good Detergent for Period Panties
- No added glycerin : Glycerin is a fatty substance that clogs the pores of absorbent fibers and drastically reduces effectiveness.
- No built-in fabric softener : Beware of 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 capsules that contain fabric softener
- Liquid or powder detergent : Both work, but powder is often more effective on hard water and contains fewer preservatives
- Preferably eco-friendly : Paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free (can irritate mucous membranes)
- Moderate soap concentration : If "soap" appears in the first ingredients, check that it does not exceed 15% concentration.
Recommended Detergents
- Green House : Validated by many panty brands, ecological, allergen-free, colorant-free, perfume-free
- The Green Tree : Ecological, no added glycerin
- Ecological powder detergents : Generally preservative-free, effective on hard water
- Homemade laundry detergent (with precautions) : If you make your own laundry detergent, avoid recipes based on Marseille soap or black soap which often contain too much glycerin.
- soap nuts : Natural alternative that releases plant saponin, antibacterial and residue-free
The Case of Marseille Soap and Aleppo Soap
These traditional soaps are often recommended for their natural appearance, but beware of preconceived ideas.
Marseille's soap
Can ONLY be used if it is a real Marseille soap with at least 72% vegetable oils, WITHOUT added glycerin. The problem is that the majority of soaps sold as "Marseille soap" contain added glycerin to make them softer. Check the composition on the label.
Verdict : Possible, but check the composition carefully. If in doubt, refrain.
Aleppo soap
Less greasy than classic Marseille soap, it is suitable for hand washing. Be careful not to overuse it, however, as it remains a greasy soap that can clog up over time.
Verdict : Can be used sparingly for hand washing, alternate with machine washing.
Products to Absolutely Ban
Some products are real killers of Period Panties. They clog pores, destroy fibers, or set stains irreversibly.
The White Vinegar Debate
White vinegar is a controversial topic. Some brands recommend it for softening laundry and removing limescale, while others advise against it because it can damage absorbent fibers with repeated use.
Our position : Use it occasionally (once every 3-4 washes) to descale your machine and soften your laundry, but not systematically with every wash. Pour 1/2 glass into the fabric softener compartment. If your underwear starts to lose absorbency, stop using vinegar and use a percarbonate cleaner.
How to Remove Odor from Period Panties
Do your panties smell bad even after washing? There are several reasons why this may be happening, and fortunately, there are solutions.
Where Do Odors Come From?
- Insufficient rinsing : Blood gets trapped in the fibers and breaks down
- Washing too late : The panties were left wet for too long before washing (more than 48 hours)
- Incomplete drying : The panties were not completely dry before storage, humidity encourages bacteria
- Fiber fouling : Accumulated lye, glycerin, or blood residue that ferments
- Extended wear : Beyond 12 hours, bacteria multiply
- Vaginal infection : Bacterial vaginosis, mycosis or other (consult if odors persist despite proper washing)
Anti-Odor Solutions
Method 1: Baking soda (light odors)
- Soak your panties in a basin of cold water
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- Let soak for 2 to 3 hours
- Rinse then machine wash normally
Method 2: Sodium percarbonate (persistent odors)
- Fill a basin with 5 liters of very hot water (50-60°C)
- Add 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate (for 1 to 3 pairs of panties)
- Stir well to dissolve completely before adding the panties
- Leave to soak overnight (or at least 4 hours)
- Machine wash at 30-40°C
⚠️ Attention : Dilute the percarbonate well before adding the panties, otherwise they may discolor. Do not exceed 1 spoonful per basin.
Method 3: Sun Exposure
After washing, let your panties dry in the sun for a few hours (not in the heat). UV rays have natural disinfecting properties that eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Easy-care Period Panties
Our panties are designed to last 5 to 7 years with simple washing. Absorbent fabrics that won't clog, quick-drying, and hassle-free maintenance.
Cleaning: When & How to Do It
Degreasing is a deep cleaning of your underwear. It removes all the residue accumulated in the fibers and restores the original absorbency.
Signs It's Time to Clean Up
- Repeated leaks while you do not exceed the recommended wearing time
- Visible loss of absorption : water beads on the surface instead of being absorbed immediately (water repellency test)
- Persistent odors even after proper washing
- Embedded stains who no longer leave
- Feeling of humidity faster than before
- Discoloration of the fabric (the blood attacked the black fabric from the inside)
The Complete Cleansing Method
Level 1: Simple cleaning (every 3-6 months)
- Fill a basin with 5 liters of very hot water (50-60°C)
- Add 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate
- Stir until completely dissolved
- Dip your already washed (clean) panties
- Leave to soak overnight (minimum 6 hours)
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Machine wash at 30-40°C
Level 2: Intensive cleaning (very dirty panties)
If simple cleaning is not enough:
- Basin of very hot water (50-60°C)
- Add 2 tablespoons of soda crystals + 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate
- Stir well (be careful to respect the doses, at the risk of damaging the waterproof layer)
- Soak overnight
- rinse
- Machine wash at 60°C (exceptional)
⚠️ Attention : This method is aggressive and should only be used as a last resort. It can shorten the life of your panties if repeated too often.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
- Preventive maintenance : 1 light cleaning every 3 to 6 months
- If visible fouling : Cleansing as soon as signs appear
- After vaginal infection : Cleaning recommended to eliminate all bacteria
Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Panties
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes keep coming up. Avoiding them will ensure a long life for your underwear.
Mistake #1: Washing with hot water "to clean better"
Hot water cooks blood proteins and binds them to the fibers. The result is brown stains that are impossible to remove and reduced absorbency. Always rinse with cold water.
Mistake #2: Soaking too long
Soaking your panties in water for days promotes bacteria growth and unpleasant odors. Soak for a maximum of 30 minutes if necessary, then wash within 48 hours.
Mistake #3: Using fabric softener "to make it soft"
Fabric softener leaves a greasy film on the absorbent fibers, which gradually clogs them. Your panties will become waterproof and you will experience leaks. The panties are naturally soft; no fabric softener is required.
Mistake #4: Drying on the radiator “to save time”
Direct heat from a radiator or tumble dryer destroys the PUL waterproof layer and reduces its elasticity. Panties that are routinely dried on a radiator will lose their waterproof properties within a few months.
Mistake #5: Wearing for more than 12 hours
After 12 hours, bacteria multiply rapidly in the moist environment of your underwear. This can lead to odors, irritation, and infections. Change your underwear every 12 hours at most, morning and evening.
Mistake #6: Putting away before it dries completely
Underwear that is still slightly damp and stored in a closed drawer will develop mold and odors. Make sure it is 100% dry before storing, checking the thick absorbent layer.
Practical Tips to Make Maintenance Easier
A few simple tips that make all the difference in your daily life.
Have Multiple Panties in Rotation
The bare minimum is 3 pairs of panties per cycle. One worn, one drying, one spare. Ideally, 5 to 7 pairs of panties are enough to allow for comfortable, stress-free rotation and a single wash at the end of the cycle.
Use a Laundry Net
Protects your panties from machine friction and extends their lifespan. Maximum 3 panties per bag to ensure they are washed properly. If they are too tight, they will not clean properly.
Rinse immediately or soak
Fresh blood comes off much more easily than dried blood. If you can't rinse it right away, soak it in cold water while you wait. Never leave used underwear dry for more than 48 hours without rinsing it.
Clean Your Machine Regularly
A dirty washing machine leaves residue on your laundry. Run an empty cycle with 1 liter of white vinegar every month to descale and disinfect your washing machine.
Increase Spin Speed
To extract more water and speed up drying, set your machine to a maximum spin speed of 1200 revolutions. No more spin speeds will damage the elastic bands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing
In the end, it's not so complicated.
Washing Period Panties properly isn't rocket science. The three pillars to follow are simple: cold water for rinsing (never hot), gentle temperature for washing (30-40°C), and no clogging products (fabric softener, glycerin, bleach). Follow these basics, and your panties will easily last 5 to 7 years.
If it loses absorption or smells bad, it's because it's clogged. Cleaning it with sodium percarbonate in hot water overnight is usually enough to fix everything. Repeat this process every 3 to 6 months as a preventative measure.
The most important thing is to rinse immediately after use and never leave your wet panties lying around for more than 48 hours without washing them. Fresh blood washes off easily, dried blood sets in. It's all there.
