The Best Ways to Wash Period Underwear

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How to clean your menstrual underwear and remove stains
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Period underwear is reusable, absorbent underwear that’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional menstrual pads or tampons. We're here to explain everything you need to know about how to wash and dry period underwear. Whether you prefer to machine wash or hand wash, we'll walk you through the steps below, and show you how to remove tough stains.

Things You Should Know

  • Machine wash your period underwear on a cold, delicate cycle with the rest of your laundry for an easy way to clean them.
  • Hand wash your period underwear by rinsing them in cold water, then soaking them in clean water and mild detergent. Rinse them out once they're clean.
  • Always air dry your period underwear to avoid heat damage from the dryer.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

How to Machine Wash Period Underwear

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  1. Before putting your period underwear in the washing machine, run them under cold water until the water runs clear. Gently rub the underwear with your fingers to help the process. [1]
    • For the best results, rinse your period underwear immediately after taking them off. If that isn’t possible, rinse them as soon as you can.
    • Always rinse with cold water to effectively loosen and remove blood particles. Warm or hot water causes blood proteins to bind to the fabric, making it more difficult to remove stains.
  2. It’s perfectly fine to wash your period underwear in a regular load of laundry; they won’t stain your other clothes. Just be sure to use a mild detergent and cold water since hot water will set stains in the fabric. [2]
    • Don’t use fabric softener when washing your period underwear. Fabric softener coats the threads of fabric to make it feel softer, which in turn makes the gusset material in period underwear less absorbent and less effective at preventing odors. [3]
    • Avoid using harsh detergents with strong fragrances. Not only can these make your period underwear less effective, but they can also cause vaginal irritation. Opt for a mild, fragrance-free detergent instead.
    • For extra protection, wash your period underwear in a delicates bag .
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  3. After washing your underwear, hang them up to air dry instead of tossing them in the dryer. This way, they’ll last longer and continue to absorb fluid and prevent odors. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

How to Hand Wash Period Underwear

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  1. Before properly washing your period underwear by hand, run them under cold water until the water is clear. Gently rub the underwear with your fingers to help the process. [5]
    • For the best results, rinse your period underwear immediately after taking them off. If that isn’t possible, rinse them as soon as you can.
    • Always rinse with cold water to effectively loosen and remove blood particles. Warm or hot water causes blood proteins to bind to the fabric, making it more difficult to remove stains.
  2. Fill a sink or basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent, then submerge the underwear. Agitate the water with your hands and rub the fabric against itself to remove any remaining blood.
    • Some brands of period underwear recommend using room-temperature water to hand wash. Check with your manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you wash them properly.
  3. Empty the sink and refill it with fresh, cold water. Rinse the underwear in the water until all the blood and detergent are gone. You may need to repeat this step a few times. [6]
  4. Wring out the excess water by hand, then hang the underwear up to dry. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

How to Remove Stains from Period Underwear

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  1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water and a mild detergent or white vinegar , and submerge your underwear to loosen any remaining blood. [8]
    • Note: if you properly clean your period underwear after each use, you shouldn’t need to deep clean them very often, if at all. Deep clean to remove particularly tough blood stains or noticeable odors.
  2. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the gusset (the inside of the underwear that touches your body) and any area with noticeable stains or odor issues. [9]
  3. To thoroughly clean your period underwear, toss them in the wash after scrubbing by hand. Be sure to use cold water and a mild detergent. [10]
  4. After washing your underwear, hang them up to dry. Don’t put them in the dryer, as the heat could ruin them. [11]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

How to Dry Period Underwear

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  1. The heat from the dryer can damage the absorbent layers of the underwear and make them less effective. [12]
    • Don’t panic if you accidentally put your period underwear in the dryer. One or two accidental cycles shouldn’t hurt, but don’t make a habit of it. If you put them in the dryer, wear them at home to make sure they work properly before going out.
    • If you have to use a dryer in case of an emergency, use the lowest heat setting possible.
  2. The most effective way to dry your period underwear is to hang them up in a non-humid area. Allow them to dry completely before putting them away. [13]
    • If you can, hang your period underwear outside under the sun to dry them most effectively.
    • In general, period underwear should take no more than 10-12 hours to air dry, though some super-absorbent styles may take up to 19 hours. The exact time depends on humidity levels and airflow.
  3. If you don’t have a good spot to hang your period underwear up, lay them on a flat surface to air dry. Be sure they’re completely dry before putting them away. [14]
  4. Because period underwear is made of multiple absorbent layers, it often takes longer to dry than normal underwear. To speed up the process, wrap them tightly in a towel to absorb more of the moisture before hanging or laying them out to dry. [15]
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      Warnings

      • Do not iron your period underwear. The heat from the iron could decrease the absorbency of the gusset and ruin the seams’ elasticity.
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      • Always follow the specific instructions provided by your period underwear’s manufacturer (like Thinx, TomboyX, Saalt, Trendix, or Knix) to ensure their longevity.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/should-you-try-period-underwear
      2. ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/should-you-try-period-underwear
      3. ↑ https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/tips-for-washing-your-thinx-period-underwear
      4. ↑ https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/tips-for-washing-your-thinx-period-underwear
      5. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/health/period-underwear-benefits-faqs-wellness-lbg/index.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/health/period-underwear-benefits-faqs-wellness-lbg/index.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/health/period-underwear-benefits-faqs-wellness-lbg/index.html
      8. ↑ https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/tips-for-washing-your-thinx-period-underwear
      9. ↑ https://rescripted.com/posts/how-to-wash-period-underwear-a-complete-guide
      1. ↑ https://rescripted.com/posts/how-to-wash-period-underwear-a-complete-guide
      2. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/health/period-underwear-benefits-faqs-wellness-lbg/index.html
      3. ↑ https://thetomco.com/au/blog-view/how-to-wash-period-underwear
      4. ↑ https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/tips-for-washing-your-thinx-period-underwear
      5. ↑ https://www.thinx.com/thinx/blogs/periodical/odds-and-ends/tips-for-washing-your-thinx-period-underwear
      6. ↑ https://thetomco.com/au/blog-view/how-to-wash-period-underwear
      7. ↑ https://thetomco.com/au/blog-view/how-to-wash-period-underwear

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