Periods can be a bit of a hassle, but they don't have to be! With the right knowledge, managing your period can be a breeze. One of the most important aspects of period care is keeping your period underwear clean and fresh. After all, no one wants to deal with leaks or stains.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about washing your period underwear. But, before we dive into the specifics of washing period panties, let's first discuss what they are and why they are becoming increasingly popular by the day.
Also Read: Period Panty Guide
Overview of Period Panty
A period panty is a special type of underwear designed to be worn during menstruation when girls and women experience bleeding from their uterus for a few days each month. Unlike traditional underwear, period panties are designed with absorbent materials that can hold menstrual blood and prevent leaks.
They are a comfortable and convenient option that can also be more environmentally friendly since they reduce the amount of waste generated by disposable menstrual products. They come in various styles and size categories to suit everyone's preferences, and they can be used alone without the need for additional menstrual products such as sanitary pads, menstrual cup, or tampons.
With that said, let's explore how to properly care for and wash your period panties to ensure they stay clean and hygienic for each use.
What is the importance of washing panties regularly
Washing your panties regularly is important for a number of reasons. Let us have a look at them in detail.
1. Accumulation of bacteria
It helps to maintain good personal hygiene and prevent the growth of bacteria and other germs that can cause infections and odours. The moist and warm environment of our genitals provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and wearing sanitary pads or tampons for an extended period can increase the risk of developing infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
2. Extends Period Panty Life
Regular washing of your panties can help to extend their lifespan. When you wear underwear, it accumulates oils and sweat which can cause wear and tear to the fabric over time. If you don't wash your panties regularly, these accumulated materials can cause the fabric to degrade more quickly, leading to holes, thinning, and fading.
3. Helps remove Stains & Odours
Washing your panties regularly can help to remove any stubborn stains or odours that may have accumulated on them. Menstrual blood, urine, and vaginal discharge can leave stains on panties that may be difficult to remove if left unaddressed. Washing your panties regularly with mild detergent and in warm water can help to remove these stains and odours, ensuring that your panties remain clean and fresh.
Also Read: Healthy Juices for Period Pain
A step-by-step guide to washing Period Underwear
Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure that your period underwear remains clean, fresh, and in good condition for its next use.
- Soak: After removing your period underwear, soak it in a small bucket of cold detergent water as soon as possible. This helps to prevent stains from setting and removes the dried period blood.
- Pre-wash: For stubborn stains, pre-wash the affected area under running tap water or a small amount of your regular detergent.
- Wash: You can either machine wash your period underwear on a gentle cycle or handwash it with regular detergent. Be sure to avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as these can damage the fabric and reduce its effectiveness.
- Dry: Hang your period underwear to air dry it, under the Sun if possible. Once your period underwear is dry, check to make sure that it is clean and free of any stains or odours.
How to get rid of stubborn period blood stains?
Getting rid of stubborn period blood stains can be a challenge, but one effective way to do it is by soaking the period pants immediately in a small bucket of detergent water after using. Another method involves holding the stained area of the pant under the tap and allowing the water to flow over the stain. As the water flows over the stain, it can help to loosen and wash away the blood, gradually lightening the stain. Then wash with your regular detergent like you normally do to your underwear until the stain is fully removed.
Also read: Best PFAs Free Period Underwear Buying Guide
What is the ideal washing temperature for period underwear?
Cold water is the ideal washing temperature for period underwear. Using cold water can help to prevent any stains from setting in, making it easier to clean and maintain the underwear. In general, using a gentle detergent and washing in cold water should keep your period underwear clean and in good condition.
How to make period panty last longer?
- Wash in cold water: To help preserve the multiple layers fabric in period underwear, it's best to wash in cold water. This will also help to prevent staining and fading.
- Air dry: You can put your period panty in a string to air dry. We recommend Sun drying whenever possible as this ensures faster and complete drying naturally.
- Avoid stretching: When washing or drying your period panty, avoid stretching the fabric, as this can cause damage and reduce the absorbency of your period panty.
- Rotate your underwear: Having multiple pairs of period underwear to rotate can help to reduce wear and prolong the life of each pair.
Do period pants need to be washed immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to wash period pants as soon as possible after use. This is because the stained period panty left unattended may start breeding bacteria, cause odors and stains if left on the fabric for too long. To prevent this, it's best to soak the period pants in a bucket of water or rinse under running cold water and then wash them in the washing machine or by hand.
Is it advisable to wash period underwear separately from other clothing items?
Washing underwear separately helps to prevent the period stains getting to other clothing items, and ensures that the underwear is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. while it's not strictly necessary to wash underwear separately every time, it is a good practice to help maintain good hygiene.
To Summarize
Washing your period undies properly is an important step in maintaining good menstrual hygiene and extending the lifespan of your favorite pair of period undies. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your period underwear stays clean, comfortable, and reliable for years to come.
If you have any other tips or tricks for washing your period undies, please share them in the comments below. We'd love to hear about your experiences and learn from your expertise!
Remember, taking care of your menstrual underwear is not only important for your health and well-being but also for the environment, as it helps reduce waste and supports sustainable practices.