How to Deep Clean Your Period Panties

Ah, period panties! Those wonderful companions that offer us comfort and serenity every month. But like all good things, they deserve special care to help us perform at our best. Wondering how to care for your menstrual panties ? Don't panic! Discover everything you need to know about cleaning your period panties in this guide.

Find out how to wash your menstrual panties !

Wash your menstrual panties before first use

So, you've made up your own mind about menstrual panties , you now have some in your drawers and you want to know how to wash them?

As with any new item of clothing, your first instinct should be to wash your menstrual panties before using them for the first time.

Machine wash them at 30 degrees, on a long cycle, using a mild, eco-friendly detergent if possible. This will remove any manufacturing residue (depending on the brand you purchased) and make them more absorbent.

Discover our seamless menstrual panties >

How to wash your menstrual panties after use?

Whether you have menstrual panties for heavy flow , invisible menstrual panties for medium flow , or even menstrual swim panties , it can be a small investment. So to ensure they last a long time and maintain their effectiveness, it is important to follow specific steps for washing menstrual panties .

I want menstrual panties

Read: How do menstrual panties work? >

A hand pre-wash

After each use, start with a hand pre-wash :

• Rinse with cold water: Hold your panties under cold water and gently squeeze to remove the blood. Avoid hot water, as it can set the stains.
• Rub gently with a mild soap: Use a mild soap (such as Marseille soap) and gently rub the absorbent parts.
• Rinse again: Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Make sure all the soap is removed.

Then a machine wash

Then, machine wash your menstrual panties :

• Use a laundry bag: Did you know that it's recommended to use a laundry bag when washing your clothes? It helps protect them better.
• Select a gentle cycle: Choose a delicate cycle with cold water, or 30 degrees maximum, to avoid damaging the fibers of the absorbent parts.
• Use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent: While any detergent can clean your panties, for your health, we recommend using gentle, natural, and eco-friendly detergents. Also, avoid fabric softeners and bleaching agents, which can reduce absorbency and damage your panties.
• Air dry your panties: Avoid the dryer, which can damage them and reduce their effectiveness. And if the thought of ironing them crosses your mind, forget it! Ironing can damage the fibers and compromise absorbency.

When should you wash your menstrual panties?

At Gapianne, we're more of a "wash your menstrual panties as soon as possible after use" type of person. This helps maintain good hygiene and, above all, prevents stubborn odors and stains.

But I can't do one machine per menstrual panty?

Yes, it's true that if that's all you have to wash, it's not very eco-friendly. In that case, wash them by hand, air dry them, and wash them a few days later. This will prevent them from getting damaged and unpleasant odors from building up.

I've had my menstrual panties for a long time, how do I wash them thoroughly?

Have you been using period underwear for a while now and would like to give them a little deep cleaning? Follow the steps below:

SOAK THEM IN BAKING SODA TO REMOVE ODORS FROM MENSTRUAL PANTIES:

Fill a basin with cold water and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Submerge your panties in it and let them soak for several hours or, ideally, overnight. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and remove stains. Cleaning your period panties with baking soda is the best technique!

HAND WASH THEM WITH MILD SOAP:

After soaking them, empty the basin and refill it with clean water. Add a little mild natural soap (such as Marseille soap) and gently wash each pair of panties by hand.

RINSE WITH WHITE VINEGAR:

Once the wash is complete, prepare a rinse solution by mixing cold water with a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will help remove soap residue and neutralize odors while acting as a natural fabric softener. Submerge the panties in this solution, then rinse them in cold water to remove the vinegar.

AND AIR DRY YOUR PANTIES:

Lay your panties flat on a clean towel or hang them on a clothesline to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

When should you replace your period panties?

Menstrual panties can last up to 3 to 4 years , but you need to put into practice all the advice we have previously given you! If not, here are some guidelines to know when it is time to replace your period panties.

A REDUCTION IN ITS ABSORBENT POWER:

If you notice that your underwear isn't absorbing as effectively as it used to or is leaking more quickly, it may be time to replace it.

PERSISTENT ODORS:

Despite regular cleaning and maintenance, if your panties have a persistent odor that cannot be eliminated even after a thorough cleaning, this may be a sign that they need to be replaced.

FABRIC WEAR:

If the outer fabric or seams of the panties begin to show signs of wear, such as holes, stretched elastics, or other forms of damage, it is recommended that they be replaced.

A CHANGE OF SHAPE:

If the panties no longer fit properly, have become too loose or uncomfortable, this may indicate that they have lost their original shape and it is time to replace them.

By adopting the right washing practices for your period panties , you not only preserve the quality of your menstrual panties, but you also contribute to healthy intimate well-being. Like everything else related to our health and hygiene, a little care and dedication will ensure that your panties serve you well cycle after cycle.

If you need to buy more, you've come to the right place. We love the Smoon brand and its ultra-absorbent and comfortable panties .

I want these high waisted menstrual panties

Why should you be careful when washing your menstrual panties?

PRESERVE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

Period panties are designed with specific materials that allow them to absorb and retain menstrual flow. Improper washing can compromise these absorbent properties!

PRESERVE THEIR LONGEVITY

With proper care when washing, this can extend the life of your menstrual panties (and we say yes to that for our savings!). Conversely, using harsh products or drying at high temperatures can degrade the materials and reduce the product's lifespan, so avoid them!

ENABLE BETTER HYGIENE

Proper cleaning ensures that all traces of blood and other secretions are completely removed. Which is pretty essential for maintaining good hygiene and avoiding odors, right?

PREVENT IRRITATION

Detergent or fabric softener residue can remain on the fabric if your period panties aren't rinsed properly. And these residues can irritate the skin, especially in such a sensitive area. So, say no to these chemicals!

REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Unless you've been living under a rock, we live in a time where we need to protect Mother Nature as much as possible. ❤️🌍 One of the major benefits of period panties is their reusability, which reduces waste. However, they do need to be washed! To maximize this eco-friendly benefit, it's essential to care for them properly with detergents that are kind to the environment, your panties, and your health. A winning combination!

And you? Tell us how you care for your menstrual panties.

Do you have any effective tips for caring for your menstrual panties? Let us know!