It's time: you have chosen the period panty. You are happy with your right choice and are now wondering how to wash it properly. We will explain the cleaning steps for this washable menstrual protection and give you tips to ensure your panty lasts as long as possible.
Proper care of period underwear: the individual steps
The period underwear are easy to care for. All women of menstruating age, even those who are particularly pressed for time, can clean them perfectly without much time investment.
As soon as you have taken off your underwear, you should rinse it with cold water. Let tap water run over the underwear for 2 or 3 minutes until the menstrual blood is completely washed out. In other words: Hold the underwear under the water stream until no blood is visible and the water remains clear. Even with heavy bleeding, it is not necessary to soak the underwear additionally.
As soon as this "pre-wash" is completed, you can wash your slip together with your other laundry. Your menstrual underwear does not bleed onto other garments. But how do I specifically wash the period slip? You can wash the slips by hand or put them in the washing machine. You don't need a special program: the period slip can be washed just like a washable panty liner or a cloth pad without any issues with the regular laundry.
As soon as your underwear is clean, you just need to dry it. We advise against using the dryer, as this can ultimately damage the waterproof fabric of your panties. It's better to air dry the panties to maintain their shape. Once they are dry, you just need to put them in the closet and wait for the next period!
Precautions when washing period underwear
To care for period underwear as gently as possible, certain precautions should be taken. First of all, it is advisable to choose a non-aggressive detergent. The period underwear is made from Oeko-Tex cotton to protect your intimate area. The chemical substances contained in conventional detergents can lead to allergies, itching, or irritation of the vaginal mucosa. They can also accelerate the wear of your underwear by attacking its fibers. In fact, cotton, as well as linen and hemp, is very sensitive to chemicals. So it is better to choose an organic detergent that is gentler on the skin. If you want to wash your Mutandine Mestruali by hand, you can also use Marseille soap.
To ensure that your period panties last long and maintain their shape even with frequent washing, you should place them in a laundry bag when washing. Like all underwear, period panties belong to delicate wash. Place them in a bag with your bras to protect them.
Avoidable mistakes
At the beginning, one sometimes makes mistakes when washing their period underwear. These mistakes are typical; we make them automatically, without thinking too much about it, and yet improper handling can have negative consequences. For example, one should consider replacing certain detergents.
Firstly, you should avoid washing any underwear with stains, whether from menstruation or otherwise, in hot or warm water. In fact, the heat burns such so-called "natural" stains, like blood, into the fabric. They then cling to the fabric of your underwear and change its appearance. While Sister Republic's panties remain reusable, it would be a shame to leave traces of a previous menstruation!
For the same reason as with the clothes dryer, the slip should also not be ironed due to the high temperature, as this could affect the waterproofing of your underwear in the long run. The same applies to the radiator, on which you should not place the slips to dry.
Finally, one last tip: Avoid fabric softener. It could damage the slips and affect their absorbency. In general, you should also refrain from using bleach or stain removers when washing underwear, even if you think your period was particularly dark or heavy. This can lead to irritation or issues with disrupted intimate hygiene.
How do you wash period underwear for light incontinence?
A period slip is a very versatile protection for women. It can protect for up to 12 hours during menstruation, but that's not all. It is thin and elegant and is also useful for incontinence or white discharge. For washing, simply use the same methods as for the period.
Therefore, it is ideal to wash the period underwear with a bio detergent, dry them in the air, and avoid high temperatures at any stage of the cleaning process. If you use the period underwear for incontinence or vaginal discharge, you can put them directly in the washing machine or wash them by hand, without going through the pre-wash phase.
Now you know everything you need to consider when washing period underwear! Even if you already knew that they are a comfortable, eco-friendly, and waste-free alternative to disposable hygiene products that can withstand even the heaviest periods, you now know that they are also a cost-saving and easy-to-wash solution that can last for years with proper care. You will also achieve optimal and long-lasting protection if you have several pairs of underwear available to wear alternately!
There are so many reasons to switch to period underwear. They are not only better for your health but also a practical solution to combat pollution from hygiene products. Sisters Republic is the reference in this field. By offering natural and high-quality products, the brand helps you save money and pursue a natural and eco-friendly approach.
See our article about the Zero-Waste-Slip .