Comfortable, practical and effective, the menstrual panty has become the protection to adopt. In order to extend its lifespan, it is important to know certain good practices to apply. Discover all our tips and advice for washing your period panties properly.
The menstrual panties are an economical and ecological alternative to the various hygienic protections that can be found on the market. In order to keep it as long as possible and to preserve its absorption properties as well as possible, it must be properly taken care of by respecting precise maintenance. Washing is a very important step, in fact a period panty cannot be washed like any other panty.
If you haven’t yet taken the plunge into period panties, we recommend that you read our buying guide on the best period panties. You will inevitably find the one that is made for you and say goodbye to your tampons and sanitary napkins: The best period panties: the full 2021 comparison
What is the composition of a period panty?
Period panties are washable and reusable panties, just like your everyday lingerie. However, its composition is different: the bottom of the panties is divided into several layers of absorbent, waterproof and anti-odor fabrics. The blood is thus completely absorbed by these different layers. The first layer of fabric (usually organic cotton) in contact with the mucous membranes allows the menstrual fluid to drain. The second layer is absorbent and anti-humidity and finally the third layer is waterproof.
How to wash your period panties: the steps
There are two options for washing your period panties: hand wash or machine wash. Your menstrual lingerie can be washed in the washing machine with your clothes and your daily laundry.
The first step to perform is to rinse your panties under cold water (be careful never with hot water so as not to bind the blood to the fabric). Perform this rinse, insisting on the bottom of the panties for a few minutes until the water is clear.
The second step is going to the washing machine. We recommend putting your panties in a washing bag to preserve its delicate fibers. You can then run your machine on a 30 ° cycle (if you have a delicate program, even better). Really avoid setting the temperature too high, as the heat is not compatible with blood stains.
The third step is drying. Your period panties must imperatively dry in the open air and especially not in the dryer. A little tip for faster drying: do not fold the panties in half on the drying rack and put the absorbent part (which is the thickest) flat so that it is in most contact with the air.
Which detergent to choose?
The choice of laundry is also important. Indeed, depending on the ingredients present in it, the absorbency of your panties could greatly decrease in the long term. We advise you to avoid detergents containing fatty ingredients, they will slip into the fibers of the panties, which by force will no longer be able to effectively absorb your flow.
So ban detergents with glycerin or fatty soap such as Marseille soap or Aleppo soap. Also be careful not to use fabric softeners, this type of product is not suitable for the technical fabrics that make up period panties.
Opt for a detergent, preferably organic, which is as neutral as possible and based on natural products. If it has both labels Ecocert and Ecolabel, it’s even better ! Note that a powder detergent also contains fewer allergens than a liquid detergent.
What if my period panties are less and less absorbent?
After a certain number of uses, it is not impossible that your panties will be less absorbent than the first few times. To fight against this inconvenience, there is a solution: it is sodium percarbonate.
It is a frequently used ingredient when making homemade household products. It allows to detach, disinfect, unclog and even acts as an anti-odor. It is therefore the perfect ingredient to thoroughly clean your period panties. The recipe is as follows:
Take your clean panties and immerse them in a basin of very hot but not boiling water with a teaspoon of percarbonate of soda. Then you just need to soak for several hours (or even overnight), rinse with clean water and finish with a machine wash.
Mistakes to be avoided
A little recap of all the things not to do to take good care of your period panties:
- Do not use too chemical detergent or with fatty soaps
- Do not use fabric softener
- Do not wash at a temperature above 30 °
- Never tumble dry
What are the best period panties?
- Rejeanne : the brand has 20 models of period panties. Réjeanne is aimed at all women and offers sizes ranging from 10 years to 50. The panties are available in 13 colors and in 4 absorptions. Réjeanne briefs are entirely designed in France and more precisely in Brittany.
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- Panties: tanga, simple or high-cut panties, high waist, Petites Culottées has 9 different models. The sizes go from 10 years to 48, and exist in 3 flows (light, medium, super).
>> Discover the Panties Panties : -5% on your order with the code PCAUFEMININ
- Moodz: the Moodz range consists of 14 references divided into 4 formats: panties, shorty, high waist and boxer. The sizes of the models range from 32 to 52. Moodz is also the first French brand to have offered gender-neutral boxers, aimed at transgender and non-binary people.
>> Discover Moodz period panties : -10% on your order with the code MOODZAUFEMININ
- Modibodi: Modibodi is the most inclusive brand since the models range from 8 years to size 60. It is also one of the most varied in terms of the number of models, there are more than 20, all in several colors and in 4 different flows.
>> Discover Modibodi period panties
How long can you wear period panties?
In theory, it can be kept all day without any problem. The duration is to be adapted according to the flow of each one and the moment of the cycle. It can also be worn at night if you choose a model with an absorption zone that goes up high enough on the buttocks so as not to risk any leakage.
A light flow panty absorbs the equivalent of 2 tampons while a heavier flow panty absorbs the equivalent of 3 to 4 tampons.
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