How to Wash Period Pants the Right Way

If you've made the switch to reusable period pants, you're likely wondering - how exactly should you wash your period pants? What's the best method to get them stain-free? And then how long do they take to dry?

At DAME, our high-quality period pants are designed with durability and sustainability in mind. We've got you covered with our expert guide on the ideal way to wash your period pants.

Step-by-step washing method

Caring for your period pants should be a breeze, and our simple 5-step routine ensures they stay clean, stain-free, and ready for your next cycle. Follow this easy routine:

• Wash in cold water

As soon as possible after wearing, rinse the period panties under cold water until the water runs clear. This prevents any stains from setting in.

• Hand wash

For stubborn stains, do a hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent before machine washing. It's not always necessary, but sometimes giving your washing machine that little helping hand goes a long way. 

• Machine wash

Add your period panties to a regular load of laundry using cold water up to 40°C temp. There's no need to do a separate wash load especially, just chuck them in with your darks as you would with normal underwear.

• Line dry

Hang your panties to air dry rather than putting them in the dryer. Aside from the fact that they'll air dry naturally, tumble drying can degrade the absorbent fabrics over time.

• Spot treat

If any light stains remain after washing, spot treat with some stain remover or hydrogen peroxide before drying.

That's all it takes to keep your reusable underwear clean, fresh, and ready for your next cycle! Proper care will keep your period pants looking and performing like new for years and years. Now let's get into the details of each step...

Hand washing method

For an extra thorough clean, the occasional hand wash can work wonders. To ensure you're hand washing your period pants the right way, follow these steps:

Fill and soak

In a sink with cool water and a dash of mild detergent, gently swish and soak the pants for 10-15 minutes to release stains. This soaking process is particularly effective in breaking down and loosening stubborn blood stains.

Rinse

Drain and refill the sink with clean cool water for a final rinse, then press gently with a towel and hang to air dry. The rinse is an important step to remove any detergent residue and ensure that your period pants are free from any chemicals that might irritate the skin.

Handwashing allows you to give extra attention to any remaining stains before the next machine wash. A little TLC goes a long way!

Washing machine method

When using a washing machine to clean your reusable period pants, keep these key tips in mind:

• Wash in cold water

Hot water can degrade performance fabrics, so stick to cold washes up to 40°C max.

• Group by colour 

Combine your period pants with dark or red items to prevent colour bleeding. By taking this simple step you can ensure your vibrant-coloured clothes remain intact, avoiding any unwanted discolouration.

• Choose a gentle cycle

Opt for a delicate or underwear wash cycle to avoid unnecessary wear on seams and fabrics. Although our period pants are made for durability over many years, a gentle cycle prevents excessive friction, making them last even longer.

• No fabric softener

We advise you to skip the softener in your wash so you can maintain the absorbency of the fabrics. Fabric softeners can leave residues that can reduce the effectiveness of the absorbent layers.

Tip! Don't forget to turn them inside out before washing. This ensures thorough rinsing and keeps your period panties absorbent, leak-proof, and comfy cycle after cycle.

How to dry period pants

Drying your freshly washed period pants is just as crucial as washing them. Here's how to do it right:

Line or flat-dry

Hanging your pants is the best way to preserve the fabrics and elastic— but low tumble drying is acceptable if you really think it's needed. Air drying ensures that your period pants maintain their shape and elasticity, plus it prevents any undue stress on the fabric.

Avoid harsh heat

Similarly, we'd steer clear of high heat settings, as they can degrade performance over time. Excessive heat can compromise the elasticity of the fabric, reducing its overall lifespan. The less heat, the less need to replace your pants.

Yes, period panties can take a bit longer to dry due to their absorbent layers, but the wait is worth it. Tip! For a quicker dry, roll them in a towel to remove excess moisture.

Remove tough stains

For blood stains that are a bit more stubborn, try these tricks:

• Hydrogen peroxide

Apply directly onto stained areas of your period panties to help lift colour and disinfect. Use a clean cotton pad or sponge to dip into the hydrogen peroxide and dab liberally over any visible stain marks after rinsing out blood residue. Be sure to let the hydrogen peroxide soak into the fabric for 30 minutes before washing to give the oxygenating bubbles time to do their work. As it reacts, it will fizz and lift the discolouration.

• Baking soda paste

Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste directly on any stained areas of your period pants using a clean toothbrush, soft brush, or your fingers. Gently rub the paste over the stains to help lift colour from the fabric. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under cool running water until all the baking soda residue washes cleanly away.

• Vinegar soak

Simply fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Add your stained period pants and let them soak for 60 minutes, stirring the panties around occasionally as they soak. After the hour-long soak, rinse your panties thoroughly under cool running water to wash out the vinegar.

If you are prone to sensitive skin, you may want to be extra careful when soaking using certain chemicals. And make sure you always give your pants a thorough wash after soaking!

Do I need to sanitise period pants?

No need for extra sanitisation. Regular washing with mild detergent and water at 30 degrees is sufficient to keep your period panties clean until the next use!

Keep period pants fresh as new

All you need to do is follow this comprehensive guide, and your period panties will continue to provide leak protection and comfort for years to come. Proper care is the secret to maximising the lifespan of your sustainable period pants - saving the planet and your wallet in one swoop.

Ready to make the switch to reusable period panties? Explore DAME's collection of sustainable period care now and join the sustainable period revolution. For more information about how to care for your period pants, check out our detailed guide with everything you need to know.