laver culotte menstruelle

How to wash menstrual panties: a complete care guide

Written by : Camille Raynaud

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Reading time 10 min

La pair of period panties has revolutionized periods for many women! Practical, reliable, ecological, soft, absorbent, discreet, comfortable, menstrual underwear have many good points!

To keep them for a long time and extend their lifespan while taking care of their absorption capacities an important point should not be neglected: their maintenance.

How to properly wash menstrual panties? What are the right steps and products to properly clean menstrual panties without damaging them? As we all know, period panties are as absorbent as they are fragile. They need to be cared for to last!

Maintenance, rinsing, washing, drying, here is a gComplete guide to the care of menstrual panties. Laundry detergent, soap, water temperature, cycle time of your machine, we tried to be as precise as possible by giving you a lot of information! You will know everything, but really EVERYTHING to take care of these precious everyday allies so that they remain effective and comfortable cycle after cycle. 🌸

I- Why menstrual panties deserve our attention 💕

The teen period panties or period panties represent a real revolution in the way we experience our periods. These special underwear, designed with absorbent materials such as organic cotton, collect the menstrual flow without saturating or overflowing while offering incomparable comfort.

Healthier than a tampon, more comfortable than a sanitary napkin, period panties allow us to experience more serene, more peaceful periods. We feel protected and pretty in these lingerie as soft as it is absorbent.
Unlike disposable protections (ttampons and sanitary towels), these reusable menstrual products can last more than 5 years with proper care. Not only is it very economical, but it's also environmentally friendly. Thanks to reusable protection, we can significantly reduce our menstrual waste.

So that your teen period panties retain all their absorbent properties and softness cycle after cycle, proper care is essential. A good wash not only guarantees perfect hygiene but also significantly extends the lifespan of your protection.

On the contrary, poorly maintained, poorly lifted panties are unhygienic. Dried flow is trapped in the absorbent membrane and will thus block absorption for future uses.

Louloucup recommends you...

  • Leo menstrual panties for heavy flow! Wow! ????

  • Made in Portugal.

  • Available in sizes XXS to 3XL.

  • Super pretty and stylish leopard print.

  • Absorbency capacity equivalent to 4 tampons.

  • Made from certified organic cotton.

  • Ultra soft and ultra comfortable!

  • Can be worn day or night.

  • Super discreet.

  • Perfect for light, medium and heavy flows.

II - The different types of menstrual panties and their specificities 🌈


Before discussing washing, it's important to understand the differences between models that can affect their maintenance. At Louloucup, we offer several ranges adapted to different needs.

Depending on the absorption level:

  • for light flow (equivalent to 1-2 tampons);
  • for average flows (equivalent to 2-3 tampons);
  • for heavy flows or very abundant (equivalent to 4-5 tampons).

Depending on the materials:

  • in organic cotton inside and out (like our Lucie model, very breathable);
  • in organic cotton + various fabrics and materials (nylon, elastane, bamboo, etc.).

The composition of your teen period panties partly determines how to care for it. Organic cotton models like those from Louloucup are particularly easy to clean while being extremely gentle on sensitive skin.

"So happy to have finally taken the plunge with menstrual panties!! Top product, very comfortable to wear. You forget you have your period. And it lasts 12 hours without any problems despite a very heavy flow on the 2nd day. I specifically chose these for the night. No more unpleasant odors and no leaks. And the maintenance is much less complicated than I thought." Marion G.

III - How to wash menstrual panties: step-by-step method 💧

Washing menstrual panties requires a little more attention than regular underwear, but it's not complicated! Here's our step-by-step method:

1. Immediate rinsing with cold water, a crucial step

As soon as you remove your menstrual panties, rinse them in cold water. Why cold water? Because hot water sets blood stains instead of removing them. Let the tap water run through the fabric until it runs clear. This preliminary step makes the complete wash that follows much easier. During this rinse, you can gently press with the palm of your hand, moving back and forth to expel any trapped menstrual flow.

2. Soaking optional but recommended

For optimal cleaning, soak your panties in a container of cold water for 1 to 2 hours. You can add a few drops of mild soap or Marseille soap. This step is not mandatory but is particularly useful on days with a heavy flow.

3. Main wash: detailed techniques

By hand: gentle cleaning technique 👐

Le hand washing has the advantage to be gentle and avoid the harshness of your washing machine drum. It's ideal for taking care of your menstrual panties every day. Here's how to do it step by step.

Prepare in advance

  • Use a small dedicated basin or a clean sink.
  • Prepare somecold water (around 20°C).
  • Keep your mild soap at hand.
  • Special washing soaps are available on the market.
  • Optional: latex gloves if you prefer not to damage your hands.

Optimal rubbing technique

  1. Mooring Initial: Completely immerse your panties in cold water.
  2. Application of soap : pour a small amount of soap directly onto the stained areas (the absorbent part).
  3. Friction delicate :
    - use your thumbs to rub gently in small circular motions.
    - insist on the stained areas without ever rubbing vigorously.
    - handle the absorbent fabric by gently squeezing it between your fingers rather than twisting it!
  4. Rinsing progressive:
    - first rinse under a stream of cold water.
    - continue until the water runs perfectly clear.
    - squeeze gently without twisting to remove excess water.

Recommended soaps for hand washing

  • Pure Marseille soap : the classic, effective, without additives, the disadvantage, it can be too fatty.
  • Aleppo soap : naturally antibacterial, ideal for intimate hygiene.
  • Bile soap : perfect for stubborn stains, for occasional use.
  • pH neutral soaps : specially formulated for delicate textiles.

Machine wash: optimize the cycle to preserve absorption 🧺

Machine washing is convenient, especially at the end of your menstrual cycle for a thorough cleaning. Here's how to optimize it:

Preparation before putting in the machine

  1. Pre-rinse Mandatory: Always rinse with cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Panty protection : place your period panties in a fine, tightly meshed laundry net (like a net for delicate underwear).
  3. Sorting laundry :
    - wash your panties with your usual dirty laundry.
    - avoid fabrics that fluff like terry towels.
    - excludes garments with zippers or hooks that could damage the fibers.

Optimal washing machine settings

  • Temperature: 30°C maximum, ideally 20°C.
  • Program: delicate cycle or special underwear/lingerie.
  • Spin: Set to 600-800 rpm maximum.
  • Duration: prefers short cycles (30-40 minutes).
  • Options to avoid: No pre-wash, no intensive programs, no hot water!

4. Drying appropriately to preserve absorbency ☀️

Drying is an often neglected but crucial step:

Always air dry, never tumble dry!

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight which can damage the fibers.

Favor a well-ventilated area.

Make sure the panties are completely dry before storing them.

Avoid all direct heat sources (even if you might be tempted to speed up drying): no radiators, no hair dryers, etc.

Drying flat is ideal for preserving the shape and elasticity of your menstrual panties.

laundry detergent
wash menstrual panties
drying menstrual panties

IV - Suitable detergents and products: selection guide 🧴

Recommended detergents


Ecological detergents without enzymes: they clean effectively without damaging the fibers.

Special detergents for delicate fabrics: formulated to respect sensitive materials.

Grated Marseille soap: natural and economical alternative (1 tablespoon per wash).

Baby laundry detergent: generally gentle and without harmful additives.

Products to absolutely avoid 🚫


Fabric softeners: They create a waterproof film that reduces absorption.

Bleach and pure hydrogen peroxide: too aggressive for fibers and elastics.

Detergents with bleaching agents: deteriorate absorbent properties.

Baby laundry detergent: generally gentle and without harmful additives.

Strong antibacterial detergents: unnecessary and potentially harmful to fabrics.

V- Tips and tricks for optimal maintenance ✨


Louloucup recommendations to extend the life of your menstrual underwear:

  • To eliminate odors: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soaking water.
  • To maintain absorption: absolutely avoid fabric softeners which create an impermeable film on the fibers.
  • Between menstrual cycles: Store your clean, dry panties in a ventilated place, never in an airtight container.

Regular maintenance helps prevent odor problems or reduced absorbency of your menstrual panties.

Our plus size selection (2XL to 5XL)

VI - Specific techniques for particular situations 🔍

To remove very stubborn stains:

Bile soap pre-treatment

  • Lightly dampen the stained area.
  • Rub gently with bile soap.
  • Leave to act for 15-30 minutes (no more, to preserve the fibers).
  • Rinse then wash normally.

Baking soda-vinegar method

  • Sprinkle the stain with baking soda.
  • Spray a little diluted white vinegar (50/50 with water).
  • Let it foam for a few minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly then wash normally.

VII - How to adapt washing according to the models of panties 🌈


Each type of menstrual panties may require adjustments in the washing process:

Organic cotton panties (like our model Léo:

  • withstands machine washing well,
  • can be washed up to 40°C occasionally (always prefer 30°C if possible!),
  • quick drying, usually in 4-6 hours.

Panties with lined technical membrane (like our model Mathilde:

  • prefers more regular hand washing,
  • strict maximum temperature of 30°C,
  • longer drying, allow 8-12 hours.

Panties with lace or decorative details (like our model Mia:

  • systematically uses a safety net,
  • favors very short cycles and delicate laundry,
  • avoid any vigorous rubbing on the decorative parts.

VIII - Practical tips for daily organization 📝

To make it easier to care for your menstrual panties on a daily basis, follow our practical advice.

1 - Prepare a washing kit comprising:

A small dedicated basin.

A specific soap or detergent.

A clean washing net.

A microfiber towel for initial drying.

2 - Organize a routine :

In the morning: rinse the panties worn the day before.

During the day: possible soaking.

In the evening: complete wash and drying.

3- Ideal rotation:

With 3-5 menstrual panties, you can easily alternate wearing and washing without stress, but this requires a minimum of rigor in maintenance.

IX - Conclusion: take care of your menstrual panties so that they take care of you 💞

Knowing how to wash menstrual panties correctly is essential to fully enjoy the benefits of this revolutionary period protection.

With proper maintenance, your Louloucup menstrual panties will faithfully accompany you for more than 5 years, offering you comfort and safety while preserving the planet.

Remember that these simple steps—rinsing immediately with cold water, washing on a gentle cycle, and air drying—make all the difference. Your body and the planet will thank you for this respectful and economical choice.🌿


Our selection of medium flow menstrual panties 🤩

FAQ: Menstrual panty maintenance

Can I wash my menstrual panties with my usual laundry?


Yes, as long as you place them in a laundry bag and use a mild detergent without fabric softener. However, avoid washing them with zippered garments, which could damage them.

How often should I change my menstrual panties?


It depends on your flow, but generally every 12 hours at the most. For heavy flows, a change every 4 to 6 hours may be necessary.

How do I care for my menstrual panties while traveling?


Rinse them in cold water, wring them out in a towel, then place them in a waterproof pouch until you return. A handy tip: take our menstrual cup with you, which takes up less space when you travel!

Should I sterilize my menstrual panties like cups?


No, careful washing is sufficient, unlike menstrual cups, which require sterilization. Washing at 30°C with mild soap effectively eliminates bacteria.

To venture even further...

Ready for the menstrual revolution? 💫