How to best care for your menstrual panties
Washing guide for longer life and optimal absorption
Your menstrual panties are designed to be used over and over again, and with the right care, they can last for years – without losing their absorbency or comfort.
As you hopefully already know, we don't add any chemical treatments to your menstrual panties - no nanosilver, no PFAS . And that means, first and foremost, that we think about your well-being and don't take any chances with your health.
Furthermore, it also means that you will not experience any deterioration in the 'performance' of the panties when there is no chemical treatment taking place. So your menstrual panties are just as good no matter how long you have had them - as long as you have treated them well.
That's what we help you with here.
Here you will find a simple and tested guide on how to wash and care for your menstrual panties in the best possible way.
Why is proper washing important?
According to the Danish Consumer Council Think, it is the correct washing method that makes menstrual panties a very hygienic choice during your period.
The most important thing you shouldn't skip: The cold water ❄️ It's the cold water that breaks the surface tension of the blood, so the blood can be washed out of the panties again.
Since your menstrual panties contain multiple functional layers that work together to absorb and retain fluid, improper washing can:
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Reduce absorbency
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Shorten the lifespan
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Leave a smell
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Damage the membrane
The correct care and washing habits ensure that your panties function optimally – every time.
Short answer: How do you wash menstrual panties?
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Rinse in cold water after use.
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Wash at 30–40 degrees
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Avoid fabric softener but feel free to use our special detergent Bloody Clean.
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Air dry inside out – avoid tumble drying
Now we elaborate:
Step 1: Rinse in cold water
After use, rinse the panties in cold water until the water runs clear.
Cold water is important because hot water can “fix” proteins in the blood to the fabric and make it more difficult to completely clean the fabric.
You don't need to use soap here – just water.
Tip: If your washing machine has a short, cold rinse program, you can save water by using it.
Step 2: Wash at low temperature
Wash your menstrual panties at 40 degrees in the washing machine. It is an old myth that underwear must be washed at 60 degrees to get clean - a myth that the Danish Consumer Council has also rejected. Only wash underwear with feces in it at 60 degrees. Wash with similar colors, so the color lasts better.
Tip: Put your panties in a laundry bag (or a Guppy Friend ) - this will protect them from friction from other clothes.
Use a mild detergent, preferably without enzymes, which can break down clothing fibers over time and avoid:
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Fabric softener
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Bleach
Fabric softener can leave a film on the fabric and reduce its absorbency in record time. Fabric softener is also harmful to the environment.
Step 3: Air dry – avoid tumble drying
Let your panties air dry - preferably inside out for good air circulation in the pad, and in the summer, it's a good idea to air your menstrual panties outside.
Always avoid tumble drying. High heat from a tumble dryer can:
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Break down elastic
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Weakening the diaphragm
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Shorten the lifespan
Hang them to dry – they will last longer – and you will have less impact on the environment.
Which detergent should I use?
Choose a gentle detergent that effectively removes odors without damaging the materials.
Avoid harsh chemicals and antibacterial additives that can affect the function of textiles.
For normal washing, only 20 ml is used. For very dirty clothes or very hard water, use 25 ml. (2 tbsp.). Please note that it is a super effective and super expensive detergent.
How long do menstrual panties last?
Underwear and socks have a general life expectancy of 3 years. With proper care, your menstrual panties can typically last 2–5 years depending on use and washing.
Signs that it is time for replacement:
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Reduced absorption
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The elastic loses its elasticity
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The fabric feels thinner
Of course, our behavior also affects durability - for example, if you cycle every day, the friction can affect the lifespan of the panties, just as the inside of your jeans typically becomes more worn out during daily cycling.
What if the menstrual panties smell?
Yes, menstrual panties can smell - your menstrual panties are made of fabric fibers that are exposed to moisture for a long time.
Menstrual blood itself does not smell of anything other than a bit of iron, but when menstruation leaves the body and comes into contact with bacteria that are naturally found on the skin, for example, it can start to smell.
Odor typically occurs if:
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They are not rinsed thoroughly enough in cold water
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They are washed at too low a temperature.
- You're wearing them too long at a time.
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Fabric softener is used
A specially formulated detergent can help remove odors without damaging the absorbency. You can soak them with Bloody Clean:
- Prepare a bath: Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water.
- Add Byoms: Add an appropriate amount of Bloody Clean to the water. The probiotic is activated in the water.
- Put the clothes in: Submerge the menstrual panties in the mixture.
- Let it work: Let the clothes soak for 12-24 hours. For best results with probiotic detergent, it can often be left for a longer period as the good bacteria "eat" the dirt and odor.
- Wash after: Wash the clothes as usual in the washing machine after soaking.
Repeat if necessary.
Can you wash menstrual panties with other clothes?
Yes, you can believe that - but we recommend that you:
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Wash them in a laundry bag to protect the panties from friction.
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Avoid washing with coarse materials like jeans (without a laundry bag, at least).
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Avoid fabric softener throughout the machine - it destroys the absorbency of the fabrics.
- Wash your panties with similar colors to protect the color as best as possible.
Good habits that extend the life of your panties
✓ Rinse quickly after use
✓ If you don't want to wash them right away, air dry the panties on a drying rack in the meantime.
✓ Avoid high heat - both washing temperatures and dryers
✓ Use mild detergent like Bloody Clean
✓ Avoid fabric softener
✓ Air dry outside or inside
Small habits – big difference. Enjoy - and don't hesitate to send us an email if you have any questions about the washing process.
FAQ – Washing and caring for menstrual panties
Can menstrual panties be washed at 60 degrees?
It is generally recommended to wash at 30–40 degrees to protect the materials. Always check the washing instructions on your panties.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener can reduce absorbency.
Can they withstand tumble drying?
This is not recommended as heat can weaken the elasticity, absorbency and membrane.
Should I hand wash them?
No, they can be machine washed at low temperature.
