Our maintenance tips

WASHING AND CARING FOR YOUR MENSTRUAL PANTIES: ALL OUR TIPS

A menstrual panties is above all an economical and ecological periodic protection, since it is reusable. But for it to be truly durable, it is essential to take care of it. Not by saying sweet nothings to it, no (but if you feel like it, don't deprive yourself), but by adopting the right actions to maintain it. As you will have understood, the menstrual panty washing is crucial!

What detergent should you use for your period panties? How do you rinse them effectively? Can they be machine washed or tumble dried? All the answers to your questions are just below!

CLEAN YOUR MENSTRUAL PANTIES IN 3 STEPS

1. PRE-WASH

When you receive your panties, it is very important to pre-wash them before using them. Remember that they are new products, and even if the panties are clean, they have necessarily been handled before reaching you. Moreover, pre-washing is not only for reusable menstrual protection, it also applies to any piece of lingerie and any clothing that you have just purchased.

This step is even more important for period panties, because pre-washing will activate their absorption power!

How do you do it? Simply soak your So'Cup panties in warm water for about 3 hours. Avoid hot water at all costs, as this could "cook" the blood and leave nasty stains on your panties. You can also pre-wash them by putting them directly in the washing machine.

2. WASHING

It's time to clean your period panties and to do this, you have two options (isn't life wonderful?): hand washing or machine washing.

Yes! Your menstrual underwear can absolutely go in the washing machine. It can even be cleaned with your usual laundry, so no need to have a machine just for your period panties (we told you that this protection was economical and eco-friendly).

For hand washing

Choose stain remover soap specially designed for menstrual panties for ultra-easy hand washing. After wetting your panties with warm water, gently rub the soap on them, insisting longer on the absorbent area. You can also rub your panties on themselves but always delicately so as not to damage the fabrics. Then rinse all the panties thoroughly, always with warm water.

For machine washing

We recommend that you put your panties in a net to preserve delicate fibers such as organic cotton, lace or tulle. For laundry, choose a good quality and least greasy one possible. Do not add fabric softener (you can use a little white vinegar instead), bleach, industrial stain remover or other "ant" products (we're joking, but not really). You can then start your machine, taking care not to exceed 30 degrees (the delicate program is a must).

WHICH DETERGENT SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY MENSTRUAL PANTIES?

oh yes, laundry! This is a question that bothers you a lot (yes, in 2021 we can still use this word) because you regularly ask us for advice on this subject. We are therefore more than happy to provide you with a clear and precise answer.

If it is recommended not to use detergents based on Marseille soap or black soap, it is because they generally contain a lot of glycerin, a fatty agent which, with use, clogs the pores of the fibers. And if it clogs, the panties are less absorbent, and if they are less absorbent, it is a guaranteed leak!

Likewise, it is better to avoid industrial detergents which often contain a lot of chemical ingredients (preservatives, perfumes), which are neither good for your panties nor good for your vaginal flora.

We therefore recommend that you take a close look at the composition of your detergents and choose one that is as natural as possible and, above all, not too greasy.

Are you part of the homemade team? Don't worry, we have what you need!

Detergents compatible with menstrual panties (non-exhaustive list)

  • Ivy Laundry Detergent
  • Ash washing
  • Washing nuts that completely replace laundry detergent
  • Soapwort laundry detergent
  • Laundry with Marseille soap (no, we're not making fun of you). Please note that you can absolutely continue to do your laundry with Marseille soap if it does not contain a lot of glycerin. This is normally the case for real Marseille soap which contains more than 70% vegetable oil. Choose a Marseille soap with olive oil since it is a local oil.

3. DRYING

Here we go with the good old fashioned air drying method! We know it's annoying to have to wait for your period panties to dry because you'd like to be able to reuse them right away, but it's imperative to avoid the dryer or any other direct source of heat.

Our tips for faster drying

  • Use a drying rack instead of a towel placed on a piece of furniture
  • Do not fold your panties in half on the clothes horse, try to put the absorbent part flat
  • Dry your panties several inches from a heater or fireplace (not directly on top, right?!)

SUMMARY OF PRODUCTS TO AVOID WHEN CARE OF YOUR PERIOD PANTIES

  • Unnatural industrial detergents
  • Detergents containing a lot of glycerin
  • Industrial fabric softener
  • Industrial stain remover
  • Industrial bleach
  • Bleach
  • Soda crystals
  • Baking soda
  • The dryer
  • Direct heat sources (heating, fireplace, stove)

SOS: MY PANTIES ARE LESS AND LESS ABSORBENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

It's not uncommon for the absorbency of your period panties to deteriorate over time. Fortunately, there is a solution: sodium percarbonate.

Sodium percarbonate is a commonly used ingredient in household cleaning products. Made from calcium carbonate and salt from natural quarries, sodium percarbonate is a cleaner, degreaser and whitener (revives whiteness). It is therefore perfect for thoroughly cleaning your period panties without discoloring them!

Sodium percarbonate can be found in any local drugstore. You can also find it in your organic stores, bulk stores or even on the internet.

Clean your menstrual panties in 3 steps

  1. After rinsing your panties in lukewarm water (there must be no more blood), immerse them in a bucket of very hot water (the power of the percarbonate does not activate below 60 degrees)
  2. Add a tablespoon of sodium percarbonate, stir and let soak for a few hours or even overnight.
  3. Wash your menstrual panties (according to the instructions given above)

And there you have it, your panties are as good as new!

We hope that this article perfectly answers all your questions and that you will become real pros! Do not hesitate to find all our articles on period panties and give us your best tips for cleaning your reusable protections naturally.