Period underwear has quickly become a popular choice for people looking for a more comfortable, eco-friendly, and hassle-free alternative to traditional pads and tampons. With bamboo viscose absorbent layers and leak-proof technology, period underwear offers worry-free protection during your menstrual cycle. But how do you properly care for them to ensure they last and remain effective? Let’s dive into the process of washing and maintaining your period underwear to keep them clean, fresh, and ready for use.
If You've Just Bought Your Period Underwear, Here's What To Do:
Before you start using your Culottee period underwear, it's important to properly prepare them. Here are some general tips to get you started:
- Wash before first use: To activate the absorbent layers and remove any residue from the manufacturing process, use cold water and mild detergent to wash your period underwear.
- Hang to dry: After washing, hang your period underwear up to dry. Avoid using the dryer, as the heat can degrade the absorbent layers and compromise the fabric's integrity. Air drying is the best method to ensure the longevity of your period underwear.
After Use, Here's How To Wash Your Culottee Period Underwear
Now that you've prepared your Culottee period underwear its time to use it. After each use proper washing is needed to keep them clean and fresh. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash them:
Step 1: Rinse
After wearing your period underwear, the first step is to rinse them to remove any blood or fluids. Rinse the underwear in water and gently rub the gusset (the part that rests against your genitalia) until the water is clean to ensure thorough cleaning. Cold water is effective at loosening and removing blood particles from the fabric, preventing stains from setting in.
Step 2: Hand Wash or Machine Wash
You have the option to hand wash or machine wash at 30 degrees Celcius your period underwear. If you choose to hand wash, use a bucket or sink filled with cold water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate the water and rub the fabric against itself to remove any residual menstrual blood. Rinse the underwear until no detergent is left and the water is clear.
If you prefer machine washing, turn your period underwear inside out and put them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle of 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach, as they can compromise the fabric's integrity and absorbency.
Step 3: Drying Your Period Underwear
After washing, it's time to dry your period underwear. Here are some tips for drying:
- Air drying: Hang your period underwear on a washing line, clothes airer, or radiator to air dry. They may take longer to dry compared to regular underwear due to the absorbent layers. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade the fabric.
- Towel method: To speed up the drying process, roll your underwear tightly in a towel to remove excess water. Then hang them up to dry.
- Do not use the dryer: Avoid using the dryer or tumble drying your Culottee period undies, as the heat can damage the absorbent layers and compromise their effectiveness.
- No radiator: Do not use a radiator, this will burn the leakproof layer, just hang the period underwear to dry
For easy storage between flows or after drying them, you can use the beauty pouch which is both discrete and chic.
Last but not least, should your Culottee period briefs have any stains or odors, here is what to do:
Tips for Stain Removal and Odor Prevention
Stains and odors can be common concerns when it comes to period undies. Here are some tips to help you deal with these issues:
- Stain Removal: If you notice stains on your period undies, try hand washing them with cold water and a mild detergent immediately after wearing them. For stubborn stains, you can soak them in a mixture of cold water and mild detergent before washing. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric.
- Odor Prevention: Proper washing and drying are crucial for preventing odors in your culotte period undies. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them in your beauty pouch or wearing them again to avoid any musty smells. If odors persist, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil or vinegar to the wash to help eliminate bacteria and odors.
- Use Salt: Salt is another great household stain-buster that will help get blood out of your underwear. You can quite literally use the salt you sprinkle on your dinner! Just mix one part salt and two parts cold water. Gently apply the salt mix to the stain and watch it disappear... Rinse the fabric well when you're done.
- Use Baking Soda: Similar to salt, you can also make a paste from cold water and baking soda (yes, the kind you put in your fridge or freezer to deodorize it). Mix water and baking soda to form a paste and apply to the stained area. Again, always rinse well once you're done. Repeat if you don't get it all!
There you have it, easy steps to care for your Culotte period underwear!
