Can You Wash Period Pants with Other Clothes? Your Essential Guide
This question often arises and yes, you can wash period underwear with other clothes. Follow some simple steps to keep everything clean and in good condition. In this article, I will explain how you can wash period pants with other clothes effectively.
Key Takeaways
You can safely wash period underwear with other clothes if you pre-treat them and use cold water.
Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach, as they can damage the waterproof and absorbent material of period pants.
Rinsing and air drying period pants help maintain their functionality and extend their lifespan.
Introduction
This guide covers everything about washing period pants, from pre-wash rinsing to choosing the right detergent and wash cycle. Whether you’re a period pants newbie or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.
One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that period-stained clothes or period pants shouldn’t be washed with other laundry. The truth is, with the right pre-treatment and using cold water, washing period pants with other garments is perfectly safe.
Washing period pants with other clothes might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple.
The key is to consider the absorbency level, fabric composition, and wash cycle when mixing period pants with other clothes.
Blood doesn’t stain other clothes in the wash if the period pants are pre-treated properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and care to maintain the quality of your period pants.
Washing Period Pants with Other Clothes: Is It Safe?
Yes, you can wash period underwearwith other clothes, provided you pay attention to a few details. Itis advisable to separate period pants from heavy items like jeans and towels. These large heavy items absorb a lot of water in the wash cycle and you want to ensure there is enough water for your period pants to throughly rinse and wash through.
Also consider if you are washing items that might pull or snag onto your period pants. If clothing items have zips, buckles or velcro they could attach to your period pants in the wash and damage them so again i'd separate clothing with these fastenings.
Stains
Many people believe that period blood is harder to clean than other stains, but it’s actually often easier to remove. I've never had to use stain remover or any of my period pants, I've just followed the basic steps i've outlined below.
The key to remember to preventing stains is to rinse your period pants with clean cold water until the water runs clear.
Step by Step Guide for Washing Period Pants with Other Laundry
Washing period pants with other laundry involves a few key steps to ensure they remain effective and long-lasting. First and foremost is the pre-wash rinse, which helps minimise staining and makes the washing process easier. Using the right detergent and wash cycle settings is also vital to maintain the absorbency and quality of the period pants.
Incorporating these steps into your laundry routine ensures your period pants are clean, hygienic, and ready for the next use. Let’s dive into each of these steps in more detail.
Pre-Wash Rinse
Rinsing period pants immediately after use minimises staining and makes washing easier. Before washing, rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear. Cold water is more effective at loosening menstrual blood from fabric than warm water, in fact warm or hot water can set a stain.
Soaking period pants before washing is another method you can use to help prevent stains more effectively. Many swear by the Mini Strucket which was infact designed with menstrual products in mind.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Check with your specific brand of period pants but generally there are no strict requirements for your detergent. As you'll be washing your period pants with your clothing you can continue to use the same detergent you use for the rest of your washing.
Avoiding Fabric Conditioner
Never use a separate fabric softener when using your period pants. Also make sure you check if your usual detergent contains a built in fabric conditioner.
Fabric softener coats the fibres of the items in the wash and can slow the absorbency rate of your period underwear.
Optimal Wash Cycle Settings
Period pants generally can be washed up to 60 deg (check details with your specific brand though).
If you have already pre-rinsed or soaked your period pants as above then you can put them straight into a full wash cycle. The best option is a long cotton wash no higher than 60deg.
If you haven't pre-rinsed or soaked your period pants then i'd start with a quick cold wash or rinse cycle to prevent stains setting. Otherwise going straight to washing them at temperatures above 30°C can cause period blood stains to adhere to the fabric, making stains harder to remove.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing period pants.
Using a Delicates Bag
Using a delicates bag is a great way to protect period pants during washing. A delicates bag helps prevent snagging and damage to period pants during machine washing.
Drying period Pants: Air Drying vs. Tumble Drying
Period pants should ideally be air-dried on a washing line or airer. To speed up the air drying process, turn period pants inside out. I use a little "socktopus" to line dry all my underwear / socks as it keeps everything together and saves room on my airer. I find my period pants are dry overnight when i hang dry them inside.
A tumble dryer is not recommended for tumble drying, as too high heat can compromise the pants waterproof layer and outer fabric.
If you are in a situation where you need to wash and dry them quickly then only tumble dry on low.
Hand Washing Methods
Yes you can hand wash period pants but hand washing period underwear is not as effective as machine washing. If you live abroad without a machine or do not have a washing machine it is possible to hand wash period underwear.
Use cold water and a hand wash detergent to prevent irritation to your skin.
First pre-rinse or soak as described above. Then Fill a basin with cold water, add the detergent, and gently agitate and gently rub the fabric to remove menstrual fluid.
Common Misconceptions About Washing Period Pants
There are several misconceptions regarding the safety of washing period pants with regular laundry. One common myth is that washing period pants with other clothes is unhygienic, but this is not true. I always point out that if you accidently stained your normal pants or clothes you would just put them in the wash as normal. Period pants really are no different.
Another misconception is that period pants require special treatment, but they can be washed just like other underwear. Avoiding fabric softeners is crucial, as they can coat the fibers of period pants and reduce their ability to absorb moisture effectively.
Understanding Period Pants
Period pants are designed to be worn during your menstrual cycle. They serve as reusable menstrual products. They protect against discharge, period blood, sweat, and even after-sex fluids. These innovative garments can hold more fluid than regular tampons or sanitary pads, making them a highly effective option for managing your period.
Period pants are equipped with modern fabric technology to absorb blood and can hold varying amounts of liquid, depending on the style. For example, the Love Luna Medium Flow Bikini Briefs hold 10-15ml whereas the super heavy Wuka hold up to 60ml.
Benefits of Using Period Pants
One of the primary benefits of using period pants is their environmental sustainability. Because they are reusable, they significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by disposable menstrual products.
Period pants are also made from comfortable materials like soft modal and organic cotton, which help reduce chafing and irritation.
Period pants hold more than disposable products making your period easier to manage.
You can wear period underwear as a back up for other menstrual protection including tampons pads and menstrual cups or discs. Ideal if you have super heavy periods.
Though they may have a higher upfront cost, their long-term use can lead to significant savings. They can be used effectively during both light and heavy flow days, offering versatility and reliability.
You'll no longer get caught out by your period as you can wear them before your period starts so you don't have any surprises.
How Long Do Period Pants Last?
Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of period pants to 2 to 5 years, depending on usage and care. Signs that period pants may need replacing include loss of absorption and visible wear in the fabric or elastic.
Proper cleaning is essential to preserve the longevity and effectiveness of period pants. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your period pants remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Summary
In conclusion, washing period pants with other clothes is not only safe but also convenient. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can maintain the quality and functionality of your period pants while keeping your laundry routine simple and efficient.
Remember, the key to extending the life of your period pants is proper care and maintenance. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of these eco-friendly, comfortable, and effective menstrual products for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put clothes with period blood in the washing machine?
Absolutely, you can toss your period clothes in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. Just remember to wash them at a max temperature of 60°C to help get rid of any blood stains.
Can I wash period pants with other clothes?
Absolutely, you can throw your period undies in with other clothes, just make sure to check the care instructions and ideally rinse beforehand to minimise a blood stain!
What detergent should I use for washing period pants?
You can generally stick with your usual detergent but ensure it doesn't have a built in fabric softener.
Can I use fabric softener on period pants?
You should definitely skip the fabric softener for your period panties since it can mess with their absorbency. Stick to washing them without it for the best performance!
How should I dry my period pants?
You should air dry your period pants to keep them in top shape and ensure they work well. Skip the tumble dryer!