How to wash
period underwear
The right care routine keeps your period underwear absorbent, fresh, and long-lasting.
Shop now
The short version
Four short steps
Cold rinse
Immediately after use, in cold water
Gentle wash
Hand or machine at 30°C max
Rinse clean
Until water runs completely clear
Air dry
Hang up — never tumble dry
Step by step
The full washing guide
Rinse in cold water immediately
As soon as you remove your period underwear, rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. Never use hot water — it sets the stain. This step takes 30–60 seconds and makes everything else much easier.
Gentle hand wash or machine wash
For hand washing: use a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent. Gently work it through the gusset for 1–2 minutes. For machine washing: place in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a cold, delicate cycle (30°C max).
Rinse thoroughly
Make sure all detergent is rinsed out completely. Detergent residue can break down the absorbent fibres over time and reduce effectiveness. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
Air dry — never tumble dry
Hang or lay flat to air dry. Avoid tumble dryers, radiators, and direct sunlight — high heat damages the absorbent layers and elastic. Most pairs dry within 4–8 hours depending on absorbency level.
What to avoid
✗ Never do this
Hot water wash
Sets stains and damages absorbent fibres permanently
Tumble dryer
High heat breaks down elastic and waterproof layer
Fabric softener
Coats fibres and dramatically reduces absorbency
Bleach or harsh chemicals
Destroys the moisture-wicking treatment
Ironing
Direct heat damages the absorbent inner layers
Dry cleaning
Solvents strip the waterproof coating
✓ Best practice
Cold water rinse straight away
Prevents staining and makes the wash much easier
Mild, fragrance-free detergent
Gentle on fibres and better for sensitive skin
Mesh laundry bag for machine wash
Protects the elastic and shape in the drum
30°C delicate cycle
Cleans effectively without heat damage
Air dry at room temperature
Preserves all layers — absorbent, waterproof, wicking
Store fully dry
Prevents odour and bacterial growth between uses
Machine vs hand wash
Both work well — it comes down to preference and how quickly you need them back.
Machine wash
Steps
Convenient — just toss in with regular laundry
Use a mesh laundry bag to increase longevity
Cold or 30°C delicate cycle only
Best for: everyday pairs, lighter absorbency, busy routines
Hand wash
Steps
Gentler on fibres — extends lifespan
Lets you treat specific areas more carefully
Uses less water overall
Best for: heavy absorbency pairs, delicate styles, long-term care
Make them last
Tips for longevity
Rotate your pairs
Having 4–6 pairs means each one is washed less frequently, extending the lifespan of all of them significantly.
Rinse immediately
The single most important step. Rinsing within 30 minutes of removal makes an enormous difference to both cleanliness and longevity.
Store fully dry
Never store period underwear while still damp. Bacteria and odour develop quickly. Always make sure they're completely dry before folding away.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes — with a couple of conditions. Make sure you rinse them in cold water first so they go into the machine without any blood residue. Then put them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a cold or 30°C delicate cycle with your other laundry. Avoid washing with rough fabrics like denim.
With proper care, Periodt period underwear is designed to last 2–5 years, or approximately 100–200 washes. The biggest factors affecting longevity are avoiding heat (tumble dryers, hot water) and not using fabric softener.
We don't recommend soaking for extended periods, as it can break down the fibres. A thorough rinse followed by a wash is more effective and kinder to the fabric.
Often this is caused by fabric softener or detergent build-up. Try washing on a longer cold cycle without any detergent — just water — to strip the residue. If that doesn't work, the absorbent layer may be nearing the end of its life.
Shop the range
Ready to make the switch?
Light absorbency — everyday wear
Medium absorbency — regular days
Heavy absorbency — your heaviest days
Overnight absorbency — sleep easy