Gentle care for period underwear – the best detergents and cleaning tips for maximum absorbency.

Which Detergents Are Best for Washing Period Underwear?

The Best Care for Your Period Underwear

To keep your period underwear absorbent and long-lasting, proper care is essential. The secret? A detergent that cleans thoroughly without clogging the fabric’s pores—while still being gentle on your skin.
Here’s what to look for and which products work best.

What’s the Best Detergent for Period Underwear?

A good detergent for period underwear should be free from fats and glycerin, as these ingredients can clog the absorbent layers, reducing their ability to soak up liquid. To avoid this, we recommend glycerin-free detergents.

Our Recommendations:

  • Ecover
  • Persil
  • Ariel

Which Cleaning Products Should You Avoid?

Not all detergents are suitable for period underwear. Here’s what to avoid:
  • Fatty soaps (like curd soap, soft soap, or Savon de Marseille) – They contain glycerin, which can reduce absorbency.
  • Plant-based oil detergents (with coconut, olive, or almond oil) – These leave behind residues that coat the fibers.
  • Fabric softeners – They create a film on the fabric, reducing absorption.
  • Soda crystals – Too harsh for the delicate materials in period underwear.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Period Underwear Properly

  1. Right after wearing: Rinse your underwear with cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Machine or hand wash: Wash at 30-40°C—either with your regular laundry or separately by hand using mild detergent.
  3. Air dry only: High heat can damage the absorbent layer. Avoid dryers and irons to extend the lifespan of your underwear.

Good to Know:

  • Modern detergents work effectively at 30°C, so there’s no need for higher temperatures.
  • The absorbent layers in period underwear are heat-sensitive, so never wash above 40°C.
  • Skip fabric softener and bleach to keep the material intact.
  • You might be able to make your period undies more absorbent again, in case you feel like they lost some of their absorbency. Check out how.
Important: Never dry your period underwear on a radiator. The heat can weaken the absorbent layers, reducing their effectiveness. Do you feel like your period undies lost some absorbency? Find out how to fix it.

Have a Favorite Soap for Your Period Underwear? Or do you have your own care tips? Let us know.

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