How I Care for My Period Underwear and Make Them Last

Periods aren’t exactly fun, and finding products that actually work can be tricky. All this while I have used disposable pads and tampons, but I’ve found that period underwear has been a game-changer, especially at night, because of the comfort.

I usually wear mine to bed, and honestly, the peace of mind it gives me is priceless. No shifting pads, no damp feeling, no waking up in the middle of the night to “check.” The full front-and-back coverage makes me feel secure, and that translates into better sleep, which is something I never thought I’d say about being on my period.

But here’s the thing: period underwear needs a little TLC if you want it to last. They’re an investment, and taking care of them properly makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve picked up a bunch of little tricks that keep mine fresh, clean, and reliable.

Prep a Rinse Bucket (Optional but Handy)

If I know my period is coming, sometimes I’ll prepare a small bucket with water and a splash of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. It helps loosen up stains. Most of my period underwear is black (which is a lifesaver), but it still feels good to know I’m giving them a proper clean.

Rinse Right Away

After a night of wearing them, I rinse them out during my morning shower. Cold water works best. Some of my friends step on theirs in the tub (because squeezing blood out with your hands can feel icky). If I’m not showering, I’ll rinse them in the sink, squeeze out the water, and then toss them into my laundry basket.

Wash Gently

I throw them in with my weekly laundry, but always on a cold wash cycle with a regular detergent. No fabric softener ever. It clogs up the absorbent layers and makes them less effective.

Air Dry for the Win

I let them air dry naturally, sometimes inside out, sometimes in direct sunlight if it’s nice out (bonus: sunlight helps kill bacteria). If they’re still dripping wet, I’ll hang them in the bathroom first, then move them into my room once they’re just damp.

Indoor Drying Hacks

Rainy day? No problem. I hang the washed underwear in front of a fan or on a drying rack. A quick hack I use is rolling them in a towel and pressing gently it soaks up extra water so they dry faster.

Never Use High Heat

As tempting as it is to toss them in the dryer, don’t do it. Heat breaks down the elasticity and ruins the absorbent layers. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.

At the end of the day, period underwear has been worth the money spent for me. They’re comfy, reliable, and they’ve honestly made my periods a little less stressful. The care routine takes a bit of effort, but it’s not hard, and it helps me feel like I’m making a small, sustainable choice too. For me, that’s a win-win.