Deep cleaning period underwear: how to properly wash your panties, swimwear, or cup!
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Time to read 10 min
Proper care of your menstrual products is key to extending their lifespan, ensuring optimal effectiveness, and maintaining their quality.
Whether you use menstrual underwear, menstrual swimsuits, or menstrual cups, today we’re sharing all the tips and tricks to properly clean all your washable and reusable period products.
How do you deep clean period underwear that smells bad or leaks even after washing? What products work best for thoroughly cleaning your period panties? Hydrogen peroxide, special detergents, sodium percarbonate—which natural cleanser should you use?
Learn how to remove stubborn yellow stains, control unpleasant odors (even fishy smells!), and adopt a gentle but effective daily care routine to keep your underwear, swimsuits, or menstrual cups in great shape, while protecting your skin, your health, and the environment.
In this article
Recognizing buildup: unmistakable signs What is buildup on a sanitary product? The 4 warning signs of buildup The simple test to confirm the diagnosis: the water drop test The foolproof method to deep clean your period underwear: a step-by-step guide The miracle product: why is sodium percarbonate your best ally? The complete tutorial: deep cleaning with sodium percarbonate Instructions for use and how often to deep clean SOS for odors and stains: solutions for desperate cases Eliminate stubborn odors (even fishy smells) Getting rid of stubborn stains (dried blood, yellow stains) Preventing buildup: daily care habits The perfect washing routine for long-lasting period panties Products you should absolutely eliminate from your routine And what about my cup and my period swimsuit? Cleaning and sterilizing your menstrual cup Caring for your menstrual swimsuit To sum up FAQ: How to deep clean period underwear Learn more Washable and organic menstrual products?
Recognizing buildup: unmistakable signs
How do you know if your period underwear is clogged? There are some telltale signs! Buildup, caused by limescale, glycerin, or blood residue, reduces absorbency (it fills up faster, doesn’t last as long) and creates persistent odors (which are really unpleasant).
What is buildup on a sanitary product?
The phenomenon of "buildup" is caused by residue accumulating in the fibers of absorbent fabric. These residues can come from various sources: minerals in the water, glycerin from detergents, or leftover blood that wasn’t fully washed out.
Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a sign of poor hygiene, but a mechanical process related to wear and care. Glycerin, found in some detergents or Marseille soap, clogs the fabric’s pores, reducing its effectiveness. It may be surprising, but even products considered "natural" can impact the technical properties of these products. Dried blood inside the membrane can persist despite washing. And minerals in the water can get trapped in the thick fabric. So it’s actually logical that period underwear becomes clogged over time.
Outside of your regular washes, we also recommend doing a deep clean at least once a year.
The 4 warning signs of buildup
Loss of absorbency and leaks: The underwear or swimsuit takes longer to absorb fluids or leaves stains on your clothes, even though it used to work well. This is normal—the membrane is already saturated with period residue, limescale, or detergent.
Persistent bad odors: Even with regular washing, an unpleasant smell (like dampness or old blood) sets in, a sign that bacteria are trapped in the residue.
A fabric that becomes rough or "stiff": The material loses its usual softness and becomes unpleasant to the touch, often due to a buildup of limescale or detergent.
Stains that won’t come out: Brown, white, yellow, or red marks remain visible even after washing, showing that blood has set into the fibers.
Noticing these signs? That means your panties or swimsuit are clogged!
The simple test to confirm the diagnosis: the water drop test
Here’s a foolproof way to check the condition of your period underwear. On a clean, dry pair, place a few drops of water on the absorbent area (inside of the underwear).
If the water beads up and takes more than 10 seconds to absorb, the fibers are clogged and saturated with grime. On the other hand, quick absorption means the fabric is in good condition.
This test, inspired by protocols for assessing the absorbency of period underwear, allows for a precise and unambiguous diagnosis of the issue.
The foolproof method to deep clean your period underwear: a step-by-step guide
The miracle product: why is sodium percarbonate your best ally?
Sodium percarbonate is an essential ally for reviving your period underwear. Eco-friendly and effective, it works as a stain remover, deodorizer, and deep cleaner without damaging technical fabrics. Unlike bleach, it preserves fiber elasticity and the effectiveness of the leak-proof barrier.
Its magic works as soon as it touches hot water. It releases active oxygen, removing stubborn residue. A well-kept secret? It brightens whites without fading and leaves no harsh chemical residue. Perfect for anyone who wants to protect their investment while balancing hygiene and sustainability.
The complete tutorial: deep cleaning with sodium percarbonate
- Preparation: Fill a bucket with very hot water (at least 60°C/140°F). Avoid boiling water to prevent damaging the waterproofing.
- Dosage: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate per liter of water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Soaking: Immerse your washed and dry period products (this works for cups, swimsuits, and panties). Leave them for at least 4 hours, or overnight for heavy buildup.
- Final rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clear water until the water runs clear. Machine wash at 86°F (30°C) without detergent for a deep clean.
- Drying: Air dry only, never use a tumble dryer. Lay the absorbent area flat for best results.
This descaling and disinfecting process restores absorbency and eliminates persistent odors. With this deep cleaning, your menstrual protection regains its original freshness in just a few simple steps.
Smart tip: if stains persist, repeat the process after gently brushing the affected area.
Instructions for use and how often to deep clean
Avoid mixing with vinegar or lemon.
Store in a dry place, out of reach of children.
Store in its original packaging, away from moisture and high heat.
By following these simple tips for cleaning with percarbonate, you’ll prevent premature wear, saturation, leaks, bad odors, and discomfort. Your lingerie and protection will stay effective and comfortable, month after month. Regular care and an annual deep clean mean optimal hygiene and peace of mind during your period.
SOS for odors and stains: solutions for desperate cases
Eliminate stubborn odors (even fishy smells)
A lingering odor in your washable period products often comes from bacteria. How can you get rid of bad smells?
Soak your protection in a mix of cold water and a glass of white vinegar for 30 minutes. This combo neutralizes odors, removes mineral deposits, and prevents soap residue buildup. White vinegar works deep down without damaging the fabric, making it perfect for keeping your protection in great shape.
Did you know? A fishy odor can be a sign of a temporary vaginal imbalance. Factors like a forgotten tampon, sexual activity, or hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) can sometimes disrupt vaginal pH. Still, use the vinegar method to disinfect. If the odor lingers on your skin or is accompanied by itching, unusual discharge, or pain, consult a healthcare professional.
Tips with baking soda: sprinkle baking soda on the absorbent area and let it sit for a few hours to deodorize and absorb any remaining moisture for long-lasting freshness.
Getting rid of stubborn stains (dried blood, yellow stains)
For dried blood stains, ox gall soap or hydrogen peroxide are effective.
Dampen the stain with cold water, scrub vigorously for 10 seconds with ox gall soap, let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush and wash at a low temperature. Ox gall, derived from animal bile, breaks down blood proteins thanks to its natural acids.
Soaking in water and hydrogen peroxide is also effective for light-colored lingerie that may be stained.
For yellow stains caused by acidic discharge, mix baking soda and cold water into a paste. Apply for one hour.
Lemon juice acts as a natural whitener on light fabrics, especially when combined with sun exposure.
Sommières clay, when used as a paste, removes stubborn stains by absorbing embedded residue.
For stubborn stains, soaking in sodium percarbonate (paste made with cold water) will restore brightness to the fabric.
Good to know: Some yellow discoloration is inevitable on organic cotton with repeated use. To minimize it, rinse immediately with cold water after use. Avoid hot water, as it sets stains and damages fibers.
Preventing buildup: daily care habits
Losing effective period underwear after just a few months due to poor care is an avoidable frustration. By following a few simple steps, you’ll preserve absorbency and reduce unpleasant odors.
The perfect washing routine for long-lasting period panties
Following a strict washing routine ensures your protection lasts longer. Here are the three essential steps:
Immediate rinse with cold water: Hot water sets blood and stains by coagulating menstrual proteins. Rinse immediately after use until the water runs clear. This simple step prevents 80% of stubborn stains.
Machine (or hand) wash: Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, using a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics. Choose a mild, non-greasy soap or an eco-friendly detergent without synthetic fragrance.
Air drying is essential: Tumble dryers and direct heat sources damage the fabric. Dry flat or hang in a well-ventilated area. Moderate sun exposure naturally disinfects without affecting the technical properties.
Products you should absolutely eliminate from your routine
|
Product to avoid |
Why you should avoid it |
| Heavy-duty detergents (high in glycerin) and Marseille soap with glycerin |
Glycerin blocks the pores of the absorbent fabric, creating a waterproof film that reduces absorption efficiency. |
|
Fabric softener |
Softeners coat the fibers with a greasy layer, preventing the fabric from absorbing properly. |
| Bleach and chlorine-based whitening agents |
Extremely harsh, these products destroy the waterproof membrane and weaken the fabric. |
| Powerful chemical stain removers |
These products may contain harsh solvents that can damage the technical layers of your protection. |
By choosing quality protection like Louloucup menstrual products and caring for them properly, you're opting for a clean, stress-free, hygienic, eco-friendly, and affordable period.
And what about my cup and my period swimsuit?
Reusable protection requires careful maintenance to preserve its effectiveness. Whether it’s your menstrual swimsuit or your cup, a few key habits are essential to prevent buildup and keep them lasting longer.
Cleaning and sterilizing your menstrual cup
✅ The right steps for a clean cup:
Wash the cup with cold water every time you empty it. Then rinse with lukewarm water and a mild soap or intimate wash. Avoid vinegar and percarbonate, which can damage silicone. For the air holes, fill the cup with water and shake it with your palm covering the top.
Sterilize it for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water between each cycle (at the beginning and end of your period). For stains, a bath in 3% hydrogen peroxide for a few hours does the trick. Sun exposure also naturally disinfects without damaging the material.
❌ What to avoid for a clean cup:
Avoid harsh products: chemical detergents that are too processed.
Storing it away while it's still wet or in a poorly ventilated area.
Caring for your menstrual swimsuit
After swimming, take off your swimsuit and rinse it in cold water to remove menstrual flow as well as salt or chlorinated water.
Once you’re back from the beach or pool, wash your swimsuit in the machine or by hand at 86°F (30°C) in a mesh bag, without fabric softener. For stains, use baking soda before washing. Air dry your swimwear, avoiding direct sunlight. Skip the dryer, radiator, or hair dryer—heat weakens the fibers.
To sum up
Build-up in menstrual underwear results from the accumulation of dried blood, fatty detergents, and limescale, reducing absorbency, effectiveness, comfort, and softness.
A 4-hour soak in hot water with sodium percarbonate restores their effectiveness without damaging technical fabrics. It’s a great deep clean. An eco-friendly and cost-effective way to extend their lifespan, preventing odors and stubborn stains. Harsh chemicals are unnecessary—always prioritize simple, homemade ingredients to clean your washable menstrual products.
And don’t forget! At Louloucup, all our period products are offered at super low prices. Eligible for our customized bundle with decreasing prices, you can save a lot. Plus, shipping is free! So go for it!
FAQ: How to deep clean period underwear
How do you remove blood stains from menstrual underwear?
To remove blood stains, start by rinsing immediately with cold water after use. For set-in stains, gently rub with bile soap. Sodium percarbonate also works well: dissolve a tablespoon in hot water (at least 140°F), soak the underwear for several hours, then wash at 86°F without fabric softener. Avoid boiling water, as it can set the stains.
Why does my period underwear smell like fish?
This unpleasant smell is often due to bacterial growth from insufficient rinsing or overly long drying. It can also reflect an imbalance in your intimate area, in which case a medical consultation is recommended. To deodorize, soak the underwear for 30 minutes in cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar. This mixture neutralizes bacteria and persistent odors. Once air-dried, your underwear will be fresh again.
How do you remove yellow stains from period underwear?
Yellow stains are often caused by acidic secretions or deodorant residue. To help remove them, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 1 hour before washing. Diluted lemon juice in cold water is a gentle alternative for light fabrics. For old stains, soaking for several hours in sodium percarbonate (1 tablespoon in 5L of hot water) will revive the brightness of the fabric.
How do you care for a menstrual cup and a period swimsuit?
For the cup, rinse it with cold water after each emptying, and disinfect it at the beginning and end of your cycle by boiling it in water for 5 minutes. For stains, soaking in white vinegar or sodium percarbonate is recommended. For period underwear, pre-wash in cold water after use, then machine wash at 30°C in a laundry bag to prevent build-up. Avoid the dryer and ironing, and use gentle, glycerin-free detergents. Sunlight UV rays from line drying also boost hygiene.
Learn more
Washable and organic menstrual products?
