Caring for period swimwear: tips and washing advice
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Time to read 9 min
Planning to hit the water this summer? Have you tried period swimwear? Whether it’s bikini bottoms or a one-piece, this washable and long-lasting period protection has a lot to offer! It lets you swim with peace of mind during your period!
Wondering how to properly care for your menstrual swimsuit to maintain its absorbency? Check out all our Louloucup care and washing tips to preserve its absorbency and durability.
Simple and effective solutions to keep your period swimsuit performing like new! Stains, odors, machine washing... here’s everything you need to know!
Table of content
I. Rinsing after use: the first important step II. Proper washing methods for menstrual swimsuits Comparison of washing methods for menstrual swimwear Recommended and to-be-avoided cleaning products IV. Removing stains and odors How to effectively remove blood stains Removing stubborn odors from period swimwear V. Storing and transporting period swimwear VI. How to maximize the lifespan of your period swimsuit Louloucup period swimwear line for teens VII. Mistakes to avoid when caring for period swimwear FAQ: Caring for menstrual swimwear To learn more... Want to know more about Louloucup swimsuits?
I. Rinsing after use: the first important step
Want to preserve the absorbency of your period swimwear? Rinse it immediately with cold water after each use. This removes blood, salt, and chlorine residue that could damage the fibers. With this simple step, your period swimsuit will stay effective cycle after cycle.
Cold water is your best friend for effective rinsing. It easily dissolves fresh blood, salt, and sunscreen residue. By skipping hot water, you prevent blood from clotting on the fabric. Rinse until the water runs clear for a thorough clean.
Here’s what to do:
Rinse immediately after use in cold water as soon as possible to prevent blood from setting into the fibers.
Remove any chlorine, salt, sand, or sunscreen residue that could damage the swimsuit.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and free of blood.
Gently press the swimsuit without twisting it to preserve its waterproof membrane.
Use a basin of cold water to make the initial rinse easier and prevent blood from spreading in the washing machine.
For heavy flows, careful rinsing is necessary. Soak the underwear in cold water as soon as you get home. This relaxes the fabric and helps remove any residue. Repeat until the fabric is clean. This step prepares your underwear for a thorough wash.
Check the clarity of the water to judge your rinsing. Clear water means you’ve removed any harsh elements from the fabric. Incomplete rinsing leaves residue that could reduce your swimsuit’s effectiveness. Your swims will remain worry-free thanks to this careful maintenance.
Do you also have questions about caring for your period underwear? Check out all our tips and advice to extend the life of your period lingerie.
FOCUS on the NOA style 🤩
- Absorbent and comfortable one-piece black menstrual swimsuit.
- Black, classic, accessible, and reliable—Noa checks all the boxes!
- It absorbs the equivalent of 2 regular tampons.
- It’s perfect for managing light to medium menstrual flow.
- A cut that’s both classic and flattering.
- Deep neckline and a high-cut fit.
- Built-in bra for ideal support.
- Thin, adjustable straps.
- Can be worn at the pool, at the beach, or as a bodysuit with shorts or a sarong.
- You can swim and sunbathe in the Noa swimsuit without a worry!
II. Proper washing methods for menstrual swimsuits
You can choose between hand washing or machine washing. Hand washing is gentler on the absorbent fibers, while machine washing saves you time.
Comparison of washing methods for menstrual swimwear
|
Method |
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
| Hand wash |
Water temperature control, preserving elasticity, no risk of friction |
Longer process, requires thorough rinsing until the water runs clear. |
| Machine washable |
Convenient for multiple swimsuits, less handling |
Requires a laundry bag, delicate cycle, and temperature below 86°F (30°C) |
For hand washing, fill a sink with lukewarm water (max 86°F/30°C). Add a spoonful of gentle detergent for delicates. Gently rub, rinse thoroughly, and press without wringing. Hang dry in the shade.
Machine washing requires care. Put the swimsuit in a laundry bag, choose a delicate cycle at a maximum of 86°F (30°C). Avoid fabric softeners, which reduce absorbency. Don’t overload the drum to protect the fibers.
Before first use, wash the swimsuit to activate its absorbent properties (this also applies to period panties). Rinse with cold water, then hand wash or machine wash as recommended. This initial wash removes manufacturing residues and prepares the membrane for its menstrual function.
Recommended and to-be-avoided cleaning products
Wondering which detergents to use to keep your menstrual swimwear in top shape? Follow our tips to care for your washable products with the right products. Discover the best habits.
Choose gentle, fragrance-free detergents to preserve the absorbent fibers of your menstrual swimwear. Oily products like Marseille soap or glycerin can clog the fabric. Hypoallergenic detergent at 30°C protects your delicate fabrics.
Fabric softeners can reduce absorbency by up to 30% and leave chemical residues on the fibers. Bleaching agents damage the technical properties. Opt for gentle alternatives to keep your swimwear in great shape.
- Use diluted white vinegar for natural disinfecting.
- Choose Marseille soap for its eco-friendly and effective formula.
- Try baking soda to deodorize and remove stains.
- Choose citric acid to combat limescale in your rinse water.
- Choose homemade nettle-based laundry detergents for gentle fiber care.
Gentle soap is perfect for hand washing period swimwear. Dilute it in cold water, gently rub, and rinse thoroughly. It removes blood stains without damaging the absorbent fabrics.
Special detergents for period underwear are ideal for swimsuits. Their gentle formulas protect the fibers. You can find them in organic stores.
III. Drying techniques to preserve elasticity
Take care of your menstrual swimsuits by gently squeezing out excess water. Avoid wringing the fabric to protect the absorbent membrane. Spin at no more than 800-900 rpm to preserve the fibers. Wrap your swimsuit in a dry towel to soak up extra water without affecting its waterproof qualities.
Let your swimsuits air dry to maintain their properties. Lay them flat in the shade, away from heaters. Direct heat damages elasticity and absorbency. This gentle care prevents seam distortion and extends the life of your reusable protection.
Make sure your swimsuits are completely dry before storing them. Moisture encourages bacteria and unpleasant odors. Check that no area feels damp, especially the absorbent zone. This careful step helps prevent infections from trapped moisture.
In winter, speed up drying with a fan. Place the drying rack in a heated room but keep the swimsuit away from direct heat. For a quick emergency dry, use the "cool" setting on a hair dryer. These tips save time without damaging the technical fibers.
SPOTLIGHT on the LAURA model 🤩
- Black bikini bottoms that are as absorbent as they are comfortable.
- Black, classic, practical, and reliable—Laura checks all the boxes!
- This swim brief absorbs the equivalent of 2 regular tampons.
- This menstrual bikini bottom is perfect for managing light to moderate menstrual flow.
- A cut that’s classic in the front and bold in the back.
- Beautiful lacing in the back.
- Secure and comfortable high waist.
- Pairs easily with bikini tops.
- Wide range of sizes from XS to XXL.
IV. Removing stains and odors
How to effectively remove blood stains
Acting quickly on freshly dried blood stains makes them easier to remove. Fresh blood contains proteins that, once set, make stains harder to get out. Rinsing immediately with cold water helps prevent stains from becoming permanent on your period swimsuit.
Soaking in cold water with salt helps dissolve stubborn stains. This mixture removes set-in blood by loosening residue. The water/salt solution avoids using harsh products that could damage the absorbent fibers of period fabric.
Sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide tackle tough stains without harming the materials. Add a spoonful of cleaning powder to lukewarm water, let it sit before washing. These solutions remove stains without affecting the absorbency of your swimsuit.
Gently rub stained areas with a soft sponge. Avoid stiff brushes that can damage the fibers. Dab the stain with soapy water before a full wash to preserve the integrity of the period fabric.
Removing stubborn odors from period swimwear
Odors in period swimwear come from bacteria growing on blood, salt, or chlorine residue. Insufficient rinsing leaves traces that, combined with moisture, create an environment for unpleasant smells. Careful maintenance prevents these issues.
White vinegar naturally deodorizes period swimwear. Add half a cup to the drum during the wash cycle to remove residue. This eco-friendly product neutralizes odors without damaging the technical fibers of the absorbent fabric.
Prepare a solution with warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak the swimsuit for 1 to 2 hours to destroy odor-causing bacteria. Rinse thoroughly after soaking to protect the leak-proof membrane.
Air out the swimsuit after it’s completely dry. Leave it out in the open air for several hours to prevent bacteria growth. Store it in a dry, ventilated drawer, not in a closed bag, to keep it fresh between uses.
“Finally, a unique swimsuit that’s not too flashy. Just right. I wear it all the time. Great period protection, and I use a cup if needed. Fits true to size, stays put in the water. Highly recommend.” Céline M.
V. Storing and transporting period swimwear
It’s important to let your swimsuit dry completely before putting it away. Storing it while damp encourages mold and bacteria, which can damage the fabric. Make sure no part feels damp to the touch to preserve your period protection and avoid unpleasant odors or health risks. Store your swimsuits in a dry, well-ventilated place. Ideally, use a drawer with humidity between 50 and 60%. Avoid folding the absorbent area. This care can extend your swimsuit’s lifespan up to 3 years, or about 100 cycles. When traveling, use a waterproof pouch. Squeeze out excess water before placing your swimsuit inside. Some brands include these accessories in their collections. These solutions keep used period products separate and protect against leaks and odors.
Waterproof pouches for carrying soiled or wet swimsuits.
Choose designs with separate compartments to store clean and used items.
Choose machine-washable pouches with a gentle, glycerin-free detergent.
Use reusable accessories to avoid single-use plastics.
VI. How to maximize the lifespan of your period swimsuit
Give your menstrual swimsuits a new lease on life with regular care. Rinsing immediately in cold water removes salt and chlorine. By following our tips, your washable protection can last 3 to 5 years. Why not choose a durable and economical solution?
A well-cared-for menstrual swimsuit can withstand up to 140 washes. Check the elastic for looseness or stains that don’t come out. Absorbency, equivalent to 3 tampons, decreases over time. Replace it when it no longer meets your needs for optimal comfort every swim.
Alternate between two swimsuits to make them last longer—this helps distribute wear from frequent washing. Some models, like the Noa menstrual swimsuit, are designed to withstand regular care.
Protect the fabric’s elasticity by avoiding direct sunlight. Wash at a maximum of 86°F (30°C) with a gentle, glycerin-free detergent. This care preserves the technical properties and comfort. Your swimsuits will stay effective for a long time, letting you swim worry-free and responsibly.
Louloucup period swimwear line for teens
VII. Mistakes to avoid when caring for period swimwear
Common mistakes when caring for period swimwear include not rinsing immediately, using fabric softeners, and washing at high temperatures. These habits reduce absorbency and distort the fibers, making the swimsuit less effective over time.
Bleach and fabric softeners reduce absorbency. These products leave residues that clog the fabric’s pores. Avoid them to maintain your period swimsuit’s effectiveness over time.
Wash your swimsuit at a maximum of 30°C and let it air dry. The dryer and high temperatures break down the fabric’s elasticity, shortening its lifespan. Use gentle cycles for optimal care.
Leaving your swimsuit out in the sun for too long damages its color and elasticity. UV rays cause irreversible fading. Store it in the shade after drying to keep it vibrant and functional.
FAQ: Caring for menstrual swimwear
How do you wash your period swimsuit while traveling?
For a successful trip, remember to rinse your period swimsuit in cold water after each use. This helps remove residue and preserves absorbency.
Then, wash it gently by hand with mild soap or in the machine on a low setting if available. Avoid harsh products like bleach and let it air dry to extend its lifespan.
Period swimwear: how do you know if it works?
The effectiveness of period swimwear depends on its ability to manage flow while swimming. The multi-layer technology must capture and retain your flow. For light flows, the suit should absorb without swelling. A good thigh elastic and an efficient absorbent core are essential. Don’t forget to choose the right size for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Period underwear: how to deep clean?
For a deep clean, start by rinsing your period underwear in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes most of the residue. Then, wash it by hand or machine at 86°F (30°C) with a gentle detergent, ideally organic or natural. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Air drying will help preserve its effectiveness and lifespan. Sodium percarbonate can be used for a deeper clean if needed.
