Menstrual underwear odor: Louloucup’s tips
Period underwear is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to disposable products. However, like any washable period protection, they can sometimes develop bad odors. That can make the experience less than ideal. Lingering odors may even be a big reason some people hesitate to try period underwear.
Where do these unpleasant smells come from? How can you get rid of them for good? Let’s find out how to properly care for your period underwear to avoid any smelly surprises! Period underwear odor? Let’s talk about it!
In this article, you’ll find:
I - Why does my period underwear smell bad?
Odors appearing on period underwear can have several perfectly natural—though sometimes bothersome—causes. Understanding the reasons is the first step to solving them effectively.
Metallic odor
Menstrual blood, when exposed to air, goes through an oxidation process that can create a distinctive metallic smell. This odor is completely normal and usually gets stronger over time. If you leave your used period panties for several hours without rinsing them, the smell can become more pronounced.
Ammonia smell
Some women sometimes notice a smell of ammonia coming from their period panties. This ammonia odor is often linked to the breakdown of urea from small amounts of urine that can come into contact with the underwear. It’s especially common if you wear your panties for a long period or if you have light urinary leaks.
Other causes of bad odors
Other factors can affect odor:
- Diet: certain foods can change the smell of menstrual blood.
- Hydration: not drinking enough water can intensify body odor.
- Vaginal infections: These can change the natural smell of your discharge.
- Bacteria: they multiply quickly in warm, humid environments.
If you notice a fishy or particularly unpleasant and unusual odor, it could indicate a possible vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis, which requires medical attention.
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II - How to get rid of odors in period underwear? 🧼
The good news is there are several effective ways to get rid of bad odors in a period panty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your period underwear fresh and odor-free:
🫧 Immediate rinse
This is the most important step to prevent unpleasant odors from becoming embedded in the fabric.
Rinse your underwear in cold water as soon as possible after use.
Cold water is essential because hot water sets blood stains.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Avoid scrubbing vigorously to protect the absorbent fibers.
🫧 Preventive soaking
For optimal odor removal, soaking period underwear is a very effective step.
Soak your underwear in cold water with white vinegar (one part vinegar to three parts water). It’s important to dilute the vinegar and not use it pure.
🫧 Machine washable
For a thorough cleaning, you probably already know this, but we’d like to remind you that you should:
Wash your period underwear at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) on a delicate cycle (preferably a short cycle).
Use a gentle detergent, free from bleach and fabric softeners (a detergent for delicates or an organic detergent).
Avoid vigorous wringing, as it can damage the fabric.
Place your period underwear in a laundry bag to protect its technical fibers.
Did you know?
Marseille soap or black soap are excellent natural alternatives for tackling odors. You can gently rub the absorbent area with soap before machine washing for the best results.
🫧 Proper drying
Once washed, to preserve your underwear’s quality:
Always air dry whenever possible.
Absolutely avoid the dryer, which damages the absorbent fibers.
Don’t expose it directly to the sun, which can weaken the elastic, or any heat source (radiator, fireplace, hair dryer).
Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away.
Did you know?
Depending on the style, period underwear can take some time to dry. Be patient! That’s why we recommend having several pairs of period panties on hand.
III - Care tips for Louloucup period underwear 💙
Louloucup period panties are carefully designed to provide optimal comfort and excellent absorbency. To maintain their quality and prevent unpleasant odors, here are a few specific tips:
The unique composition of Louloucup period panties, with their organic cotton lining, requires a few special precautions. For optimal care, choose a gentle, ideally eco-friendly and fragrance-free detergent. Conventional detergents often contain chemicals that can affect the fabric’s absorbency and make odors linger.
Our period panties are designed for different flows—from light to very heavy. If you have a very heavy flow, remember to change your underwear more often to avoid fiber saturation and odors. Our Mathilde period panty is specially designed for very heavy flows, with an absorbency equivalent to 5 tampons!
For a deep clean and to effectively remove odors, you can give your underwear an occasional sunbath: after washing, leave your panties in indirect sunlight for a few hours. UV rays have natural disinfecting properties that eliminate bacteria responsible for bad smells.
IV - Unpleasant odors: when should you see a doctor? 🩺
Although odors related to period underwear are generally harmless and easy to get rid of with proper care, some situations require medical attention.
If you notice a strong, unusual odor that persists despite proper washing, it could indicate a vaginal flora imbalance or an infection. Fishy, rotten egg, or particularly unpleasant smells—especially if accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, burning, or pain—should be checked by a doctor.
Certain infections, like bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infections, or STIs, can change the smell of your discharge and, in turn, your period underwear. Early diagnosis allows for quick, effective treatment to restore your intimate balance.
Remember, your doctor or gynecologist is there to help you without judgment—your intimate health matters!
V- Choosing the right period underwear to minimize odors 🛍️
Choosing the right period underwear can greatly affect odor control. Here are a few things to consider:
Adaptation to menstrual flow
Choose styles that match your flow type—it’s important. At Louloucup, we have three distinct ranges of underwear based on flow intensity: light, medium, or heavy.
- For a light flow: go for our Lucie panty, thin and discreet, which minimizes heat and moisture.
- For medium flow: our Louise underwear offers a great balance between absorbency and breathability.
- For heavy flow: the Mathilde panty, with its high absorbency, lets you go longer between changes.
Materials and design
Louloucup underwear features specific characteristics to help minimize odors:
- certified organic cotton lining that lets your skin breathe,
- absorbent fabric treated for its antibacterial properties,
- Design allows for good airflow to prevent excessive moisture.
Change frequency
Even with the best menstrual underwear, it’s recommended to change it every 12 hours at most, or more often on heavy flow days. Having several pairs allows you to rotate and wash them properly between uses. Louloucup panties are designed to provide optimal protection while minimizing the risk of unpleasant odors. Their premium composition of natural (cotton, bamboo) and breathable materials makes them an ideal choice for comfortable, worry-free menstrual hygiene.
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FAQ: Odors and period underwear
How do you know if the smell of your period underwear is normal?
A slight metallic or neutral odor is completely normal. It's the natural smell of blood oxidizing. However, a strong fishy, ammonia-like, or particularly unpleasant and persistent odor could indicate a hygiene issue or infection and should be checked.
Doesn’t white vinegar damage the fabric of my period underwear?
No, when properly diluted (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), white vinegar is safe for your period underwear’s fibers. In fact, it’s recommended for its natural deodorizing and disinfecting properties. However, avoid using it undiluted or too often.
Why does my period underwear develop an ammonia smell?
The ammonia smell usually comes from the breakdown of urea in small amounts of urine that can come into contact with the underwear. To avoid this, make sure to wipe well after using the bathroom and change your underwear regularly, especially on heavy flow days.
How long can I wear my period underwear before it starts to smell?
It’s recommended not to wear the same period underwear for more than 12 hours at a time, even if your flow is light. If your flow is heavy, it’s better to change every 6 to 8 hours to avoid saturation and odors. With Louloucup underwear, you get excellent absorbency so you can feel confident for longer.
Can probiotics help reduce menstrual odor?
Yes, probiotics can help maintain a healthy vaginal flora, which can indirectly reduce odors. You can take them as dietary supplements or in fermented foods like yogurt or sauerkraut. A balanced vaginal flora is less likely to develop unpleasant odors during your period.
Remember, every body is unique! If you have specific questions about your menstrual hygiene, our Louloucup advisors are here to help you choose the protection that’s perfect for you.
