Moodies and washing period underwear

Short answer: Period underwear lasts longest if it is rinsed cold straight away and washed at 40 degrees without fabric softener. Heat and softener ruin absorbency, so those are the two things most important to avoid.

Rinse cold first

Cold water loosens blood, while warm water sets it into the fibres. Rinse the underwear under the tap until the water runs clear before it goes in the laundry basket. Squeeze it gently but do not wring it hard, as that can strain the layers in the gusset. See the models at Moodies.

No fabric softener

Softener coats the fibres, and that coating stops the absorbent layer from drawing in moisture. It is the most common reason period underwear performs worse after six months. Also check whether your detergent contains softener, as some combined products do.

40 degrees and air drying

Higher temperatures and the tumble dryer wear out the leakproof layer, so over time the underwear contains less well. Hang it to dry instead, ideally gusset up so the thickest area gets air. It takes a little longer to dry than ordinary briefs. See the full method in our washing guide.

Storing them while out

If you are out, you can rinse the underwear and put it in a sealed bag until you get home. Many keep a small wash bag in their handbag for exactly this. Rinse it again at home and wash it with the next load. See the whole group in period underwear.

A wash bag in the machine

Put the underwear in a wash bag when it goes in the machine. The bag protects against zips and hooks on other clothes that can pull threads from the fabric. It also makes it easier to keep track of them so they do not end up in the dryer by mistake.

Bleach and stain removers

Avoid bleach and strong stain removers. They can damage both the fabric and the leakproof layer. If a stain does not come out with a cold rinse, let the underwear soak in cold water for a while before washing. Small discolourations do not affect how it works.

When to replace them

When absorbency drops noticeably, even after washing without softener. If the underwear contains less well at the leg openings, or the fabric has thinned, that is also a sign. Replace several at once if you can, so they share the same age. See the other models in bamboo briefs.

A fixed routine

The easiest way to keep the underwear in good shape is to make washing a fixed routine. Rinse after use, place them in a separate basket or bag, and wash them together at the end of the day or the next morning. That way they do not sit too long.

If absorbency drops

If absorbency drops, softener residue may be the cause. Try washing the underwear a few times at 40 degrees with ordinary detergent and no softener. That can help lift the coating from the fibres. If it does not help, it is a sign of wear.

Frequently asked questions

Can they be washed at 60 degrees?

It is not recommended. The heat wears out the leakproof layer and the elastic in the waistband, and the underwear contains less well over time. 40 degrees is enough after a cold rinse.

Can they go in the tumble dryer?

No. The heat wears out the leakproof layer and can make the fabric lose its shape. Hang them to dry instead, even though it takes a little longer than ordinary briefs.