Deep-cleaning your washable sanitary pads

Why deep-clean your sanitary pads?

Like the inserts in cloth nappies, washable sanitary pads are made up of several layers of fabric stitched together. Detergent residue or limescale can build up in these layers of fabric.

When should you deep-clean your sanitary pads?

There are 3 signs to watch out for:

- Your sanitary pad smells unpleasant: When it is soiled, your sanitary pad may smell of blood or urine if you use it for bladder leaks, but the odour should be faint. It should absolutely not smell of ammonia. A strong odour is abnormal and requires an urgent deep-clean.

- Your sanitary pad is no longer as absorbent as before and you are experiencing leaks

- Water beads on the surface when you pour water over it. Bear in mind, however, that our sanitary pads are covered with a microfleece layer to create a stay-dry effect, so you need to apply a little pressure for the fabric to absorb the water.

Without waiting for these signs of build-up, you can also carry out a preventive deep-clean from time to time — we explain everything below.

How to deep-clean your washable sanitary pads thoroughly?

In a basin, soak your pads for a maximum of 4 hours in hot water and sodium percarbonate (25g per 4 litres of water). Then run a rinse and spin cycle in the washing machine.

If the water in the basin is not clear, repeat the process until the water runs clear. It is not necessary to dry the pads between soaks.

Once the deep-clean is complete, wash your sanitary pads at 60°C on a long cycle.

How to prevent build-up in your washable sanitary pads?

Good habits to adopt

- Wash your pads using 2 cycles

- Do not use fabric softener

- Make sure you use a stain-removing soap and a detergent with no added glycerin.

- Clean your washing machine regularly

- Carry out preventive deep-cleans regularly

Preventive deep-cleans

In order to minimise the need for a full deep-clean of your pads, we recommend carrying out preventive deep-cleans regularly.

If you use washable sanitary pads during your period, we recommend a preventive deep-clean approximately every 3 to 4 months.

If you use them for bladder leaks, we recommend a more regular preventive deep-clean, for example every month.

How to carry out a preventive deep-clean?

To carry out a preventive deep-clean, simply run a 60°C long cycle in your washing machine, without any detergent, with your clean sanitary pads. This is generally sufficient to keep your pads in good condition.

Why you should avoid tumble-drying your period pants?

In the vast world of laundry care, one question arises: should you put your period underwear in the tumble dryer? Those in the know when it comes to textiles answer with a firm no.

Indeed, the unforgiving tumble dryer, with its fierce heat, is the enemy of our delicate lingerie. It damages, without a moment's remorse, the fine fabric of these garments. The tumble dryer transforms our feminine hygiene items into rough, scratchy objects, stripped of the softness we so cherish. This silent assault, this insidious deterioration caused by intense heat, robs our intimate garments of their precious longevity.

What is more, the tumble dryer compromises everyday comfort. This formidable machine undermines the absorbent efficiency of the period pants. Using this infernal invention could, as a result, leave you facing the unpleasant inconveniences of discomfort and leaks. Preserving the optimal functionality of these garments means banishing the tumble dryer.

Is it not an absolute necessity to give our intimate garments the royal treatment they deserve? Opt for a gentle air-dry that respects the resilience of the fibres, the weave of the fabrics, and their absorbent properties. This choice, far from trivial, will ensure your underwear passes safely and serenely through the turbulence of the menstrual cycle. Air-drying: the secret to lasting comfort.