How to Wash Thinx Underwear: Step-By-Step Guide

Did you recently buy a pair of reusable Thinx underwear, or are considering purchasing a pair?

Curious to get some of your questions answered and learn more about how to wash your Thinx underwear? You’ve come to the right place!  

In the past few years, a movement has begun that is seeing many women moving away from disposable menstrual products and back to reusable pads, underwear, and menstrual cups.

Every woman has her own reason for making the switch, with many citing their desire to avoid the harsh chemical used in disposable menstrual products, for environmental reasons, to save money, and to empower themselves and other women! 

Companies such as Thinx have seen the need to create a product that is accessible to all women, which helps them feel comfortable and stain-free during their period.

Their reusable and washable period underwear come in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels, guaranteeing that everyone can find the perfect protection! 

However, one of the most common questions when it comes to reusable period underwear such as Thinx, is how do you wash them?!

The short answer, it is super easy! Simply treat your Thinx underwear like the rest of your intimates and wash them either by hand or on the delicate cycle in your washing machine. 

Rinsing your used Thinx

Regardless of whether you chose to machine wash or wash by hand, it is recommended to always rinse your underwear as soon as you take them off. Pre-rinsing your underwear will ensure that blood stains do not set in.  

  1. Using cool water, rinse the blood off your underwear in the shower or in the sink. 
  2. Turn the underwear inside out and gently scrub the blood until the water runs clear. Wear gloves if you are particularly squeamish with blood! 
  3. Once rinsed, your Thinx underwear can be washed right away, or left to wait until it is time to do the laundry. If they are to be left for a few days, hang them to dry so that they do not stay clumped and damp. 

Machine washing your Thinx

  1. If you have a delicate’s mesh bag, place your Thinx underwear into the bag. You can put several pairs of Thinx underwear, or other intimates into a single bag together. 
  2. Place your Thinx underwear into the washing machine. You can combine it with other delicate clothing, however, avoid washing with heavier, non-delicate items such as towels. 
  3. Add a detergent that is made for delicate clothing items and follow the instructions on the bottle. 
  4. Do not use bleach. 
  5. Do not add any fabric softeners. They can destroy the antimicrobial lining of your Thinx. 
  6. Set your machine to the cold water cycle. The standard cold wash should be between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius).  
  7. Once the wash cycle is over, remove your Thinx from the washing machine and proceed to hang dry them. 

Fun fact: Washing your Thinx underwear with other clothing is completely safe and hygienic! The blood will not stain your other articles of clothing. 

Note: When selecting your laundry detergent, make sure to avoid any detergents that have large amounts of fragrance or other irritants. Laundry detergents have been known to be one of the main culprits causing skin irritation and rashes. It is especially important to avoid such irritants on intimate clothing such as bras and underwear. 

Hand washing your Thinx

Using lukewarm water and laundry detergent, your Thinx underwear can quickly and easily be washed by hand. 

  1. Fill your sink with lukewarm (room temperature) water. 
  2. Using gloves, mix in the appropriate amount of detergent specially formulated for delicate clothing. 
  3. Submerge your Thinx underwear. Gently move the underwear around the water, submerging them several times. If necessary, gently massage the underwear to remove the stains. 
  4. Soak your Thinx for a couple of minutes.  
  5. Drain the sink and rinse your Thinx underwear well. Ensure there is no soap residue and that the water runs completely clean. 
  6. Gently squeeze your underwear to wring out the water. Do not twist or stretch the fabric. 
  7. Proceed to hang dry your Thinx underwear. 

Fun fact: Hand washing is beneficial for all your intimates including bras and underwear, not just your Thinx! Machine washing intimates degrades their fabric and elastics much faster than hand washing. 

Drying Your Thinx Underwear

Thinx underwear should only be hang dried and never placed in the dryer. 

  1. If machine washing, remove your Thinx underwear from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is done. 
  2. Hang your Thinx underwear in a non-humid place. Using a drying rack or clothesline is recommended. 
  3. Generally, your Thinx underwear will dry overnight. Moderate absorbency underwear take about 10-12 hours to dry, while heavy absorbency will likely take a little longer. 
  4. Do not iron your Thinx. 

Note: Do not fret if your Thinx accidentally ends up in the dryer once or twice. However, do not make a habit of it as the dryer can ruin the integrity of your underwear, leading to unwanted leaks.

Removing lingering odors from your Thinx 

Do your Thinx underwear still smell even after washing? This is unlikely to happen, but if it does we’ve got the solution for you! 

  1. Fill your sink or a basin with lukewarm water and add 1 cup of vinegar for every 1-2 cups of water. 
  2. Soak your underwear for 15-30 minutes in the water-vinegar mixture. 
  3. Proceed with washing your Thinx underwear as usual, by hand or in a washing machine. 
  4. Hang to dry. 

The best part, your Thinx underwear will maintain their maximum performance for at least 40 washes.

That means at least 2 years of using the same pair of underwear, month after month, without having to worry about leaks, harsh chemicals, or spending a fortune. 

Thinx and other reusable underwear brands are a great and easy option for those considering a switch.

Their innovative design is not only super absorbent and protects from leaks, but it is moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and controls odors. The super-easy care instructions make them a good choice for all women!

About the author

Kelsey Summers

Kelsey is the lead editor of Undywear.com. She's a fashionista who's written for Glamour, GQ and others. She enjoys breaking the stigma and taboo around underwear and writing about all things fashion.