Especially with period panties, proper care and Washing plays a big role. Our panties have direct contact with your intimate area and should therefore always be in a hygienically perfect[1] condition. Is this possible naturally, or only with biocides? And what is the right washing temperature to remove bacteria and the like from period panties?
Biocides? Do I need them?
Many period panties from other manufacturers contain biocides. These are now classified as harmful to health by all experts and federal agencies. Especially in connection with period underwear. The Federal Environment Agency has classified biocides as potentially dangerous. The BUND even goes a step further and recommends in its study that these products be taken off the market. Some suppliers flirt with "sustainability", but these biocides are harmful by washing out, developing resistance, causing allergies and damaging skin health.
Biocides in period panties are superfluous anyway. According to a study by the Federal Environment Agency, more than half of them are washed out after just three washes. After ten washes, 98% of them have disappeared from the period panties.
How do I wash my period panties properly?
40 °C instead of 60 °C - Great potential for energy saving
Today, it is usually no longer necessary to wash clothes at 60 or even 90 degrees Celsius. Even heavier soiling can be easily removed at a more economical 40 degrees Celsius. Today, washing machines are equipped with intelligent technology and, thanks to improved mechanics, offer far more effective cleaning programs than before[3] [FT4] 5.
The savings potential is great: by changing the temperature from 60 to 40 degrees Celsius, almost half of the electricity can be saved per wash cycle[5] 6.
Tip: Our briefs can even be washed at up to 60°C. If you suffer from infections in the genital area, this temperature is recommended according to specialists for infections in gynecology and obstetrics7. In this case, you should also change the briefs several times a day and combine them with disposable hygiene products if necessary. Either way, we would strongly recommend that you visit a gynecologist to be on the safe side.
Alternatively or in addition, you can also add hygiene rinse. However, for environmental reasons, we advise against this.
The machine also needs care
For hygienic laundry, it is not only important to use the right washing program and detergent, but also to keep the washing machine clean, as this can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. With a few simple tips, you can keep your machine and your laundry as clean as possible[6]:
- Ventilate the washing machine well: Leave the detergent compartment and drum open after each wash cycle. This allows residual water to evaporate and bacteria have less chance of settling in. The room in which the washing machine is located should also be ventilated regularly.
- Keep the detergent compartment clean: The detergent compartment often contains residues of detergent and bacteria. Therefore, remove the compartment from time to time[7] and wash it under running water.
- Cleaning the washing machine: You should clean your washing machine two to three times a year[8]. Vinegar has a disinfecting effect and also dissolves any limescale residue in your washing machine.
Sources:
1:https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/378/publikationen/datenblatt_nanoprdukte_textilien_0.pdf
2:https://www.bund.net/fileadmin/user_upload_bund/publikationen/chemie/nanotechnologie_nanobiozide_faltblatt.pdf
3:https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/378/publikationen/texte_53_2015_annex_ii.pdf
4:https://www.daserste.de/information/ratgeber-service/haushaltscheck/03112014-haushalts-check-2-welche-waschtemperatur-100.html/
5:https://www.bewusst-haushalten.at/artikel/hygienisch-waschen-ohne-viren-und-bakterien/
6:https://www.energie-tipp.de/sparen/wohnen/energiesparen-beim-waschen/
7:https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/themenwelten/bauen-wohnen/Wohnen-Waesche-nur-bei-Krankheit-oder-Allergie-mit-60-Grad-waschen-id29076972.html
