How to wash washable incontinence underwear: a simple NZ guide
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The quick answer
Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with regular laundry detergent, then hang to dry. You can also hand wash. Don’t use bleach, and don’t tumble dry or iron. It’s much the same as washing everyday underwear, and the main difference is a little longer drying time.
If you’re still deciding which style to buy, start with our complete guide to choosing incontinence underwear.
Is washable incontinence underwear hard to look after?
No. If you can wash everyday underwear, you can look after washable incontinence underwear. The absorbent layers are built in, so you don’t need special products. A few small habits keep them working well and lasting longer, and this guide covers all of them.
How to wash it, step by step
- Wash before first use. As with any new underwear, give it one wash first.
- Rinse if you like. After wearing, a quick rinse in cold water helps, especially if you can’t wash straight away. It isn’t essential.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use regular laundry detergent, in the usual amount. More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner, and leftover detergent can cause smells and affect absorbency.
- Hang to dry. Use a clothesline or a clothes airer. Make sure it’s completely dry before wearing.
- Don’t use bleach, and don’t tumble dry or iron.
Prefer to hand wash? That works too. Wash in a basin of cold water with a little detergent, gently squeeze the fabric, and rinse until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the water rather than twisting it.
Do’s and don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wash after every wear | Use bleach |
| Use regular detergent in the usual amount | Tumble dry or iron |
| Dry completely before wearing | Wash with towels, which shed lint |
| Rinse soon after use when you can | Leave wet underwear sealed in a bag for days |
How long does it take to dry?
Longer than regular underwear, because of the absorbent layers. In a NZ winter, a few things help:
- Use a clothes airer in a warm, well-ventilated room.
- A dehumidifier speeds things up a lot.
- Turn the underwear over partway through.
- Keep it away from direct heat, such as sitting on a heater.
- Dry outside in fresh air when you can.
This is also why a simple rotation works well: one pair to wear, one in the wash, one spare. For more on how many pairs you need, see our complete guide.
What if it smells?
Smells after washing usually come from one of three things:
- It sat damp for too long before washing.
- Too much detergent was used, which leaves residue.
- It wasn’t completely dry before it was worn or put away.
To fix it:
- Wash soon after use, or rinse and keep it somewhere airy until wash day.
- Use the right amount of detergent, and add an extra rinse cycle.
- Dry completely, in fresh air if possible.
What about stains?
Rinse in cold water as soon as you can, because hot water can set a stain. Then wash as usual.
What if the underwear gets soiled?
If there’s bowel soiling, tip the solids into the toilet, rinse the underwear in cold water, then wash it as normal. Wear gloves, and wash your hands well afterwards. If soiling happens often, speak to your GP or a continence advisor.
If you’re washing for someone else
Many families look after laundry for a parent or partner. A few things make it easier:
- Keep a small, ventilated laundry basket in the bathroom, rather than a sealed bag.
- Wash these items together on their own, so towels and other lint-shedders stay out.
- Make it part of your normal laundry routine, so it feels ordinary and not like a chore.
Insert pads and bed pads
Our insert pads and washable bed pads are washed the same way as the underwear. See our Washing Instructions page for the full details.
Sensitive skin
If your skin is sensitive, add an extra rinse cycle. Detergent left in the fabric is a common cause of irritation. If you want a gentler option, use a fragrance-free detergent.
When to replace it
Washable underwear is made to be reused many times. Look out for these signs that a pair is past its best:
- It doesn’t hold liquid the way it used to, even after a careful wash.
- The fabric has become thin or worn.
- The elastic has lost its stretch.
- A smell stays even after careful washing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need to rinse before washing?
A: No, it’s optional. A cold rinse soon after use can help keep stains from setting, but you can wash straight away.
Q: What temperature and cycle should I use?
A: Cold water on a gentle cycle, with regular laundry detergent.
Q: Can I tumble dry or iron it?
A: No. Hang it to dry.
Q: Can I use bleach?
A: No.
Q: Can I hand wash it?
A: Yes. Use cold water and a little detergent, and rinse until the water runs clear.
Q: How often should I wash it?
A: fter every wear. A wet or soiled pair shouldn’t be worn again.
Q: Can I wash it with other clothes?
A: Yes, with similar colours. Keep it away from towels, which shed lint.
Go deeper
Complete guide to choosing incontinence underwear
How to choose the right absorbency
Washable vs disposable incontinence products
Ready to shop? Browse our washable incontinence underwear, or contact us for a personalised recommendation.