Do Period Pants Smell?

Wiff Busters: Here’s Why Period Pads Don’t Smell

Period pants are becoming increasingly popular; they are reusable, eco-friendly, and can last for years. However, one common question that we get asked is, “Do period pants smell?” Understandably, this is a concern for those who are interested in trying reusable period wear for the first time or for regular users who just want to ensure they stay fresh and odour-free. In this blog post, we explore whether period pants smell and offer tips on how to maintain your period pants to ensure they remain as fresh as the day you bought them.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: do period pants really smell? The short answer is no, not if they are properly maintained and washed. However, it's important to note that any type of period product can potentially develop an odour if not taken care of correctly. This can happen due to the buildup of bacteria or residual menstrual blood from inadequate laundering.

Unlike disposable products such as pads and tampons, period pants are designed to prevent odour from developing in the first place. At NORA, our period pants are made with a unique 4-layer moisture-wicking system that quickly absorbs any moisture to keep you feeling fresh and dry, plus the active charcoal bamboo in the pads prevents bacteria and odour build up. They still need correct cleaning though to ensure your period pants stay odour-free.

Our first tip is to rinse your period pants in cold water after use. This helps to remove any excess blood and prevent any stains from setting in rinsing in hot water does the opposite and actually sets stains). Once rinsed, you can either wash them straight away or store them in a waterproof bag or container until you’re ready to wash them. Launder within 48 hours of use and don’t let them dry out.

When it comes to washing period pants, it’s important to follow the specific care instructions provided by the brand. For our NORA period pants, we recommend washing them on a cool wash at 30 degrees with non-bio powder and no fabric softener. This will keep your pants in tip top condition for years to come.

So, do period pants smell? The answer is no - period pants are designed to prevent odour from developing in the first place. However, to ensure your period pants stay fresh and odour-free make sure you rinse them in cold water and wash them on a cool 30 degree cycle. At NORA, we believe that reusable period wear should be straightforward and easy to manage, so you can focus on getting through your period confidently and comfortably. If you haven’t already, you should give period pants a go and join in the growing tribe of people with periods raving about how amazing they are!