Urinary incontinence is personal, sometimes frustrating, and a lot more common than people think. The real secret to navigating incontinence issues with less stress is not just about finding the right incontinence products, it’s about understanding what incontinence products are and knowing how to care for them properly, especially when you're using a reusable incontinence pad or absorbent underwear.
In this guide, we'll walk through the best way to wash incontinence products to keep them fresh, comfy, and long-lasting.
How Often Should You Wash Reusable Incontinence Pads?
Even if it looks clean or only slightly damp, washing incontinence pads after every use is the golden rule. It’s not just about aesthetics. Urine contains ammonia, and when left on fabrics, it can lead to odor, irritation, and bacterial infections.1 Frequent Washing prevents infection (like a urinary tract infection) and extends the life of your reusable pad or protective underwear.
Quick signs it’s time to wash your pads:
- They feel damp, even after airing out.
- There’s a faint (or not-so-faint) odor.
- Your skin feels itchy or irritated after use.
The bottom line? If an incontinence pad has been used, it’s ready for the wash.
Pre-Wash Steps: Preparing Your Pads for Cleaning
1. Rinsing Immediately After Use
Don’t skip this step. It’s key to washing incontinence pads and preventing stains and odors from setting in.
Why rinse right away?
- Urine can cause stains if it dries into the fabric.
- Bacteria love moist, warm environments. Rinsing your pads gets rid of quickly.
- It makes the actual wash (with detergent) more effective.
How to rinse pads safely:
- Use cool or lukewarm water — hot water can set stains.
- Gently squeeze (don’t wring) the pad to push out moisture.
- Avoid rubbing the fabric too hard because it breaks down absorbency over time.
2. Storing Used Pads Before Washing
If you’re not doing laundry properly, storing pads properly until it's time to do a load makes all the difference.
Smart storage tips:
- Use a breathable wet bag or open container — avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
- Toss in a sprinkle of baking soda to neutralize odors.
- Wash within 24–48 hours to prevent bacteria buildup.
Machine Washing vs. Hand Washing: What Works Best?
Both machine and hand washing work; the best option depends on your lifestyle, time, and preferences. Either way, the goal is to clean the pad without damaging its absorbent core or waterproof backing.
1. Choosing the Right Detergent
Using the wrong detergent can irritate sensitive skin, break down your pad’s absorbency, or leave behind chemical residue.
Avoid:
- Harsh chemicals
- Strong fragrances
- Bleach or fabric softeners (they coat the fibers and reduce absorbency)
Go for:
- Mild detergent made for sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly or baby-safe options
- Enzyme-free laundry detergent (enzymes can break down natural fibers)
2. Washing Reusable Incontinence Pads in a Washing Machine
Machine washing is effective when done correctly.
Best practices:
- Wash on warm or cold — hot water can wear down waterproof layers.
- Choose a gentle or normal cycle, depending on your machine.
- Use a second rinse cycle if possible, especially if you’re sensitive to detergent residue.
Tossing pads in a mesh laundry bag can help them last longer and prevent them from getting tangled with regular underwear or protective underwear.
3. Hand Washing: A Gentle Alternative
Hand washing is great for preserving pad integrity, especially if you’ve invested in high-quality, reusable incontinence pads.
Steps to do it right:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
- Soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently agitate with your hands.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Add a splash of white vinegar to the final rinse to neutralize odors naturally.
Got a stubborn stain? Apply a natural stain remover like lemon juice or a baking soda paste and water before washing.
Drying Reusable Incontinence Pads the Right Way
Here’s where things can get tricky.
Air drying is the safest option because it preserves elasticity and helps avoid heat damage to the waterproof backing. Plus, sunshine is nature’s best deodorizer and stain fighter.
But if you’re in a rush and need to use a dryer:
- Use a low heat setting on your dryer.
- Avoid dryer sheets (they coat the fabric and reduce absorbency).
- Lay flat to dry if possible—especially for reusable incontinence underwear or menstrual pads.
Preventing Odors and Buildup Over Time
Even with the best routine, incontinence products can start to hold onto smells over time. A few natural tricks can keep everything fresh without dousing your pads in chemicals.
Natural Deodorizing Methods
- White vinegar: Add ½ cup to your wash rinse cycle.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle some in the pre-wash soak or directly into the wash.
- Essential oils: A few drops of tea tree or lavender (added during rinse) can offer antimicrobial benefits — just use sparingly.
Deep clean your pads every few weeks with a longer soak in vinegar water or a specialty incontinence pad cleaner.
Best Storage Practices for Freshness
- Store your clean pads in a cool, dry area with airflow.
- Avoid airtight plastic bins — go for breathable containers or cloth bags.
- Rotate your stash so older pads get used regularly
Keeping Your Reusable Pads Clean for Maximum Comfort
Keeping your reusable incontinence pad collection clean isn’t complicated, but it does take a little care and consistency. Wash after every use, use a mild detergent, and give them the kind of TLC that helps them last.
When your incontinence pads are fresh, your confidence follows because you won’t have to worry about odor, irritation, or leaks creeping through. If you’ve ever wondered, are reusable pads better, understanding how to care for them properly is a big part of the answer. Just clean, absorbent support when and where you need it.
And if your current incontinence products aren’t holding up? Maybe it’s time to try something better. Rael’s reusable incontinence pads and regular incontinence pads are made for real people with real needs. They're comfortable, reliable, and kind to your skin and laundry routine.
Here’s to feeling dry, fresh, and unapologetically you every single day.
Sources:
- Barhum, Lana, and Bethany Grayland-Leech. “Urine Smells like Ammonia: Causes, Treatments, and Symptoms.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 20 May 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320903#uti. Date Accessed April 16, 2025.