There are some things we don't always want to bring up in a group chat on a Facebook Group post, even when we can post anonymously or with a nickname ;-) One of those is the "scent" issue. If you have ever noticed a lingering, slightly sharp or ammonia-like smell coming from your period pants, you might be worried that they aren't hygienic or that there is something wrong with your period underwear.
At Sahara, we believe in being open and honest about the practicalities of period apparel. We provide reliable solutions for women and girls in the UAE, and that means helping you get the best out of your products.
The good news? If you do experience this, it is almost certainly not a fault with the period underwear, and it isn’t a reflection on your hygiene either. It is usually down to one very specific, easily fixed factor: letting your period underwear dry properly.
To ensure your period pants stay fresh and perform perfectly, the drying process is the most important factor. Because high-quality period underwear is designed with multiple absorbent layers, it naturally takes a little longer to dry than a standard pair of pants.
What Causes This Scent?
While most women use their Sahara period panties for years without ever noticing a scent, it can occasionally occur for one simple reason: moisture trapped within the absorbent layers during the drying process.
Good quality period pants are designed to be high-performing. They feature a multi-layered gusset that locks fluid away to keep you dry and comfortable. However, because these layers are so effective at holding liquid, they also need a bit of extra time to ensure they are completely dry after washing.
If period underwear is put away or worn again before those middle layers are completely dry, the trapped moisture can develop a stale, sharp scent. The outside of the pants might feel dry to the touch, but the inner layers might still be a little damp.
Simple Laundry Habits for Freshness
The way we manage our regular laundry impacts how all our clothes feel and smell - not just period pants. If you do notice a scent issue, check if any of these common household laundry habits are creeping in:
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Too much detergent: It sounds counter-intuitive, but using extra soap doesn't actually lead to cleaner clothes. Much like when you wash high-quality bath towels, using too much detergent can leave a residue behind within the fabric. This build-up makes it harder for the water to rinse the layers thoroughly, which can prevent the pants from feeling and smelling as fresh as they should.
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Leaving them in the machine: Leaving any wet load of washing in the machine for even an hour after the cycle finishes can cause a damp smell to settle into the fabric.
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The "Damp Drawer" Effect: Placing period panties that are 95% dry into a dark, closed drawer is the most common culprit. It’s an easy mistake to make when the exterior feels dry.
Refreshing Your Period Pants
If your period underwear has developed a scent, there is a very easy way to refresh it. Because our products are built for durability, they can handle a simple "reset" to get them back to their best.
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The Vinegar Soak: Before the next wash, soak the clean period pants in a bowl of cold water with a cup of white vinegar for about 30 minutes. Vinegar is a brilliant natural deodoriser that breaks down mineral build-up and neutralises scents without damaging the fabrics.
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The Thorough Pre-Rinse: This is a step that shouldn't be skipped. Always rinse the pants thoroughly in cold water until the water runs completely clear before they go into the washing machine. This removes the bulk of the fluid so the machine wash can focus entirely on freshening the fabric.
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Skip the Softener: This is essential. Fabric softeners coat the fibres of the towel and decrease absorbency.
A Note on Water Temperature
We recommend washing your Sahara period panties at 30°C. A super-hot wash of 60°C or 90°C isn’t necessary and can eventually damage the leak-proof layers.
We know that during a UAE summer, the "cold" water coming out of the tap can feel significantly hotter than 30°C! Don't worry - your period underwear can handle the natural seasonal increase in water temperature. The goal is simply to avoid the intentionally high-heat settings on your washing machine.
Managing the Routine at Home
Sahara period pants look and feel so much like regular, high-quality underwear, and can easily be washed as part of your normal laundry load. To make sure they are handled correctly, we recommend using a Sahara period pants laundry bag. This makes your period underwear easy to spot before they go into the machine, so you can remember to skip the fabric softener for that wash (if you normally use it). It also serves as a helpful reminder when the clothes are being hung out that these specific items need to be completely dry before they are tucked away in a drawer.
Local Support from Sahara
Natalie has been specialising in the UAE period market since 2018. We understand the specific differences of living here - from the summer humidity to the way our home laundry systems work.
If you have questions about care, or if you’re a parent helping your daughter navigate her first few months with period underwear, please reach out. We are a local, female-owned business right here in the community. We are always happy to offer personalised advice to make sure you and your daughter feel confident, comfortable, and prepared.
Do you have a question about making the switch to Sahara? Send us a message - hello@mysahara.me or WhatsApp on +971 56 448 8457.