How to wash and dry incontinence underwear

How to care for your absorbent underwear

Congratulations on choosing reusable incontinence underwear instead of single-use pads and guards. If you’re new to washable absorbent underwear you may have a few questions about how to look after them. We’re here to help...

Do I have to wash my new leakproof underwear before I wear them?

Yes. It’s important that you wash your underwear to activate our multi-layered absorbent textile ready for use. Please remove the hygiene sticker and wash your new undies according to the care instructions

How do I wash my pee-proof pants?

Our leakproof absorbent products can be hand or machine washed just like your ordinary laundry, offering a discreet, convenient and eco-friendly alternative to single-use pads and shields. Just turn them inside out and pop them in the washing machine on delicate cycle below 40°C/105°F, or you can hand wash them if you prefer. Use your ordinary washing powder or liquid. Do not bleach them, use fabric conditioner or antibacterial sprays or dry clean them.

Here are the little symbols that tell you what to do (and what not to do):

What do those little laundry symbols mean anyway?  

There are different versions for different countries (which is why we have two rows of slightly different symbols), but here's a translation:

Wash at or below 40°C. The two dots mean below 105°F in the USA. The bar underneath means to use delicate cycle.

Do not bleach.

Can be tumble dried. The single dot in the middle means to keep your dryer at low temperature.

You can iron your underwear should the urge take you (though we can’t imagine why it would). The single dot in the middle means to keep the iron temperature low.

Do not dry clean.

Why can’t I use fabric conditioner on my Confitex underwear?  

It interferes with the absorbency of the textile and means they won’t be so absorbent next time you wear them.

Can I wash my absorbent underwear with other laundry?

Yes! Just turn them inside out, give them a quick rinse then toss them in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry.

Can I hand wash my pee-proof pants?  

Yes, you can hand wash them in a bucket of water that’s no warmer than 40°C/105°F.

Why turn them inside out before washing?  

If your underwear go through the wash bundled up in a little ball with the waterproof, leakproof layer on the outside, the water won’t get a chance to rinse through them thoroughly. That’s why we don’t recommend putting them in a delicates bag either.

Do I have to wash my leakproof pants straight away after I wear them?

If you don’t have time to wash your underwear straight away you can just rinse them in cool water, then squeeze or wring out most of the water and set them aside until washing day. Some users tell us they just rinse them while they’re in the shower.

Can I put my pee-proof pants in the dryer?

Yes! Unlike most other brands of absorbent underwear, you can dry our underwear in the tumble dryer. If you don't have the time or inclination to hang them on the washing line you can safely pop them in the tumble dryer instead – without affecting their leakproof performance.

Why can’t other brands be tumble dried?  

Not a lot of people know this, but most reusable incontinence underwear contains a layer of polyurethane plastic as waterproofing to prevent the urine from leaking right through. But the plastic tends to warp and shrink when it’s subjected to heat, so if you accidentally put them through the dryer the chances are the plastic will distort, leading to leaks. And even if you manage to rescue them from the washing pile before it goes in the dryer, repeated washing will eventually break down the plastic, also reducing its ability to prevent leaks.

How long do absorbent undies take to dry?

Because they’re designed specifically to absorb and hold liquid, incontinence underwear will take longer than ordinary underwear to dry – about the same amount of time as a pair of thick sports socks. That’s why it’s so handy that ours can be thrown in the dryer on low heat so you can wear them again sooner – meaning you need fewer pairs. Of course, you can also hang them on the washing line outside – just keep them away from direct sunlight. They can also be dried in an airing closet or on an indoor drying rack or heated towel rail. Because the outer layer is designed to retain liquid, they’ll dry faster if you turn them inside out.

Do pee-proof pants smell?  

Our absorbent underwear has been lab tested and verified odour-resistant by independent standards laboratory UL. Others won't be able to smell urine while you’re wearing them, but some customers do report a slightly stale smell developing after they have been washed a few times, especially if they are left in the washing machine too long after washing, or not completely dried through each time. This is common to many high-performance sportswear textiles. To refresh them, we recommend periodically submerging them in a solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar, then allowing them to soak for about 30 minutes before transferring them to the washing machine and washing as normal. Ensure they are completely dried before reuse – you can safely pop them in the tumble dryer on low heat to make sure.

How long can I wear my leakproof underwear?  

Because our underwear is so high performing, you may not need to change as often as other brands, which may mean you need to buy fewer pairs. Many customers with only light bladder leakage tell us they can comfortably wear the same pair for 24 hours. If your flow is heavier you may wish to change them twice a day – maybe after the gym or before going out. Unlike most brands of absorbent underwear, our products can safely be tumble dried, which allows for quick turnaround between wear – another reason you may need fewer pairs than other brands recommend.

How many pairs of leakproof underwear do I need?  

We suggest buying one pair (or one pair of each absorbency) first to check how they work for you, then building up to at least five pairs, which should see you through a week with one load of washing in the middle.

How long do pee-proof pants last?  

Luckily our leakproof underwear are built to last. We know this because independent standards laboratory UL washed and dried them over and over again, then tested them to see if they were still doing the job they were designed to do. After more than 52 wash and dry cycles, they couldn’t find any deterioration in their absorbency or leakproof performance. That means every pair you buy will prevent at least 52 single-use products from reaching landfill – or many more if you usually use more than one pad, guard or shield in a day.

Shop Confitex leakproof underwear now

you may like

  • TRUNKS EVERYDAY

    SHORT TRUNKS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    Shop reusable men's incontinence pants with a slimline absorbent and leakproof pouch designed for everyday protection against minor drips and dribbles. Now available in iron grey or black pinstripe.
    Shop now
  • TRUNKS EXTRA

    SHORT TRUNKS

    EXTRA ABSORBENCY

    Confitex washable men's incontinence boxer shorts are lab-verified to provide superior leakproof protection for light-to-moderate bladder leakage.
    Shop now
  • COTTON MIDI EVERYDAY

    COTTON MIDI BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    These leakproof period pants in soft stretch cotton also offer protection if you pee a little when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
    Shop now
  • COTTON MIDI EXTRA

    COTTON MIDI BRIEFS

    EXTRA ABSORBENCY

    These on-trend midi briefs in soft stretch cotton give lab-verified protection for heavy periods and moderate bladder leaks.
    Shop now
  • FULL BRIEFS EVERYDAY

    FULL BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    Comfy absorbent women’s briefs designed for mild bladder leaks and light-to-moderate period days.
    Shop now
  • FULL BRIEFS EXTRA

    FULL BRIEFS

    EXTRA ABSORBENCY

    This multi-tasking washable period-proof and pee-proof underwear has been lab-verified to absorb more than ten teaspoons!
    Shop now
  • LACE FULL BRIEFS

    LACE FULL BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    Our signature lace-backed leakproof full briefs , offering both period-proof and pee-proof protection.
    Shop now
  • LACE MIDI EVERYDAY

    LACE MIDI BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    On-trend midi briefs with flattering lace back give absorbent protection from mild leakage and light-to-medium periods.
    Shop now
  • LACE MIDI EXTRA

    LACE MIDI BRIEFS

    EXTRA ABSORBENCY

    Cute midi-style absorbent underwear with flattering lace back panel designed for heavy periods and moderate leaks.
    Shop now
  • STRIPE MIDI BRIEFS

    STRIPE MIDI BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    Medium-rise absorbent briefs for period and pee protection with flattering self-stripe and a cheeky back view. Please note our Stripe Midi Briefs run smaller than our other styles, so please size up from your usual Just’nCase fit.
    Shop now
  • STRIPE MIDI BRIEFS

    STRIPE MIDI BRIEFS

    EVERYDAY ABSORBENCY

    Medium-rise absorbent briefs for period and pee protection with flattering self-stripe and a cheeky back view. Please note our Stripe Midi Briefs run smaller than our other styles, so please size up from your usual Just’nCase fit.
    Shop now