Accidentally Put a Period Pad in the Washing Machine? (Here’s What to Do)
Finding out that you accidentally washed a period pad in your washing machine can be frustrating, messy, and even concerning. The absorbent material inside pads is designed to hold liquid, which means it can break apart and spread throughout your washer, leaving behind gel-like residue, lint, and sticky fibers that may clog drains and affect your machine’s performance.
If you’re dealing with this situation, don’t panic.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do step by step to clean up the mess, prevent damage to your washer, and restore your laundry to normal.
Table of Contents
What Happens When You Wash a Period Pad
Most modern period pads contain superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), cotton, and adhesive layers. When exposed to water, the absorbent core expands and breaks down into a gel-like substance. Here’s what typically happens when a pad goes through a wash cycle:
- The outer layer (cotton or synthetic cover) might stay intact but could separate from the absorbent core.
- The inner absorbent material absorbs water and bursts apart, releasing fluffy fibers and gel particles into the washing drum.
- The adhesive backing might stick to clothes or the drum, creating a sticky residue.
- If the pad has wings, the plastic film can tear and mix with the rest of the laundry, causing tangling.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Stop the Washing Machine Mid-Cycle (If Possible)
If you catch the mistake while the machine is still running, stop it immediately to prevent further damage. This reduces the chances of the gel clogging the drain pump or spreading too much.
- Press pause or stop on your washer’s control panel.
- If your machine locks during cycles, unplug it and wait for a few minutes for it to release.
If you didn’t realize the pad was inside until the cycle was over, proceed to the next step.
2. Remove All Clothes and Inspect for Gel Residue
Carefully take out all the laundry and shake off any gel-like particles. Some clothes may be covered in sticky gel or fibers. Here’s how to handle them:
- If the clothes have large clumps of gel, shake them over a sink or trash can to remove as much as possible.
- Use a lint roller or dry paper towel to wipe off sticky fibers.
- Rinse heavily affected items under cold running water before rewashing.
Do not put clothes in the dryer yet, as heat can make gel residue harder to remove.
3. Clean the Washing Machine Drum
Once all the laundry is removed, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the washer drum. Superabsorbent pad materials can get stuck in drum holes, seals, and the detergent drawer.
How to clean the drum:
- Wipe down the inside of the drum with a damp cloth or paper towels to remove visible gel clumps.
- Check the rubber seal (for front-load washers), as gel pieces can get stuck there. Pull back the seal and wipe inside.
- If needed, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove smaller particles from crevices.
4. Flush the Drain and Filter
Period pad gel can clog your washing machine drain pump and filter, leading to slow drainage or blockages.
How to clean the drain pump filter:
- Locate your washer’s drain filter (usually at the bottom front panel).
- Place a towel or shallow pan under the filter opening to catch water.
- Unscrew the filter cap and remove any debris, gel pieces, or lint buildup.
- Rinse the filter under running water before putting it back in place.
If your washer has a self-cleaning filter, run a rinse cycle to clear out any remaining debris.
5. Run an Empty Rinse Cycle
Once you’ve cleaned the drum and drain filter, run an empty rinse cycle to remove any remaining gel or fibers inside the washer.
- Select a hot water cycle with no detergent.
- If gel is still visible after the rinse, add half a cup of white vinegar and rerun the cycle to break down stubborn residue.
6. Rewash the Clothes
After confirming that your washing machine is clean, rewash the affected clothes.
- Use cold water and an extra rinse cycle to ensure any remaining gel or fibers are removed.
- If needed, add white vinegar or baking soda to help break down residue.
- Check clothes before drying to ensure no gel remains.
How to Prevent This from Happening Again
To avoid dealing with this mess in the future, follow these simple tips:
- Check all pockets and laundry items before loading to ensure no pads, tissues, or other debris are inside.
- Store period pads in a different area from your laundry hamper to prevent accidental inclusion.
- Consider using washable cloth pads or period underwear, which don’t contain gel-based absorbent materials.
- If you tend to forget items in the wash, set a habit of doing a quick check before pressing start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Washing a Period Pad Damage My Washing Machine?
A single washed period pad is unlikely to cause permanent damage, but repeated incidents can clog the drain pump, filter, or hoses, leading to costly repairs. Cleaning the machine immediately reduces the risk of long-term issues.
What If the Adhesive From the Pad Stuck to the Washer Drum?
If you notice sticky residue from the pad’s adhesive, scrub it off using:
- A warm soapy cloth
- A baking soda paste (baking soda + water)
- Rubbing alcohol or vinegar for stubborn residue
What If I Put a Tampon in the Wash Instead of a Pad?
A tampon will absorb water and expand, but since it lacks an adhesive backing, it typically won’t leave sticky residue. The cleanup is similar—remove large pieces, clean the drum, and run a rinse cycle.
Will Drying Clothes With Pad Residue in the Dryer Make It Worse?
Yes. Heat can make leftover gel particles stick to the fabric and become harder to remove. Always inspect and clean clothes thoroughly before placing them in the dryer.
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