How to Store Reusable Incontinence Pants & Pads

5 February 2025 | Admin

Why Proper Storage Matters

Every single day, over 1 million disposable incontinence products are thrown away in the UK alone. Isn't that a staggering number?

That’s a huge amount of waste heading straight to landfill, where it can take hundreds of years to break down. The good news? Reusable incontinence products offer a comfortable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative.

But to get the most out of your reusables, proper care and storage are essential. Storing your reusable incontinence pants and absorbent pads correctly keeps them fresh, hygienic, and long-lasting, so they continue providing the best protection whenever you need them.

If you use incontinence products regularly, we'd really recommend strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. Incorporating Secret Whispers Kegel Weights into your daily routine helps improve bladder control over time, reducing the need for incontinence pads altogether.

Here’s exactly how to store your reusables, both day-to-day and for long-term storage.

1. Store in a Wetbag

The first step after changing your reusable incontinence pad or pants is storing them safely until wash time.

Use a waterproof wetbag. A wetbag is a breathable, leak-proof storage bag designed for used pads and pants. It keeps odours contained and stops any leaks from getting onto clothing or surfaces.
Keep it zipped to prevent unwanted smells and keep everything neatly contained.

'Second purchase of the liners, this time with charcoal instead of bamboo. Great product and I think the charcoal is a better choice as no matter how much I soak and prewash, the bamboo still stains. The wash bag is great too, plenty of room to store around 10 liners.' Trustpilot Review

2. Rinse Immediately (If Possible)

Rinsing used incontinence products straight after wearing helps prevent staining and odours from setting in.

Run your pads or pants under cold water, as hot water (40c+) can set stains.
Give them a gentle squeeze to remove excess liquid.
If you’re out and about, store them in a wetbag and rinse when you get home.
Don’t leave soiled products sitting unwashed for days—this makes them harder to clean and can lead to unpleasant smells.

3. Soak in a Container (Optional, But Recommended)

Alternatively, you can soak reusable incontinence products before washing.

Use a container with cold water - the Strucket is amazing for this as it is a combined strainer and bucket!
Add a dash of stain-removing powder or a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to help neutralise odours. Bicarb will break down any uric acid build up so it's a GREAT idea!
Soak for up to 24 hours to avoid fabric damage.
Don't use bleach or similar, it will damage your pants or pads

'This product has been a game changer for me as it is so useful to store/soak products until there is enough to wash. Small enough not to take too much room up and big enough to fit 4/5 pants in for soaking. I love the fact you don't have to put your hands in the bucket to release the dirty water.' Strucket Review

4. Wash Correctly

Once your incontinence pads and pants are rinsed and soaked, it’s time to wash them properly.

Wash in the washing machine at 40°C and not hotter. This temperature is hot enough to clean effectively without damaging absorbent layers.
Use your normal detergent - as long as it works on the rest of your clothes, it will work on your incontinence products too.
Wash with similar items, avoiding heavily soiled laundry, as fabric conditioners and greasy stains can reduce absorbency.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it coats the fabric and makes it less absorbent over time.

5. Drying Correctly

How you dry your reusable incontinence products makes all the difference in keeping them fresh and absorbent.

Air dry whenever possible by hanging your pants or washable pads INSIDE OUT in a well-ventilated space.
Use a low heat setting if tumble drying, as a high heat setting can weaken waterproof backing.
Don’t dry directly on a radiator, as this can cause damage over time.
Don’t leave them damp for too long, as this can encourage mould and bacteria growth.

Sunlight is a natural stain remover and antibacterial agent—if possible, dry them in direct sunlight.

What About Long-Term Storage?

If you won’t be using your reusable incontinence products for several months or longer, store them properly to keep them fresh and ready for use when needed.

Make sure they’re totally dry before storing, as any leftover moisture can cause mould.
Store in a breathable cotton bag or container to protect them from dust while allowing airflow.
Avoid plastic storage, as it can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
Don’t leave them in a damp bathroom. Choose a cool, dry place like a wardrobe or drawer.

Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor to Reduce Leaks

While washable absorbent incontinence products are a fantastic alternative to disposables, many people find that strengthening their pelvic floor helps reduce leaks over time. Using Secret Whispers Kegel Weights is a simple and effective way to train your pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to better bladder control and less reliance on pads in the long run.

If you're looking for a way to improve your confidence and take control of incontinence, pelvic floor training is a great place to start.

Looking for the best reusable incontinence products? Check out our full range:

If you're working on improving your pelvic floor, Secret Whispers Kegel Weights can help strengthen your muscles for better bladder control over time.

Have any questions or personal storage tips? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

Or, if you've got any questions about types of pads for incontinence or period protection, please drop us a line – we love to talk pee, poo, and periods and are always happy to help!

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as pads and tampons were no longer an option for her menstrual flow and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads for any type of period and flow day.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.