Top Tips on How to Use Panty Liners
Is it okay to wear panty liners every day? What for, anyway? And how long can you wear them? If you’ve been pondering these questions, then worry no more! Here are our top tips on using liners like a pro so you can take on your day with confidence.
Using liners is a great way to stay fresh and protected throughout the day. Whether you're dealing with spotting between periods, vaginal discharge or irregular periods, liners can give you an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
Knowing how to wear, use, and dispose of liners might seem a little tricky, especially if you're using them for the first time. So whether you're new to this or a seasoned user, rest assured that we've got you covered.
Let's dive right in and discover how to:
Wearing panty liners
Wearing liners is a personal choice many of us make to feel fresh and protected. However, using them the wrong way can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, irritation.
Here are some tips we've put together to help you stay on top of your intimate hygiene.
First things first, what are panty liners for?
Liners are thin but mighty absorbent products that can deal with light to moderate flows (depending on the type of liner), ensuring you feel dry and fresh all day. This can include anything from daily vaginal discharge, spotting, sweat, after-sex fluids, or in some cases, light trickles of pee. Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that there’s a specific liner for each!
Liners are lightweight and compact, making them incredibly easy to carry around. Simply toss them into your bag and take them with you wherever you go. They are the perfect companion when you're out and about, ensuring you're prepared for whatever the day throws at you.
How do you use panty liners?
Using your liners is simple! Here's what you need to do:
- Find a private and clean space. Go to a place where you feel comfortable changing your liners. This could be in the bathroom at home or in a toilet cubicle at work or school.
- Clean your hands. To keep things hygienic, make sure to wash your hands before handling the liners.
- Remove the used liner (if you're already wearing one). Peel off the used liner gently from your underwear and wrap it in toilet paper or tissue or even in the wrap of the new liner. Then just throw it in the bin.
- Open a fresh liner. Unwrap the new liner from its packaging and remove the adhesive strip of paper in the back.
- Apply the fresh liner. Place the liner on the inside of your underwear gusset (that’s the bottom of the pants that goes between your legs and would rest against your vulva) with the adhesive strip side down, ensuring it is centred and covers the area where you need protection. If you're unsure about the front and back of the liner, you can check the instructions on the pack. A shape is usually drawn on the surface to help you figure out which way to pop it in your pants.
- Adjust your liner as necessary. Finally, pull your underwear up again and move around a bit to ensure that the liner is positioned correctly and lies comfortably against your skin. Don't worry if the liner isn't perfectly placed the first time or ends up slightly crooked. You can always test how it feels and readjust. It should be comfortable to wear to the point where you can barely feel anything.
And that’s it, you’re good to go!
Can you wear panty liners on your period?
While liners are not specifically designed for periods, they are a good alternative for days when you have a very light menstrual flow or to avoid any surprises in your pants – just before or right after your period.
If you’re dealing with menstrual flow, period pads are usually a better choice, as they have a more absorbent core and are specifically designed to provide you with the highest level of protection. There are also other alternative period products you could try, such as menstrual cups, tampons, or even period pants, to help you better manage your period.
Can you use panty liners in combination with period products?
During days when we have a heavier flow, we can all get anxious about period blood seeping into our underwear and staining our clothes. While choosing the right product for our type of flow should generally fix that, it’s also completely fine to wear liners together with tampons or menstrual cups for an extra layer of protection and much-needed peace of mind. Alternatively, you could switch tampons or cups for a pad or a pair of period pants – whatever you feel most comfortable in!
When it comes to picking the right product, it's all about what you prefer and how heavy your flow is. It might take a little trial and error at the beginning to figure out which one suits you best — that happens to many of us! Just remember, you don't have to commit to one product forever, not even for the length of a single period. The key is doing what's right for your cycle and choosing the products that let you tackle your flow with confidence.
Not sure which period product is right for you ? With so many options to choose from, finding the right one can be tricky. Luckily, we've got a guide to help you learn everything about period products so that you can make the best choice for you.
You can also sign up for our newsletter if you’d like to find out more about periods and beyond!
Is it okay to wear panty liners every day?
The short answer is yes! Liners can be used as regularly as you like, and they are safe for everyday wear.
Just remember to change them frequently, typically every 3 to 4 hours or whenever you feel it's necessary to stay feeling fresh and dry.
And keep in mind that one of the keys to a healthy V-Zone (that’s everything to do with your vagina, vulva, and the V-shaped front of your body) is a daily shower. Always focus on washing your vulva (the external bits, not your vagina) with clean and warm water. And be sure to steer clear of any harsh soaps or fragranced gels, as they can unsettle your natural vaginal pH balance, leading to skin irritation and sometimes even infections. There are washes specially designed for your intimate area, after all!
In situations when showering might not be an option (for example, if you're camping or attending a festival) or when you want to maintain a feeling of freshness throughout the day as part of your daily hygiene routine, using intimate wipes can be really helpful. Just remember always to wipe front to back to avoid any bacteria transferring from your bum to your vulva.
Changing panty liners
Knowing when and how to change your liners is essential to maintaining good intimate hygiene. Regularly changing them helps prevent unwanted odours, keeps you dry, and reduces the risk of potential vaginal infections.
How often should you change your panty liners?
While there’s no definite rule, changing your liners every 3 to 4 hours is generally a good idea to help you stay fresh and protected for longer.
Of course, the frequency of changing your liners depends on your flows and personal preference. For instance, if you happen to have a day with a heavier discharge, you may decide you want to change your liners more often. Or if the weather is hot and humid, your V-Zone might sweat more than usual, creating a warm and moist environment where bacteria could thrive. A regular liner change can help keep those odds low and ensure good personal hygiene.
The key is listening to your body and adjusting your changing routine to feel your best throughout the day. Keeping a supply of liners on hand is also a good idea, so you’re always prepared for any unexpected moments.
Disposing of panty liners
When it comes to flushing things down the toilet, remember the 3 P’s – paper (toilet paper), poo and pee. Those are the only things you should flush. If you’re getting rid of intimate products – whether it’s a panty liner, tampon, wet wipe, condom or anything else that isn’t the three P’s for that matter – remember to bin it, don’t flush it!
Are panty liners flushable?
No! Liners are not flushable and should be disposed of properly with common waste.
In other words, it’s best to place your used liners in a bin if you want to avoid plumbing mishaps (who doesn’t?). So, try to resist the temptation to send them on a one-way trip down the toilet!
And there you have it, everything there is to know on liners basics. In a nutshell, it’s all about knowing how to wear them, changing them regularly, and disposing of them properly.
And remember, using liners is a personal choice and all about finding what works best for you and your body. Whether you choose to wear them every day or just occasionally, it’s completely up to you!
Want to explore more? Why not discover everything you need to know about intimate hygiene and the key differences between liners vs pads?
