women's underwear
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
March 14, 2024 ·  3 min read

Some people are just finding out why they get bleach patches on their underwear

Individuals have long been pondering the cause behind those bothersome bleach patches on their underwear. But at last, the answer is here. Rest assured; your washing machine is not at fault. You may have come across individuals extolling the might of their intimate areas. It might astonish you to learn that the vagina actually possesses the ability to alter the color of your undergarments. More precisely, it can even induce a “bleaching” effect on them.

Have you ever found bleach patches on your underwear?

Numerous individuals have experienced heightened levels of frustration and embarked on a desperate quest for answers regarding the peculiar bleach-like stains adorning their underwear. Fortunately, the long-awaited answer has finally emerged.

As it turns out, the source of these “bleach” patches can be attributed to the natural pH levels of the vagina. While this may sound alarming, the healthy explanation effectively dispels any speculation of malfunctioning washing machines or subpar clothing quality.

Anna Russell explaining bleach patches on your underwear
Image Credit: @annrussell03/TikTok

pH levels play a crucial role in determining the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.

Numerous individuals have taken to the comments section, shedding light on the fact that this phenomenon is entirely normal and indicative of good health. A particular tweet reads: “Now that everyone is aware, it’s completely normal to discover lighter patches in a woman’s underwear or knickers due to the acidic nature of the vagina, with a pH range of 3.8-4.5. So, I suppose it’s time to abandon the notion of it being a result of poor hygiene. In fact, a healthy vagina is one that can bleach the fabric.

Read: Mom And Mother-In-Law Disagree Over Buying 12-Year-Old A Thong

These comments serve to emphasize the normalcy of this occurrence further and challenge any misconceptions related to hygiene. Another comment enthusiastically states: “I fully support the normalization of discussions around bodily functions! And all other topics too.” A third person chimes in: “Being a vagina owner myself, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience this issue. There’s nothing wrong with you if it happens, and there’s nothing wrong with you if it doesn’t.”

Read: This Midwife’s Realistic Demonstrations On How Big A Cervix Gets During Vaginal Childbirth Are Going Mega Viral

So as it turns out, bleach patches on your underwear are pretty normal

Panties hung outside on a washing line
Image Credit: 🐴chuanyu2015 / Pexels

Medical News Today confirms that the typical pH level of the vagina ranges between 3.8 and 5. However, this balance can be influenced by factors such as infections, douching, and the presence of menstrual blood. According to The Mirror, Dr. Vanessa MacKay, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains, “The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism through natural secretions. It contains beneficial bacteria that serve to protect it.”

Dr. MacKay further elaborates that any disruption to this natural balance can potentially result in infections like bacterial vaginosis or thrush. As well as inflammation. She emphasizes that it is entirely normal and healthy for a woman to produce a clear or white discharge from her vagina. Reinforcing the importance of understanding and accepting these natural bodily functions.

Keep Reading: It Used To Be Common For Women To Use Lysol To Clean Their Vagina And Here’s Why

Sources

  1. Bleached Patches In Your Underwear: What Are They?IGV. Ryan Wilks. June 28, 2023
  2. TikTok. @annrussell03
  3. Your vagina may be bleaching your underwear – and why it’s a good sign.” The Mirror UK. Zahra Mulroy. November 17, 2018