You might be thinking “Hang on. Cloth pads? Wasn’t this a thing back in the 20th century?” - and you’d be right. Cloth pads might not be a new invention, but it is definitely not a bad one - as it brings several benefits.
For me, dumping disposable pads and switching to cloth pads was almost a life-changing experience. I love my cloth pads - they are great to wear and I feel better knowing I’m contributing a little bit more towards a zero-waste world.
Before we chat about how to use reusable cloth pads, it might be worth mentioning what they actually are, and what benefits they bring.
What are they made of? How do you use them? Are they actually more sustainable? Many women are asking these questions: if you are one of them, here are the answers you seek.
The general idea of reusable pads is that they last. No more having to throw out the disposable pad (nor forgetting it in the bathroom…). Of course, the number of pads you’ll want depends on the flow and length of your period and the size of the cloth pad. It also depends on the number of times you’ll need to change the pad during the day, like with disposable pads.
Moreover, some pads actually come with a water-resistant lining, providing even more security. But - to be on the safe side - my advice would be to change your pad at least 2 times a day.
Reusable pads are made to be quite absorbent. They are also made out of breathable materials like bamboo and organic cotton. That means you won’t have to deal with any discomfort that may occur when using typical disposable pads - which won’t make it feel like you have to change the pad every hour.
Is switching to reusable worth it?
Well, if you’re interested in zero waste and sustainable practices, absolutely! There are many reasons reusable pads could be a great addition to your life.
As previously mentioned, reusable pads are made out of organic materials such as cotton and bamboo. One-use pads are plastic-based, and due to their single-use nature, making them more harmful to the environment.
Another reason is to avoid spending a ton of money on countless amounts of one-time-use pads every month (also see our article on how to make reusable pads!). And, last but not least, they come in all sorts of fancy patterns. Using cloth pads is actually quite fun - even if being on our period is certainly anything but!
So, if you want a pretty (and useful) solution to saving the environment - and your bank balance - the answer is: yes, cloth pads are definitely worth it. And many women are starting to see the light.
Yes! With proper care - and regular washing - reusable pads are perfectly sanitary. They are made out of breathable fabric which allows the humidity to escape and stay clear of unwanted odors and skin irritation. Disposable pads might also carry some undesired chemicals that might be unhealthy.
The obvious difference between disposable pads and reusable pads is that one you throw out, and the other you have to wash. And although it might seem like an obstacle, there are actually quite easy (and quick!) ways to freshen up your pads again.
Before you learn how to take care of your pad, there are a couple of things you’ll want to do first:
Just like regular pads, cloth menstrual pads come in different shapes and sizes.
Figuring out which one is right for you would depend on how heavy your flow is, to essentially find the right thickness. And, if you’re like me, that’s really important!
To determine the size for your reusable menstrual pad simply measure your disposable pad. Or - if you’ve never used a pad before - determine the size of your pad based on your blood flow. Although, if your pad doesn’t quite fit the first time, don’t worry. Actually, 60% of women wear the wrong fit.
The popular disposable pad brand, Always, created this visual guide to help women with their pad sizing.
Via Always.com
The popular disposable pad brand, Always, created this visual guide to help women with their pad sizing.
My personal tip: Get a few different sizes to use for different times.
For example, I keep lite flow pads snapped permanently in about 1/4 of my underwear. I love having an abundance of those to grab for in the mornings when I know my period is coming up soon but I'm not sure when. It takes away any worry of being caught off guard and you can hardly feel them in your underwear anyways so no reason not to.
Lite is also great on the tail end of your period when you just aren't 100% sure it's over.
Menstrual products need not be as boring as the big brands make them seem.
Disposable pads are always plain and white, so why not get a bit of variety by using the more environmentally friendly and fun cloth pads? They come in different colours and prints, all you have to do is pick the one that suits your personality the best! You can even get small bags to carry your pads with you. And, yes, the cute prints follow as well.
Okay, you're now thinking about a switch to cloth. But how to go about it? Here's how to take care of your new, sustainable and personal pads:
To get started, if you have used a disposable pad before then you already know what to do. Just like disposable pads, cloth pads are easy to put on and pull off. They usually have wings that can snap on the outside of your panties, which keeps your underwear clean and dry. And - to be completely sure - some cloth pads even have waterproof linings on the back of their pads - for extra safety!
How often you change your pad depends on your flow. If you have a heavy flow, the more often you’ll have to change it. Sometimes you might need to change your pad even outside the comforts of your own home, but you needn’t worry. This is where the small pouches come in. They’re perfect for storing your used pad and prevent any sort of odor or fluids from ruining your stuff!
Washable cloth pads are a game-changer for eco-friendly people like myself. It's not only a much better alternative but also much less effort than you'd think.
Ideally, you should wash your pad before using it for the first time, as well as after you’ve used it.
Washing them is just as easy as washing any other clothing item. You can do anything from throwing it into the washing machine to washing it by hand - or even boiling the pad. The choice is entirely yours.
However, if you decide to wash your pads by hand, you might want to soak them in water before washing them - as it helps to avoid stains on your pads. Of course, if stains don’t scare you, go ahead and boil that cloth pad - to make sure it’s extra sanitary!
Whether you prefer the first or the second, the main goal here is which option fits your timetable and works best for you.
If you want more details make sure to check out our full guide on how to wash your reusable pads here.
Making the switch to cloth menstrual pads isn't just about personal comfort and health; it's a significant step towards reducing your environmental footprint and saving money. Let's dive into how cloth pads make a difference in these areas:
Cloth menstrual pads offer several benefits. They are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they are made from organic materials like cotton and bamboo, reducing waste. They also save money in the long run, since you're not constantly buying disposable pads. Plus, they come in a variety of fun prints and colors!
The duration for using a single pad depends on your menstrual flow. Generally, it's recommended to change your pad at least twice a day for hygiene purposes. However, if you have a heavier flow, you might need to change more frequently.
Absolutely! Cloth menstrual pads are made from breathable fabrics, which allow for good air circulation and reduce odors and irritation. As long as you wash them regularly and properly, they are perfectly sanitary.
To choose the right size, you can measure your disposable pad or base it on your menstrual flow. Most women need some time to find the perfect fit, so don't worry if it takes a couple of tries. Also, explore different prints and styles to find one that suits your personality.
You can wash cloth pads by machine or by hand. If you choose hand washing, it's a good idea to soak them first to minimize staining. Alternatively, you can boil them for extra sanitation. Always wash the pads before the first use and after each use to maintain hygiene.
Yes, cloth menstrual pads are suitable for all types of flow, including heavy flow. Just make sure to choose a pad with the right thickness and absorbency for your needs.
In the long run, yes. While the initial investment in cloth pads may be higher than buying a pack of disposables, they can be reused for years, which saves money over time.
Small waterproof pouches are great for storing used pads when you're out and about. They keep odors and fluids contained, ensuring your bag stays clean.
Cloth pads are less likely to cause irritation compared to disposable ones, as they are made from natural, breathable materials and don't contain chemicals often found in disposables.
Start by using them at home to get comfortable with the fit and feel. Gradually, you can increase usage as you become more familiar with washing and maintaining them.
If you've been wondering how to use cloth pads, I hope you have now found the answers to your questions. Whether you use them as day pads, night pads, or both. Whether you use them to supplement your disposable options or you use them every day - the fact that you are here and even considering using reusable ones tells me you're on the right track!
To me, one of the most important factors of cloth pads is that they are more environmentally friendly and sustainable - being made of organic cotton or bamboo (which means less waste, resulting in sustainability). Even choosing to hand wash the pads instead of using the washing machine (or throwing out disposable, one-use pads with plastic on them) makes a difference, making the pads even more eco-friendly.
If this is something that you value as well - and you are in fact considering using cloth pads - I’ve put together a guide to the best reusable menstrual pads that I’ve found so far.
And if you're interested in other sustainable menstrual products and tips, check out our article on the menstrual cup for yet another zero-waste gem to have at that time of the month!
So ditch the disposables and join the reusable pad revolution!