Interested in trying out reusable cloth pads but still a little confused, well here is some useful information that you will want to check out.
What are cloth pads?
Well they are a menstural pad made using fabric which you simply wash and reuse. They can come in a huge variety of sizes, fabric options and even absorbency. They aren’t a one size fits most and what works for one person may not work for the next but don’t let that stop you!
If you are brand new to cloth pads I suggest trying a basic shape in a 10-12inch size to try.
Why should I bother with cloth pads?
There are so many benefits and reasons to use cloth pads!
Firstly, and some would say most importantly, you will be saving hundreds of disposable pads/tampons from sitting in landfill for years.
Just think of the money you could save over your lifetime! Much like with cloth nappies they seem expensive to get a stash happening but they pay for themselves soon enough, plus the added benefit of never having to make that midnight dash to the shops because you ran out.
Never have to deal with loud plastic pad wrappers or the adhesive strips that seem to have a mind of their own. Cloth pads are normally backed with a fabric that has a bit of grip so it stays put along with the snaps in the wings to wrap around your undies and keep it in place.
Some women have reported their cycles are less intense since making the switch, while there is no research to back up these claims and it could be a complete coincidence but its always worth a try if you encounter intense periods.
Are they safe to use?
Of course they are, well when you use and care for them correctly. Like with disposables you should be changing them every few hours or when you feel the need, the time will vary from person to person.
They also don’t have any of those harsh chemicals, and really that’s got to be safer, right? I know I use to get all itchy by day 3 and since making the switch the itch is gone!
How many will you need?
This will vary between each person and will depend on a few factors like your flow, how often you can/like to change them and how long your cycle lasts.
I’d suggest for an average flow to get at least 4 per day you bleed, but you will know how many disposable pads you use each cycle to give you an idea and you can wash mid cycle if you want fewer pads around. Like with anything it’s all a bit of trial and error.
How do you deal with cloth pads when out?
If you have used cloth nappies you are already familiar with wet bags and dirty cloth nappies so the process of cloth pads is much the same. For those who aren’t familiar I’ll explain, a wet bag is a bag that is water resistant so its perfect to hold damp items. When you are out and need to change your pad you just take it off, fold it up (with the blood on the inside) and place it in the wetbag and you are done. It really is that simple!
How to care for Cloth Pads?
They are pretty easy to care for and don’t require much extra attention. Simply add them to your regular wash and off you go.
If you do have a heavier flow you may want to give the pads a rinse, just under the tap, before adding to the wash. Don’t be worried if stains to occur, some people will stain pads while others don’t, you can add in some stain remover to your wash and see if that helps, but stains don’t always mean things aren’t clean!
It is best to avoid using the dryer as over time it can damage the water resistant layer, and trust me that’s not what you want to do!