How To Wash Reusable Pads

Learning how to wash reusable pads can is a task that isn’t as cut and dry as it may seem. By following these tips, you’ll have a better idea of how to do that.

There are many different types of reusable menstrual pads on the market, which can make them seem quite confusing and difficult to clean at first glance.

Figuring out how to clean cloth sanitary pads can be a daunting task if you've never tried to before. While some people go about washing reusable menstrual pads in the washing machine, there are also other methods that can be exercised.

How Do You Know When It's Time To Change Them?

If you're using a pad with wings, you can fasten them together before washing. Pads without wings can be rolled up. It's best to store your pads in a dry, breathable place until you're ready to wash them. We recommend storing them in an eco bamboo charcoal bag. This will help keep them clean and sanitary.

To wash your pads, you can either soak them in cold water overnight or wash them by hand. If you choose to soak them, make sure to use a mild eco-friendly detergent. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the soak for extra freshness and disinfecting power.

Just make sure that whatever products you use are safe for the fabric and fibers that comprise your pads. Once they've soaked, just rinse them off well under running water, give them a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture, then lay flat on towels (if they have wings) or roll (if they don't) so that they can air dry away from direct sunlight.

Be sure not to hang-dry your pads because this may damage the materials over time. When it comes time to wash reusable menstrual products again--the frequency varies depending on how often you menstruate--make sure you repeat these steps!

How Do You Take Care Of Your Menstrual Cloths?

To start with cleaning your menstrual pads, you will need a washer and a period-safe sanitizer. Most people recommend washing your pads on a cold, delicate cycle with a color-safe or period-safe sanitizer. For best results, you can also soak your pads in cold water overnight before washing them.

Once you have your cycle, you will want to rinse your pads in cold water as soon as possible. This helps to remove any blood that may have dried on the pad and prevents it from staining. You can then soak your pads in cold water for about 30 minutes before washing them.

When you are ready to wash your pads, use a color-safe or period-safe sanitizer on the delicate cycle.

Do They Have Odors Or Stains?

Check your menstrual pad for any odors or stains. If there are any, pre-treat the areas with a stain remover or an all-natural mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Soak your pad in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then launder as usual.

Be sure to use a mild detergent and avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and other harsh chemicals. You can line dry your pads or tumble dry on low heat. You'll want to run a separate cycle for pads so that they don't end up causing stains on other clothes that you might have to wash.

While it might be tempting to include other clothes that need to be washed in the same cycle, you don't want to risk any stains on the clothing.

Choosing The Right Detergent And Fabric Softener

There are a lot of different ways you can wash your menstrual pads. You can hand wash them, put them in the washing machine, or even soak them in vinegar (more on that later). But no matter how you choose to wash them, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, you should always use a mild detergent. You don't want to strip the fabric of its natural oils and make it less absorbent. Second, avoid using certain fabric softeners as they can also reduce absorbency. And finally, make sure to rinse your pads thoroughly after washing to remove any soap residue. If you do this every time, your pads will last for years!

Machine Washing Tips

Most importantly, you'll want to make sure your machine is set to the delicate or hand-wash cycle.
You'll also want to use a mild detergent - nothing too harsh or fragrant.
Before you put your pads in the machine, give them a good rinse in cool water to remove any blood or debris.
You can then either place them in a mesh laundry bag or tie them up in an old pillowcase before adding them to the machine.
Once the cycle is finished, hang your pads up to air dry - avoid using a clothes dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage.

Tips On Getting Stains Out

As previously mentioned, first, you'll want to rinse your menstrual pad in cold water. This will help to remove any blood that's still on the fabric.
Next, you'll want to soak your pad in a mixture of cold water and vinegar solution, for best results. The vinegar will help to break down the stains.
After soaking, you'll want to wash your pad in your washing machine on the delicate cycle. Be sure to use a mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can damage the fabric of your pads.
Once your pad is washed, you can hang it out to dry in the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays are great for getting rid of any remaining stains.

Tips On Vinegar Washing

Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant and can be used to clean your pads. Just add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine when you wash your pads on the hot cycle. You can also soak your pads in vinegar for a few hours before washing them if they are particularly stained.

Be sure to rinse your pads well after washing them in vinegar. The acidity may cause discoloration over time, so don't use this method too often or with delicate fabrics.
Be sure to never put your pads in the dryer! It will shrink and wear out the elasticity faster than air drying does, which will lead to it breaking down much sooner than expected.
If you're going camping or traveling, try wrapping your pads up in a towel or handkerchief before putting them into an outside bag or suitcase. Not only will this protect them from any liquids that might leak onto them while transporting, but it'll also keep odors contained.
Cotton underwear is best because cotton draws moisture away from the skin and dries more quickly than other fabrics do.

Many people use vinegar for getting deep stains out of clothing, and in the same way, it can be used for menstrual pads.

Final Thoughts

While learning how to wash reusable pads for the first time might seem confusing, following some of these tips will make the process much easier and more efficient.