Cloth menstrual pads are a reusable, sustainable alternative to disposable products for managing a period. Determining the exact number of pads needed, often called a “stash,” is a straightforward calculation based on personal habits and flow. The primary goal is ensuring a fresh, clean pad is always available without needing to do laundry daily. The required quantity is unique to each individual, depending on their cycle and washing routine.
Variables Determining Stash Size
The total number of pads required depends on three primary variables, making a universal recommendation impractical. The first is a person’s average flow intensity; a heavier flow demands more frequent changes and higher-absorbency pads daily. For example, a person with a heavy flow may use up to six pads on their heaviest days, while someone with a lighter flow may only need three or four per day.
The duration of the cycle is another fundamental consideration, as a three-day period requires fewer pads overall than a seven-day period. The final and most influential variable is the washing frequency, which determines the necessary “washing buffer.” This buffer covers the time a batch is being washed, dried, and prepared for the next use, which can take up to two or three days depending on the drying method.
Essential Pad Categories and Usage
A complete cloth pad rotation requires a variety of sizes and absorbencies, as flow intensity changes throughout the cycle. Liners are the smallest and thinnest, ideal for spotting, the final days of a period, or as a precautionary backup for internal products. These are typically used when the flow is minimal and may only require one or two changes throughout the day.
Moderate or daytime pads form the bulk of the collection, designed to be the “workhorse” for average flow days. Individuals typically change these pads every four to six hours, often using three to five per 24-hour period.
Heavy flow or nighttime pads are longer and wider, offering increased security and absorbency for the heaviest days or for overnight use. Most people only require one to two of these longer pads per night.
Building a stash that includes a mix of these categories ensures that you have the right protection for every phase of your cycle. The correct absorbency level is important for both comfort and leak protection.
Calculating Your Complete Rotation
The most reliable way to determine the ideal stash size is to calculate the total pads needed for a full cycle and then add a buffer for laundry time. The base formula multiplies your average daily pad usage by the total number of days in your cycle. For example, a person using five pads daily for a five-day cycle requires 25 pads just to cover the period without washing.
The buffer calculation is then added to this base number to account for the time it takes to wash and dry the used pads. If you choose to wash every two days, you need an extra two days’ worth of pads to wear while the first batch is in the laundry and drying. Assuming the moderate user above needs five pads a day, adding a two-day buffer means an extra 10 pads are necessary for a smooth rotation, bringing the total to 35 pads.
A practical example for a person with a five-day moderate cycle washing every two days would look like this: 25 pads for the cycle plus 10-15 buffer pads, resulting in a recommended total stash of 35-40 pads. Applying this to a stash breakdown, this total might translate to 5 liners, 28 daytime pads, and 7 overnight pads to ensure coverage across all flow levels. For those hesitant to commit to a large purchase, it is advisable to start with a smaller set of 5-7 pads to test absorbency and comfort before building a full inventory.