Cloth pads offer a reusable alternative to disposable menstrual products. They consist of layers of absorbent fabric secured to underwear, designed to be washed and worn again to catch menstrual flow. This guide provides a practical overview for individuals new to using cloth pads, detailing how to select, wear, and maintain them effectively.
Selecting the Right Cloth Pads
The inner layer materials significantly influence comfort and drying time. Natural fibers like organic cotton and bamboo offer softness and breathability against the skin. While highly absorbent, bamboo may take longer to air dry compared to options using synthetic fleece or PUL (polyurethane laminate) backings for moisture resistance. Choosing the correct absorbency level is fundamental to preventing leaks and ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Pads are typically categorized into light (panty liner), regular, and heavy or overnight options, mirroring disposable product classifications. Matching the pad’s capacity to the intensity of your menstrual flow minimizes the need for overly frequent changes and provides necessary security on heavier days. Longer pads offer greater protection for heavy flows or overnight use, extending coverage toward the front and back of the gusset. The pad is secured by folding the wings around the underwear and fastening them with a snap mechanism, which keeps the pad stationary during activity and prevents shifting.
Practical Steps for Wearing and Changing
Proper placement involves laying the absorbent side upward against the body, with the water-resistant backing resting against the underwear fabric. The wings extend outward from the sides of the pad, designed to wrap beneath the underwear gusset. Securing the pad is achieved by pressing the snaps together firmly, ensuring the pad is centered and lies flat without bunching.
A practical changing routine depends on the volume of menstrual flow experienced. On average, a pad should be changed every two to six hours, similar to disposable products. Changing pads before they become fully saturated maintains hygiene and prevents the wicking of moisture to the edges, which could potentially lead to leaks.
Managing soiled pads away from home requires a dedicated, waterproof storage solution, commonly known as a “wet bag.” These bags are constructed with a seam-sealed or laminated fabric interior to contain moisture and odors until the pads can be laundered. To prepare a used pad for storage, fold the pad inward, bringing the soiled surface into contact with itself. Snap the wings closed around the folded pad to create a neat, contained bundle for discreet transport.
Comprehensive Cleaning and Maintenance
The longevity and cleanliness of cloth pads require an immediate post-use pre-treatment step: rinsing the soiled pad with cold water. Rinsing removes the majority of the fluid, preventing the protein-rich organic material from setting into the fabric fibers. Using cold water for this initial rinse is important because heat can chemically bind the blood to the fabric, leading to permanent staining and potential odor retention.
If immediate rinsing is not feasible, pads can be placed in a small, covered container of cold water for pre-soaking until laundry day. Soaking helps to further loosen biological material from the fabric weave, preparing the pad for a more effective wash cycle. The water should be changed daily to maintain freshness, and the pads should generally not sit in water for more than two days before washing.
For the main wash, pads can be machine washed using a regular cycle and warm water, which is sufficient to sanitize the fabric after the cold rinse. Avoid using harsh chemical additives like chlorine bleach, as these can break down the fabric fibers and the integrity of the waterproof backing over time. Similarly, fabric softeners should be avoided because they coat the fibers, creating a residue that noticeably reduces the pad’s overall absorption capacity.
Selecting an appropriate detergent is important for maintaining the pad’s function. A standard laundry detergent without dyes or perfumes works well, but ensure it is free from high concentrations of ingredients like glycerin, which can contribute to a reduction in absorbency. Using too little detergent can lead to a buildup of residue, while too much can be difficult to fully rinse out of the thick fabric layers.
Air drying is the preferred method for cloth pads, as exposure to high heat from a machine dryer can degrade the synthetic layers and the waterproof backing. Hanging pads to dry in a well-ventilated area or in direct sunlight helps to ensure they are completely dry and offers a gentle, natural sanitizing effect. Storing pads while even slightly damp can promote the growth of mildew and musty odors.