If you have decided to give reusable sanitary towels a go, we are so happy about it! We promise you wont regret it. Reusable sanitary towels are better for the environment and your bank account, and they are comfortable and convenient too! Caring for your reusable sanitary towels is really easy and simple, and after using them a few times, you’ll find that it becomes the new normal, and will never look back! Here is the low down on how to best care for your reusable pads.
Isn’t it gross to reuse and wash sanitary pads?
When we have been used to throwing away single use sanitary care products, it seems really unusual to swap to reusable pads. It might seem gross at first, or dirty. But it’s important to remember that your period isn’t dirty or smelly and that once washed, your pads are perfectly clean and hygienic, just like your knickers.
Is it hard work to wash sanitary pads?
It’s really easy to wash your sanitary items, just like you do with your other underwear and clothes! The only difference is that if your flow is medium to heavy, you might want to rinse your used pad under the cold tap before you wash it. Then it’s really simple to pop it into your wet bag or another container or plastic bag ready for you to put in the next washing machine load, or you can wash by hand if you prefer. After a few months, it’ll become second nature!
Should I wash my pads before wearing?
Yes, as with any new underwear, it’s best to give your pads a wash before wearing them for the first time. Remember that the pads have been handled by others who have made and packed them, and they are not sanitised. Giving them a wash before the first use ensures that no pathogens will come into contact with your skin and cause any irritation or infection.
How should I wash my pads?
After you have used your pads, we recommend giving them a quick rinse under a cold tap to wash the blood out, before popping them into your wet bag for storage before you are ready to put them in the washing machine. At the end of the day, or after a couple of days, you can pop your sanitary towels into the washing machine, either with a load of other similar colours, or by themselves if you prefer. We recommend washing at around 30 degrees, as this lower temperature uses less energy and is better for the environment than a hotter wash. Hotter temperatures are more likely to bake in the protein stain of blood, so a lower temperature should keep the staining on your pads to a minimum.
How long can I keep used pads in my washbag?
We recommend that you don’t keep used pads in your waterproof wash bag for longer than a couple of days if you have rinsed your pads first, as this will increase the chance your pads may harbour a damp smell once washed.
When should I wash my pads?
Wash your pads whenever you are ready to. You can wash them as you go through your cycle or wait until your period ends and wash all of your used pads together. How many pads you have might influence the frequency of washing – if you have fewer pads you might need to wash as you go along, but if you have enough pads to go through your whole period, you could waiting until your period is over. If you have have wet pads stored in your wet beg having rinsed them under the tap, we do recommend washing within 48 hours to help to discourage any damp smells from lingering on the pads after washing. Essentially, though, just wash them whenever is the most convenient for you!
What detergent should I use to wash my pads?
Use your normal washing powder or liquid, and we recommend that you hold the fabric conditioner as it can coat the fibres of the cloth and affect absorbency. However, we have used pads washed in fabric conditioner that have been washed in mixed load with other clothes, and have not particularly noticed the difference in absorbency.
Do I have to wash my pads in a washing load of their own?
It’s entirely your decision. You can wash your used pads by themselves, or you can throw in with similar coloured items or your other underwear.
How should I dry my pads?
It’s best to pull your pads out into their shape and leave them to air dry on a clothes rack or the washing line. Make sure your pads are completely dry before you wear them or fold them up into parcels to put away until next month.
Wont my pads get stained?
Your pads will undoubtedly suffer a little staining on the skin side of the pad, however this is nothing to worry about and doesn’t mean that the fabric of your pads isn’t clean. If you want to keep staining to a minimum you can simply use a stain remover before you wash and wash at a cooler temperature.
What about my wet bag, how should that be washed?
Our wash bag is made of the same waterproof PU fabric as the peach bottom layer of our sanitary pads. This means that to allow the water and detergent reach all areas of the pad, you should turn your bag inside out and leave unzipped when you pop it in the washing machine. We recommend washing it along with your pads at the end of your period, so it’s clean and ready for next month. Just like the pads, we recommend leaving your bag to air dry, pegged onto a clothes rack or the washing line.
If you’d like to switch to reusable sanitary pads, our pack of 6 pads – 3 medium sized and 3 small – along with our wet bag, is the perfect starter pack. Our pack also makes a great addition to your existing collection of reusable period products. Shop it here!
Thank you for caring for our environment!
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