Cloth Menstrual Pads information
What is a cloth menstrual pad?
A cloth menstrual pad is a reusable menstrual product that absorbs the menstrual flow. It is a pad made from layers of absorbant fabric such as cotton flannel, hemp, terry cloth, etc. There are many styles of cloth pads to choose from. Generally they are either AIO (all in one) or holder/insert construction.
AIO (all in ones) pads- The AIO pad consists of only the 1 pad, usually with attached wings to secure it to the undergarment. Advantages are that it is just one piece, with no assembly required. Disadvantages are that you need many different sizes since they aren't adjustable to your flow like the holder/insert style. Because they are 1 piece, they are generally thicker, which can make it difficult to tell when a change is necessary (unable to peek between layers) The thickness also makes thoroughly washing them a little harder (in the center/core) They also take longer to dry.
Holder/insert pads- The holder and insert pad has the holder which is secured to the undergarment and the inserts which are separate absorbant pads that are secured to or inside the holder. Advantages to this style is it allows you to adjust the number of inserts to accomodate your flow. . With this style, it is easier to see if a change is necessary by checking between the layers. The layers are thinner (although there are more pieces) which makes thoroughly cleaning them easier. They dry faster since the layers are separate. Disadvantages are having several pieces to assemble and clean.
A little Cloth Pad history:
Cloth pads have been around for a VERY long time, but have dramatically changed from what they used to be! Cloth pads of the past were nothing like the designer cloth pads made today......... Instead, they were generally made from old sheets, scraps of cloth, towelling, etc. Women of the past would fold the fabric into a rectangle of many layers and some would use pins to secure them into place. Some of the 'nicer' pads were sewn together with loops on the ends.... A cord-like belt would be ran through the loops and tied at the hip or waist to secure it into place. **Please note that although I have these pads as examples of what women of the past used; in some areas of the world, women STILL use cloth pads similar to these!
18" x 18" unfolded cloth pad 9"x4" folded pad belted cloth pad
Why use cloth menstrual pads?
More Comfortable - Cloth pads are more breathable. They are softer and feel good against sensitive areas.
Healthier- Many women switch to cloth pads because of irritations caused by chemical laden disposables. Many women report more comfortable, lighter, and shorter duration periods after switching!
Better for the environment- Saves our natural resources! No used feminine hygiene products going into the landfills! No trash to throw away!
Savings- With the proper care, cloth pads will last for years!
Because you can- I am being serious here..... We as women HAVE ALTERNATIVES...... and we OWE it to ourselves to try them and not be bullied or embarrassed by those who are close-minded or unwilling to be 'different' from what society has told us is acceptable.
Happier- This is true. Women who switch to alternative menstrual products tend to feel better about themselves and their cycles. Many women report feeling 'empowered' after switching. (Pretty designs to choose from is an added bonus!)
How many pads will you need?
If you are new to using cloth pads, and are not sure what to buy, we recommend that you have 12 to start with, then add to your stash when you find what works best for you. We recommend starting with 3 mini pads, 6 day pads and 3 night pads.
A complete stash of pads is usually 24-36 pads that generally consists of: 3 night pads, 12 day pads, 6 mini pads, and 3 to 15 pantyliners (some women use pantyliners all of the time, others rarely use them)
How often do they need changed? This varies on your flow and personal habits. Generally, 2-4 pads are used during the day and 1 pad is used for overnight while sleeping.
Caring for cloth Menstrual Pads
Before use:
You need to wash your pads before use as this will make them more absorbant. Place your new pads in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle in cold water, or you may wash them by hand. You may dry your pads by laying them flat to airdry, hanging them to dry, or tumble dry them on medium setting. (Do NOT use fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can interfere with the absorbancy.)
Your pads will become more absorbant after a few washings and will also become softer (if they are tumble dried.)
To use:
Secure your cloth pad to your undergarment. (Most cloth pads have wings and are secured with a snap.) When first learning to use cloth pads, check often to prevent leak-through, until you are comfortable in knowing that you are using the correct size pad for your flow and how often to change them.
After use:
Rinse your pads in cold water as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting and place them in a soaking container filled with cold water until they can be thoroughly washed. (Be sure to replace the water daily.) On wash day simply remove your pads from the soaking container and place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle in cold water, or you may wash them by hand. You may dry your pads by laying them flat to airdry, hanging them to dry, or tumble dry them on medium setting. (Do NOT use fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can interfere with the absorbancy.)
Stains:
(The best advice I can give is to PREVENT staining by rinsing immediately, pretreating, soaking, then washing!) If pads are allowed to dry 'as is' after use, then they are likely to stain and will be VERY difficult to remove the staining...(although washing will clean the pad and it will be just as useful, most women prefer not to have a stained menstrual wardrobe)...... SO, that said.... here are some stain prevention/treating methods:
Hydrogen peroxide- A cap full of hydrogen peroxide poured on a stained area, then washing works great to get the stain out!
Oxyclean- (note: oxyclean comes either in a spray or powder)....Spraying oxyclean on a stain OR soaking your pads in (powder)oxyclean/water then washing is recommended for stains. (follow directions on the oxyclean container)
Baking Soda- rinse pads then sprinkle baking soda on a stained area, scrub in...sprinkle more baking soda on pad and leave on top of fabric (should almost be paste-like). 10 minutes later place baking soda covered pads in a soaking container filled with water for 1-6 hours. Remove pads from soaking container and scrub the pad together again to be sure the baking soda is worked into the pad. Place in mesh bag and machine wash.
Soaking Containers:
Women tend to keep their soaking containers in the bathroom for covenience and therefore generally prefer them to have a lid and NOT be see-through. Some good soaking containers are: decorative cookie jars, ice buckets, small hard coolers, small lidded trash cans, etc. Glass soaking containers are discouraged for those with children. Metal containers can rust. Soaking water needs to be changed every day until wash day, and then you should give your soaking container a good washing too!
Pad Storage:
The majority of women that I have talked to keep their 'Pad Stash' in a basket, in a bathroom cabinet or in plastic containers in a bathroom drawer.
When away from home: When away from home, what do you do? Most cloth pads fold up nicely and snap with the wings and can be discretely placed in a purse. For used pads, women use 'wet bags' . Wet bags can be as simple as a zip top plastic bag, but many women have special leak proof bags such as small cosmetics bags to stow their discretely folded used pads until they get home.
Usage Problems / Solutions
Unfortunately, there is not 1 perfect pad for all women/ all flows....and it may take trying different styles or sizes to find what works best for you!! .....Don't give up if you experience problems with cloth at first!... Usually, a different type of pad is the answer!! (Although I would LOVE for your entire stash to be from Sew-in-Love.... I recommend trying other pads in addition to ours....... I have!......I still like mine best, but it is good to know what else is out there :)
Problem: Pad not staying in place
Solutions:
-Try using a pad with wings (non-winged pads may not stay where they belong on those who are active and move around alot)
-Be sure to wear snug fitting cotton panties.... (satin type panties are too 'slick' and pads will have a hard time staying where they are supposed to with these)
-Try using a longer pad (even if your flow stays just in the center, a longer pad may be more comfortable and stay where you want it)
Problem: Leaking in front or back (usually happens when sleeping)
Solutions:
-Try a longer pad.
-Try a pad that is shaped w-i-d-e-r at the ends
-Be sure to wear SNUG fitting panties (so that the pad stays close to you, thus fluid soaks into the pad instead of running off the ends)
Problem: Leaking through pad
Solutions:
- Try using more inserts (or a thicker pad)
- Try changing your pad more frequently
- Try using a pad that is leak resistent (fleece backed or a pad with a nylon or PUL layer works well)
Problem: Fluid staying on top of pad (not soaking in)
Solutions:
- Try washing this pad several times. (pads become more absorbant the more they are washed)
- If you are a heavy/gushing bleeder... Try using a pad that is topped with cotton terry (it is faster soaking)..
Problem: My problem is not listed here........HELP!
Solutions:
Many pad makers (including myself) will custom make your pads to your specifications! JUST ASK!! If you want a pad 20 inches long, topped in rainbow velour, with a core of 8 layers of terry, backed in faux zebra fur and outlined with a FEATHER BOA.....JUST ASK!!!!........... We might be up for the challenge!! LUCKY YOU!!!
If you have any questions, please contact Cindi Blazier by email at sewinlove@doll-garden.com
