The average woman uses around 11,000 tampons or pads in her lifetime. That’s a lot of wasted money and resources. Thankfully, there are now more options for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint during that time of the month. This blog post will talk about everything you need to know about reusable pads, so you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you!
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What are reusable pads, and how do they work?
Reusable pads are reusable cloth inserts (usually with a flat or contoured shape) that you can put inside your underwear for protection.
They attach via snaps, velcro, ties, or tucking them into the crotch of your undies like regular disposable pads.
Reusable cloth pads are used in the same way as standard menstrual pads, except you don’t throw them away and wash them after each use.
Reusable cloth pads come in an array of shapes and sizes to fit every level of flow and preference. Some reusable pads are designed to be worn all day, while others may only be used at night or when you’re experiencing heavier flow days.
Benefits of using reusable pads
- Reduce your carbon footprint.
- Save money on menstrual products.
- Less waste in landfills.
- More comfortable than disposable ones because they’re softer and made of cotton material.
- Easier to care for than tampons or cups – rinse and re-use!
- They’re great for people who suffer from allergies or sensitive skin conditions like eczema.
Disadvantages of using reusable pads
- It may be difficult to get used to at first.
- It takes time to dry them in between uses, which means more laundry for you.
- They don’t have the same protection from leaks that tampons do.
Why choose reusable pads?
Reusable pads are more sustainable than disposable menstrual products because they can be used time and time again. All you have to do it wash them in the washing machine after every use.
Reusable menstral pads are better for your wallet because they last longer than disposable ones, so they end up costing less over time.
If you want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, then investing in some reusable cloth pads may be a good idea for you.
How do you clean a reusable pad?
Reusable menstrual pads can be washed and cleaned with other clothes.
Clean the pad before placing it in the washing machine by soaking it in cold water to remove any residue. Then simply wash it in the washing machine as normal. You can also add some stain removing detergent if necessary.
Do reusable pads actually make an environmental difference?
Yes, reusable menstraul pads do make an environmental difference.
The reusable menstrual pads can be washed and reused, so they actually end up costing less over time because you won’t have to buy disposables. Washing the reusable cloth pads also greatly reduces the amount of waste going into landfills.
Reusable cloth menstrual pads are eco-friendly for a multitude of reasons; they’re reusable and washable, saving money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint!
Tips for choosing and using the right reusable pad for you
1. Find the pad appropriate for your flow
When making the switch from disposable pads to reusable cloth ones, you need to be mindful of the different absorbency levels. It’s important to find reusable pads that will suit your flow and help keep you clean, dry, and comfortable.
Some reusable menstrual pads are thicker than others, so this is something else you might want to consider when picking a reusable pad.
2. Care for your pads in the correct way
Air dry your pads – Clothes dryers will shorten the lifespan of any of your cloth pads.
Don’t use hot water – Hot water will cause blood stains to set in. Always wash under cold water instead.
Never use fabric softener or fabric sheets – This can lead to reduced absorbency.
3. Store your pads in the correct way
There are two different ways to store reusable menstrual products: wet storage, and dry storage. The best option also depends on personal preference.
Dry Storage – This method is when your reusable menstrual products are stored in a dry place without moisture. Then at the end of your cycle, you wash all of the products together.
Wet Storage – This method is where you put used pads in a bucket. At the end of your cycle, you wash all the pads at once.
4. Allow yourself to get used to the new concept
Making the switch from disposable pads to reusable cloth pads can be tough. It’s a whole new concept to get used to, and reusable pads can seem like they’re bulky or uncomfortable at first.
When switching from disposable menstrual products, it might take some time for your body to adjust as well. But don’t give up! Just keep practicing with reusable cloth menstrual pads until you find ones that work best for you.
If you’re having trouble making the switch, you can rotate with using regular pads and cloth pads to help yourself get used to the idea.
Best reusable pads for a zero-waste period
Best overall: Wegreeco Bamboo 6 Reusable Sanitary Pads
Go green with Wegreeco Bamboo 6 Reusable Sanitary Pads!
Made of ultra-soft bamboo, these reusable menstrual pads are much softer than the plastic disposable pads that you might be used to. They work great as post-partum maxi pads, too!
These 6 reusable sanitary pads are easy to use – clip them on during menstruation and wash them after every use. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and feel more comfortable all day long!
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Specifications:
Price per tampon: $0.42
Tampon count: 40
Applicator: BPA-Free Plastic
Sizes available: Light
100% biodegradable: No
Fragrance-free: Yes
GMO-free: Yes
Best runner-up: Teamoy 10pcs Sanitary Pads
Give yourself the comfort you deserve with Teamoy 10 pcs Sanitary Pads. These pads are made of all-natural materials to provide ultimate softness and comfort in your time of need.
Made with charcoal bamboo fiber on top and bottom to keep you dry from both sides, 4 layers of absorbency that fit nicely in your purse (or back pocket!) without getting crumpled up.
You can’t go wrong thanks to these great features: an easily accessible fasten button snap on the wings; side leak guards; and its water-resistant outer layer that will help avoid embarrassing spills.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Top Features
- Keep you feeling fresh and dry throughout your period.
- Stay confident and comfortable no matter where you are.
- Know that the product is all-natural for your peace of mind.
Best for heavy flow: Reusable Waterproof Bamboo Menstrual Pads
You know how on those days when you have your period, it just keeps going and going…and going? Yeah, these are that type of pad.
This pack of 5 colourful designed pads can hold up to the heaviest flows and keep everything from leaking out. With 4 layers of absorbing, there may be blood, but there’s no way in hell it’ll end up on your chair or sheets with these super-absorbent pads made from sustainable bamboo.
So get ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you (AND her cramps) because this one really isn’t stopping until she says so.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Top Features
- You’ll never have to worry about leaks.
- Get the protection you need from heavy flows.
- Stop worrying about embarrassing accidents.
FAQs – Questions you may have
Are reusable pads hygienic?
Yes, reusable pads are hygienic.
They’re made of cotton or a reusable material like bamboo and can be washed with soap before re-use.
Are reusable pads safe?
Yes, using reusable pads are perfectly safe.
They are no more harmful to the human body than disposable pads.
How long do reusable pads last?
Average use, reusable pads can last for up to 4 years.
How do reusable pads work?
Reusable menstrual pads are worn by attaching them to the inside of your underwear, just like disposable pads.
The difference is that reusable menstrual pads are washed after every use and used again instead of being thrown away.
How do you prevent stains with reusable menstrual pads?
Washing any blood off of the reusable pads as soon as possible can help to prevent stains.
Make sure you wash the reusable menstrual pad thoroughly, if possible put it in a garment bag and machine or hand wash gently then rinse well.
You can also use stain removing detergent on the cloth pads to help remove any stubborn stains.
What are reusable pads made of?
Most reusable pads are made from either cotton, cloth, bamboo, or a mix of both.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that reusable menstrual pads are a fantastic option for anyone who wants to be kinder on their wallet, the environment, and themselves.
We hope that this article has helped you make a choice to ditch your disposable pads and choose eco-friendly reusable menstrual pads.
If you have any questions about reusable menstrual pads or would like more information on them, please feel free to comment below.
