So you’re looking into reusable period pads as an option. That’s great news because they are so much better for you and for the planet! 

Has it ever seemed like period underwear, menstrual cups, and cloth pads (generally the whole gamut of reusable period products) are all a little overwhelming? Ya, we get it. Sometimes, it seems easier to stay with a product you’ve grown used to, but there is a world of eco-friendly feminine care solutions out there that promise a more effortless experience. And one that’s free from chemicals like dioxin and bleach (we’re looking at you, disposable pads and tampons)!

Today, we’re tackling all the things cloth pads, five great reasons to use them, and why we’ve created a better reusable period pad for you.

5 Reasons to Use Reusable Period Pads

If you’re curious if reusable cloth pads will give you more problems in the scent, cleanliness, and cost departments, you can take in a big cleansing breath of relief. Reusable pads help you smell better, stay cleaner, and pay for themselves with a few cycles. 

Once you decide to make the switch to sustainable period solutions, you most likely are not going to go back to those chemical-laden disposables because reusable pads are —

• Non-toxic
• Eco-friendly
• A Money-saving Solution
• A Cleaner Period Experience
• Simple to Use

1. Non-Toxic Period for You

Disposable pads and tampons unfortunately contain chemical by-products that you do not want in you (or your child’s) body. Recently, science has revealed dangerous health risks associated with the synthetic fibers like Rayon, the chemicals that get sprayed on cotton, and Dioxin, a byproduct of Chlorine.

These foreign chemicals and toxins are introduced into your delicate vaginal flora through tampons and pads, and your vaginal skin is also one of the most absorbent parts of your body. When those chemicals make their way into the blood stream, it can cause greater risk of cancer, fertility issues, and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

We want to help you avoid these issues at all cost — and reusable pads are a great option.

Note: If you have delicate, sensitive skin or have found that you constantly get yeast or bacterial infections after your period, it could be due to the materials in your pads and tampons. Many have reported that once they switch to cloth pads and other alternative period care, their infection issues disappear!

2. Eco-Friendly Period Care Solution

Did you know that you could use up to 17,000 plastic pads and tampons in your lifetime? If you never switch to reusable, that’s an incredible amount of plastic waste headed to landfills and other areas of our precious planet. 

By choosing to reuse, even in period care, you are helping keep our lands and oceans cleaner for future generations! 

3. Less Expensive Option

Along with keeping plastic at bay, you can save a good deal of money by switching to reusables. If you currently use about five organic tampons a day on your period over the course of 30 years, you could save about $3,500!

We recommend you start your collection with two starter kits to get a feel for what sizes you prefer and what fits you better throughout your period. Cloth pads can last up to five years plus, depending on how often you have to wash them, how you dry them, and more. Below are some simple ways to keep your cloth pads longer! 

• Store used pads in a wet/dry bag, preferable dry. You can snap them shut for ease of storing. 
• If your pad is heavily saturated, rinse the pad with cold water before washing.
• In case of noticeable staining, you can use hydrogen peroxide or natural scent-free detergent to prewash and let it sit for 30 minutes before putting it in the cycle. 
• Use a gentle detergent on a cold water cycle in the washing machine. Steer clear of bleach and laundry softener. The latter will leave a film on the outside of the pad and reduce its absorbency!
• To extend the life of your pads, hang drying in sunlight is the best drying method.

4. A Cleaner Period Experience

Cloth pads are normally leak-free, super-absorbent pads that come with wings to clasp under your underwear. Some styles have inserts that go into a “shell” but we prefer the one and done model! All of our incredible soft charcoal bamboo pads are wrapped with a leak proof liner on the bottom and some great microfiber fabric on the outside. 

Our bamboo charcoal has an antimicrobial lining that helps you stay fresh and keeps any unwanted scents at bay. ⁠⁠And instead of needing to be changed every few hours, you can wear them a bit longer because the absorbent lining whisks away any discharge with expert care. ⁠⁠

Fun fact: With the dark gray padding, you hardly see any of the discharge unless you pre-rinse the pad — which you don’t have to unless you think it really needs it before going in the wash. Our wet bags can be thrown in the wash with the pads, for a simple cleaning!

You’ll find these reusable period pads to have superior protection and absorbency than any other feminine care solution.

Using a Reusable Pad is Simple

It may seem a little daunting at first, but here are some common FAQs that can help alleviate your concerns!

Q: Do I have to rinse or hand wash my cloth pads?
A: No, if you have a light to moderate flow, your pads can go straight into the wash, even with other items. If you have a heavy flow, you may want to pre-rinse them or wash them in a separate load. 

Q: What kind of underwear work best with reusable pads?
A: Cotton underwear that is both snug-fitting and not going to stretch will keep the pad in place the best!

Q: Do I have to wash cloth menstrual pads before use?
A; Yes, it’s with the charcoal bamboo material, we recommend washing the pads before use.

Q: How often do I need to change a reusable pad?
A: Typically, as often as you would with a regular pad. You can probably go between 2-6 hours or overnight. 

Q: How do the different sizes accommodate heavier periods? Do you have a thin pantyliner size?
A: Whether you have a heavier flow, need an overnight pads solution, or generally use regular pads, we have various sizes that will accommodate different levels of flow. The charcoal material may not be considered ultra-thin but with its breathable layer, we’ve heard from many that these cloth pads are some of the most comfortable they have tried! 

The Best Period Pads (We’re Partial!)

⁠When you have something to look forward to during your period, it's something to celebrate! Our customers love the cute designs and how good they feel adding another sustainable routine. And, there’s nothing like having peace of mind that you’re limiting another source of chemical exposure. 

Be sure to check out our other sustainable period care solutions and let us know if you have any questions by messaging us at hello@femallay.com!