If you have never tried cloth pads, and are considering making the switch, you probably ask yourself “are cloth pads better than disposable?” Here is a post to tell you why reusable pads are better. And if you never knew about them, let me be the first one to tell you that reusable menstrual pads really exist!
(This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase via one of those links, I might earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure)
Are Cloth Pads Better than Disposable?
Cloth pads are better than disposable for the following reasons:
- You can save money by making them yourself or buying way less than disposable pads.
- They generate less environmental waste.
- You can create your own designs.
- You reduce your exposure to toxic substances that are in the disposable pads.
- They are more comfortable.
What are Reusable Pads?
Reusable pads are the best thing. They are menstrual pads for women made from cloth. Cloth pads are used for absorption during your period but the difference is they are meant to be laundered and re-used every month.
I first thought about the concept when I saw how cool cloth diapers were. My heart yearned for the financial freedom they could bring if ever such a thing really existed. I thought I was crazy when the idea came to my mind, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to do some research on it.
What I found blew my mind and my life has been forever changed.
I found DIY versions, Etsy hand-made versions, and even simple towels you could fold and slip into a holder.
What?!
To compound the situation, a friend once told me of a lady she knew who used cloth pads, and hers were just folded from large cloths. I made sure to ask if she wore them in public and the answer was yes. Then when it was washing time, she just washed and hung them out like big cloth diapers!
Why Reusable Pads are Better
From the outside looking in, I was initially interested in cloth pads just for the pure financial benefits.
I remember going to the grocery store every month only to find that the prices of the feminine products would always surpass my budget. When I realised there was a way to avoid all of that, you better believe I was paying attention!
It was when I began using cloth pads that I began to feel the difference, the comfort and the peace of mind that cloth pads also bring.
Are Cloth Pads Better than Disposable?
- Like I said before, cloth pads are better on your pocket. Whether you choose to buy them pre-made or go the DIY way, your purse will be singing a happy song every month. Imagine how freeing it would feel when you can pass the feminine products aisle for good.
- The comfort of cloth pads is superior. Cloth pads feel more natural and breathable and gentle on your precious parts.
- Cloth pads don’t leak. Of course, there are some regular pads that offer good absorption but when I prepare my DIY cloth pads, I make them to the thickness and length I want, so they don’t leak!
- Have you ever gone to potty during you period and had to reposition the pad that had stuff on it, back on your precious parts? I HATED IT!! Now when I see stuff on my cloth pad, I can simply re-fold it and pull up a fresh fabric unto my you know what. It feels so fresh and good.
- If you choose to make or buy them the fancier way, cloth pads can be so PRETTY! Yes, I add that to the list of reasons too. I mean, you’re already having a period, so why not make it at least a pretty experience? I’ve seen the cutest colours, patterns and designs out there and that helps you at least feel good about that time of the month.
- Cloth pads are also a greener alternative to the disposables that cause more garbage to be piling up in our dumps!
Reusable Pads DIY
If you are considering making the switch to reusable pads, you might be wondering if this is for you.
Here’s my suggestion – do a test run.
You don’t even need to buy any of the beautiful packages you will find online.
I suggest that when you see your next period approaching, grab a holding bag (maybe a ziploc bag will do but there are some really nice ones out there made just for reusable pads). Then select a few clean towels, like maybe towels you’d use for face rags. Fold your first towel over to form your desired width and place it in the seat of your best fitting underwear. Pull it up and go about your day.
After a couple hours or at the end of the day (depending on how your flow goes), check how you felt. Examine your underwear for leaks.
Then you can assess if you want to keep up this thing or go back to the usual ones.
How to Change a Cloth Pad?
Changing a cloth pad might seem like an issue especially if you are out in public. However, there is no extra discretion you need that a regular pad wouldn’t require too.
Just grab your handbag as you normally would, roll or place your used cloth pad into your special holding bag, seal it up and put on the fresh one.
When you get home, soak the used pads in some cold water then transfer them to your washing machine for a final wash.
If you are at home, keep a dedicated bucket in your shower or laundry room with some water in it. That way you can change your cloth pad and drop it immediately into the bucket, no holding bag needed.
At the end of your period you can either throw off that water and wash them in the machine or add them to fresh water for hand-washing.
How to Wash Cloth Pads
You might also be wondering how to wash your reusable menstrual pads. Many sources will recommend special soaps, but you can use any soap or laundry detergent.
Ideally you want to go for non-toxic laundry cleaners or even DIY versions.
Finally, you can dry them in your clothes dryer or hang them discretely on your clothesline. By that I mean you can pin them with a towel covering them out in the sun. Not all of us are comfortable with the whole neighbourhood beholding our thaaaings!
If you opt for towels that you fold and put on, you could get away with just hanging them out as is – nobody would suspect anything about that. But if you go for the specially designed cloth pads, you might be better off applying an extra covering over them.
You could also just hang them inside your bathroom or pin them on your laundry room clothesline. My only precaution in this would be to make sure they are getting direct sunlight.
I said cloth pads are better than disposable not infallible – so getting them very dry is a good idea to prevent any infections in the future!
So, are Cloth Pads Better Than Disposable? You betcha! Many women have tried them and for various reasons, there’s no turning back!
Join the email list for more nontoxic tips!
