Reusable cloth pads are great for having an eco-friendly lifestyle, but also for better treating the body and wallet. Many women don't feel like using them because they think washing them is difficult, but once you get used to it it becomes super easy. You can do this in three ways, depending on your preferences: by letting them soak, rinsing them in the sink or shower, and then putting them in the washing machine with your other clothes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Soaking
Step 1. Choose a bowl
Soak the pads in a large jar, container, bucket, or other container. The jars are especially recommended, as they have a lid and do not leak. You can find a large one for a low price at a home improvement store. If you don't want other people to see it, you can hide it in the cupboard, under the bed, or in a decorative laundry bag. When traveling, you can use a plastic container or an airtight bag instead.
- Alternatively, if you are out all day or going to work, fold the tampon so that the soiled side stays in the center. You can rinse it with tap water or put it in an airtight bag and leave it dry. You can also buy a reusable cloth bag (such as those used for washable nappies) on the internet or in the shop where you get the cloth pads. Make sure you soak it when you get home to prevent the stains from setting.
- Soaking or rinsing the sanitary napkin after use is essential to prevent blood, urine, or discharge stains from setting.
Step 2. Use cold water, as hot water fixes stains
When you take off the tampon, put it in the jar and fill it with cold water. If it is quite stained, rinse it in the sink first. Optionally, you can add one of the following ingredients to the water used for soaking: a splash of lemon juice, a splash of white or apple vinegar, or 2-3 drops of essential oil of lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus (use good quality oils, not cheap and poor ones). These ingredients prevent the formation of bad odors, in addition they have a delicate but effective antibacterial / antimicrobial action.
- This is especially important for those suffering from candidiasis. Once the infection has passed, the sanitary pads must be disinfected by soaking them as explained above. The sun is also very effective in killing bacteria: if you want to avoid the proliferation of germs, hang them outside in the morning.
- It is not recommended to use hospital disinfectant soaps, such as those based on chloroxylenol, as they can promote the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Step 3. Change the water every two days, or when it starts to look dirty, it gets stained and smells bad
If you are an environmentalist, doing it too often can be a waste. If you rinse a heavily stained sanitary napkin before soaking it, this can help you avoid having to change the water before doing the laundry.
Step 4. Put the pads in the washing machine (do not add the water used for soaking, pour it carefully down the sink drain
Do not use it in the garden: as it contains blood and body fluids, it can be dangerous).
- Pads can usually be washed safely with the rest of the laundry and do not require a separate load (which can waste water and electricity). Try to wash them with dark clothes, you never know. Washing is very effective at eliminating stains and germs, so don't worry about other clothes. If in doubt, you can add a little white vinegar to the detergent compartment - it is a safe and natural disinfectant. If you notice stubborn stains on pads, you can remove them with a baking soda paste, exposing them to sunlight, or treating them with a stain remover.
- Stretch the pads well when you spread them out, so that they adapt correctly to the shape of the briefs, do not wrinkle and do not feel uncomfortable. If you don't want other people to see them, you can buy a small clothesline or use a hanger to hide them in a corner of the house or in the bathroom.
- You can iron pads made from entirely natural materials, such as cotton or flannel, but never do it with those made from synthetic fibers (such as microfiber) or waterproof (such as PUL), as they will melt. For the same reason, never iron regular or snap buttons.
Method 2 of 3: Rinse
Step 1. Take off the tampon
Step 2. Put it in the sink and turn on the cold water
Step 3. Rinse and squeeze it gently until the stains are gone or the water runs clean
You can use some hand soap to help remove the blood.
Step 4. Lay it out to dry or soak it
Step 5. Clean the sink with a rag or towel to make sure it is clean
Step 6. Put the tampon in the washer and dryer along with the rest of the laundry
Method 3 of 3: Shower
Step 1. Place the pads on the shower floor with the soiled side facing up
Step 2. Let them absorb the water while you shower
Step 3. Once you're done showering, squeeze them out
Step 4. Let them air dry or soak them
Step 5. Place them in the laundry basket and wash them with the rest of the laundry
This method is more discreet and may be preferable for those who live in a college dormitory or share a bathroom and don't want to wash sanitary pads in front of other people.
Advice
- The sooner you rinse the pads after use, the fewer stain problems you will have.
- Vinegar may be a preferable alternative to bleach. It has the same disinfectant properties, eliminates bad smells and does not harm the environment. Even good quality essential oils (such as tea tree and lavender) have disinfectant properties, plus lavender leaves a great smell.
- If you use the rinse method, you will have fewer stains.
- Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the container, it will help eliminate the blood.
- Do not bleach. If rinsed or washed properly, sanitary pads are unlikely to stain, especially dark ones. Bleach is harmful to the environment and can also compromise the structure of the absorbent.
- Make sure you safely throw away the water used for soaking. Some women throw it in the garden, but that's not the case, as blood and body fluids are dangerous to other people.
- When using a washable textile pad outside the home, you may want to bring an airtight plastic bag. Do not rinse the pads after use: keep them in the sachet and wash them or soak them once at home.
- Rinse the tampon immediately after use, otherwise the stains will set. This will cause odor and discomfort, so it will be more difficult to implement this method.
- Get a reusable nappy bag so you can take sanitary pads out and about. It is more discreet than plastic ones and more environmentally friendly.
