Cloth pad care is a fairly simple routine: wash new pads before first use, rinse used pads in cold water, wash them with a suitable detergent and let them dry completely before storing.
The instructions below are designed around Period Shop organic cotton cloth pads and liners. Other brands may use different fabrics, absorbent layers, waterproof backings and care methods, so follow the instructions supplied with your product if they differ.
Before using your cloth pads
Wash new cloth pads before wearing them for the first time. This removes any residue from manufacture or handling and can also help prepare absorbent fibres for use.
Some cotton pads may shrink slightly during their first wash. This is normal.
Follow the washing instructions supplied with your particular pads, especially if they contain different fabrics or waterproof layers.
How to wash reusable cloth pads
Rinse reusable pads as soon as possible after use and then wash them.
Step 1: Rinse in cold water
Rinse the used pad under cold water until the water runs clear.
You can also soak your pads in cold water for several hours or overnight if you prefer, particularly if you are trying to minimise staining. Avoid starting with hot water because heat can set stains and make it more difficult to remove stains.
Step 2: Wash
Our organic cotton pads can be hand washed with detergent or machine washed on a gentle cold or warm cycle.
If you are using another brand, check its care label. Some reusable pads and liners in our range specifically recommend cold washing, while others allow a warm wash.
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Wash gently Hand wash with detergent or machine wash on a gentle cold or warm cycle.Β |
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Line dry Allow pads to dry completely before wearing, folding or storing them. Thick absorbent layers can take longer to dry than ordinary clothing. |
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Avoid fabric softener Fabric softener can coat absorbent fibres and reduce how effectively they absorb fluid. |
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Do not bleach Bleach can damage fabrics and waterproof layers. |
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Do not tumble dry High dryer temperatures may damage the waterproof layer. |
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Do not iron Direct heat can damage the pad's waterproof layer. |
Step 3: Rinse well
If you hand wash your pads, rinse them thoroughly so detergent is not left in the absorbent layers.
Step 4: Dry completely
Line dry your pads until they are completely dry. Dry them in area with good airflow and outside in direct sunlight where possible.
Do not fold or store damp cloth pads. Trapped moisture can lead to musty odours or mildew.
How to fit a cloth pad
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1. Position the pad. Place it inside the gusset of your underwear with the manufacturer's label facing down and towards the front. |
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2. Fold the wings. Wrap the wings around the outside of the underwear gusset. |
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3. Fasten the snaps. Secure the press studs underneath the gusset. Adjust the fastening and move the pad slightly forward or back to suit your underwear and where your flow usually lands. |
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If your pad keeps moving, try a closer-fitting pair of underwear or adjust the snap setting. Different pad lengths, widths and shapes may also suit different underwear styles and bleeding patterns.
How often should you change a cloth pad?
Change a pad about every 4 hours or when it is full. How often you need to change a reusable pad will also depend on your flow and the pad's absorbency.
Change sooner if the pad feels wet, becomes uncomfortable, begins leaking or is reaching its absorbency limit.
Leaving a wet pad against the skin for too long can contribute to irritation or rash.
If you develop irritation that does not settle, unusual vaginal discharge or odour or bleeding that is significantly heavier than usual for you, speak with a healthcare professional.
How to fold and store used cloth pads
When you are away from home, a used cloth pad can be folded so the used surface is enclosed, then placed in a wet bag until you can wash it.
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1. Lay the pad flat with the absorbent side facing upwards. |
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2. Fold the back of the pad towards the centre. |
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3. Fold the front of the pad towards the centre. |
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4. Fold the wings around the pad and fasten the snaps. |
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5. Place the folded used pad in a wet bag or a zip-lock bag until you can wash it. |
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Rinse or wash used pads as soon as practical. Avoid leaving damp pads bundled up for longer than necessary.
How to dry and store cloth pads
Allow washed pads to dry completely before putting them away. The multiple absorbent layers mean a pad can sometimes feel dry on the surface while inner layers may still hold some moisture.
For clean pads:
- make sure they are fully dry
- fold them if you prefer
- store them somewhere clean and dry
- keep them separate from used pads waiting to be washed
When carrying used pads away from home, a wet bag or sealable pouch helps keep them separate from the rest of your belongings until you can wash them.
Stains and when to replace a cloth pad
Some staining is common with natural fibres and does not necessarily mean a cloth pad is dirty.
Cold-water rinsing soon after use can help reduce staining. For stubborn marks and stain-treatment options, see our guide to removing period stains from cloth pads.
When should you replace a reusable cloth pad?
There is no fixed timeline as it depends on frequency of use and care but you should consider replacing a pad when its condition or performance has noticeably deteriorated.
Signs can include:
- fabric that is torn or significantly worn
- seams coming apart
- snaps that no longer fasten securely
- a waterproof layer that is cracked, peeling or no longer preventing leaks
- noticeably reduced absorbency
- repeated leaking through the backing
- suspected mould, including green or black spotting
- a strong persistent odour that remains after thorough washing and drying
If a pad has reached the end of its usable life, see How to Dispose of Old Cloth Pads.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash cloth pads with my regular laundry?
Yes, rinse used pads first, then wash them according to their care instructions. Period Shop pads can be included in a suitable gentle cold or warm wash. Avoid fabric softener as it can coat the fibres and reduce absorbency.
Do I need to soak cloth pads before washing them?
No, soaking is optional rather than a required step. You can rinse a used pad in cold water and wash it, or soak it in cold water for several hours or overnight if you find that helpful for staining.Β
Can I tumble dry cloth pads?
Do not tumble dry cloth pads because high dryer temperatures may damage the waterproof layer.Β
How soon should I wash a used cloth pad?
Rinse or wash your cloth pads as soon as practical. If you are away from home, fold the used side inward and carry the pad in a wet bag or zip-lock bag until you can wash them. Avoid leaving damp pads bundled up for longer than necessary.
Does a stain mean my cloth pad isn't clean?
No, natural fibres can retain some staining even after they have been properly washed. A faint stain is generally cosmetic. The main thing is to ensure the pad has been thoroughly washed, rinsed and completely dried before it is used again. Direct sunlight can help remove some staining.Β
Why is my cloth pad leaking?
A pad may leak because it has reached its absorbency limit, has shifted in your underwear or no longer has an effective waterproof layer. Try changing it sooner, checking the fit, wearing a closer fitting pair or underwear and choosing an absorbency suited to your flow. Replace the pad if the waterproof backing is damaged or it repeatedly leaks through despite not being full.
How long do reusable cloth pads last?
There is no single lifespan because it depends on the materials, how often the pad is used, how it is washed and its overall condition. Continue using it while the fabric, absorbency, snaps and waterproof layer remain in good condition and replace it when its performance or hygiene deteriorate.
Choose your next step
If you're still comparing period-care options, visit the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub to compare cloth pads with menstrual cups, discs, sponges and other products.
You can also browse our range of reusable cloth pads and liners.
Related reading
- How to Remove Period Stains From Cloth Pads
- How to Dispose of Old Cloth Pads
- Travelling With Reusable Period Products
Sources
- Healthdirect Australia, Menstruation
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene
This article provides general information. Follow the care instructions supplied with your reusable cloth pads if they differ from the Period Shop instructions above.