Quick answer: To remove period stains from cloth pads, rinse the pad in cold water soon after use, then wash it on a gentle warm cycle with detergent. Hot water used at the stain-treatment stage can set blood stains. For marks that remain, work in a little bicarb soda paste, rinse well and wash again. Line dry, and avoid bleach, fabric softener, tumble drying and ironing.
Some staining on a cloth pad is normal, especially on lighter fabrics. A faint brown, rust-coloured or greyish mark does not mean you have washed the pad incorrectly. Proper washing, thorough rinsing and complete drying matter more than keeping every pad completely stain-free.
How to prevent stains on cloth pads
The easiest time to deal with menstrual blood is before it has dried into the fabric. You do not need an elaborate stain-removal routine. Starting with cold water and washing the pad properly will prevent or reduce many stains.
Rinse in cold water first
Rinse the used pad under cold running water and gently squeeze it until the water runs mostly clear.
Cold water is the better first step for blood stains because heat can cause the proteins in blood to bind more firmly to the fabric, making the mark harder to remove.
Soak if you need to
If a visible mark remains after rinsing, you can soak the pad in cold water before washing. An overnight soak may be useful for some stains, but it is not necessary every time you use a pad.
Plain cold water is often enough. If you use a stain-removal product, check that it is suitable for the fabric and rinse the pad thoroughly afterwards.
Can't rinse it straight away?
If you are away from home, fold the used pad and store it in a small wet bag or other suitable sealed bag until you can wash it.
Rinse and wash it when practical rather than leaving a damp used pad bundled up for longer than necessary.
How to wash and dry cloth pads
After the initial cold rinse or soak, Period Shop cloth pads can be hand washed with detergent in warm water or machine washed on a gentle warm cycle.
For Period Shop cloth pads:
- Hand wash: wash with detergent in warm water.
- Machine wash: use a gentle warm cycle.
- Line dry: line dry completely, in the sun if practical.
- Do not use fabric softener: it can coat the fibres and reduce absorbency.
- Do not bleach: bleach is not recommended for Period Shop cloth pads.
- Do not tumble dry: dryer heat may damage the waterproof layer.
- Do not iron.
Cloth pads can take longer to dry than ordinary clothing because of their absorbent layers. Make sure they are completely dry before folding or storing them.
Leaving damp absorbent fabric bundled up can encourage unwanted odours and may contribute to mildew or mould.
For the complete routine, see our Cloth Pad User Guide & Care Instructions.
How to remove stubborn period stains
If a visible mark remains after washing, you can try a gentle spot treatment before washing the pad again.
Bicarb soda is one common home option. It may help lift some residual blood staining, although it will not necessarily remove every mark.
- Dampen the stained area with cold water.
- Mix a small amount of bicarb soda with water to make a paste.
- Gently work the paste into the stained fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Wash the pad again according to its care instructions.
- Line dry completely.
You can repeat the process if needed.
If you prefer a commercial stain remover, check that it is suitable for the fabric and rinse it out thoroughly before wearing the pad again.
Sunlight may also help fade some residual marks, but sunlight does not replace proper washing and thorough drying.
What to avoid when removing stains from cloth pads
- Hot water as the first stain treatment: heat can make blood stains more difficult to remove.
- Bleach: bleach is not recommended for Period Shop cloth pads.
- Fabric softener: it can coat fibres and reduce absorbency.
- Tumble drying: dryer heat may damage the waterproof layer.
- Ironing: do not iron Period Shop cloth pads.
- Mixing stain removers or cleaning chemicals: use cleaning products only as directed on their labels.
You also do not need to routinely use a harsh “strip wash” just because a pad has a visible stain. A stain is not the same thing as detergent build-up or poor cleaning.
Are stained cloth pads still usable?
Yes, a faint residual stain on its own does not necessarily mean a cloth pad needs replacing.
Natural cotton can retain light brown, rust-coloured or greyish marks even after proper washing. If the pad has been washed according to its care instructions, rinsed thoroughly and dried completely, a cosmetic stain does not tell you how well the pad has been cleaned.
Look at the condition and performance of the whole pad rather than judging it only by colour.
When should you replace a cloth pad?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every reusable pad. How often it is used, the materials and how it is cared for all affect its lifespan.
Consider replacing a pad if:
- the fabric or stitching is significantly damaged
- the absorbent layers no longer perform as they used to
- the waterproof layer is damaged or the pad begins leaking through the back
- you see green or black spots that may be mould
- a strong or unusual smell remains despite appropriate washing, rinsing and complete drying
If a pad has an odour after washing, first check that detergent has been rinsed out properly and that the pad is drying completely. A damp pad stored before it has fully dried can develop unwanted smells.
If you suspect mould, replacing the pad is a better option than repeatedly applying increasingly harsh cleaning treatments.
What if you develop irritation?
If you notice ongoing vulval irritation, unusual discharge, an unusual vaginal odour or other symptoms, speak with a GP, pharmacist or other appropriate healthcare professional rather than assuming the pad itself is the cause.
Heavy or painful periods are also worth discussing with a healthcare professional if they are affecting your everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to remove blood stains from cloth pads?
Start by rinsing the pad in cold water as soon as practical, then wash it according to its care instructions. If a visible stain remains, you can try a bicarb soda paste before washing the pad again.
Can I soak cloth pads overnight?
Yes. An overnight cold-water soak can be useful when a stain remains after rinsing, but soaking is optional and is not necessary after every use.
Can I use bleach on cloth pads?
No. Bleach is not recommended for Period Shop cloth pads. Follow the normal cold-rinse, warm-wash and line-dry routine instead.
Can I tumble dry cloth pads?
No. Period Shop recommends line drying because tumble-dryer temperatures may damage the waterproof layer.
Why do my cloth pads smell after washing?
A lingering smell can occur if detergent has not rinsed out completely or if the absorbent layers have not dried thoroughly. Rinse well, allow the pad to dry completely and avoid storing pads while they are still damp.
Do stains mean my cloth pad isn't clean?
Not necessarily. Cotton can retain faint marks even after proper washing. A cosmetic stain alone does not tell you whether the pad is clean, so focus on following the correct washing, rinsing and drying routine.
Can sunlight remove cloth pad stains?
Sunlight may help fade some residual discolouration, particularly on lighter fabrics, but it should be treated as an optional extra rather than a substitute for proper washing.
The bottom line
Period staining on reusable cloth pads is common and is often cosmetic rather than a sign that the pad is dirty.
For Period Shop cloth pads, rinse with cold water first, wash with detergent in warm water or on a gentle warm machine cycle, rinse thoroughly and line dry completely. For stubborn marks, a small amount of bicarb soda paste may help.
A faint stain does not mean you need to replace a pad that is otherwise clean, dry and functioning properly.
More cloth pad help
- Shop cloth pads and liners
- Cloth Pad User Guide & Care Instructions
- How to Dispose of Cloth Pads
- How to Remove Menstrual Cup Stains
- Menstrual Products Comparison Hub
Sources
- CHOICE, How to get period blood out of underwear and clothes
- Healthdirect Australia, Menstruation
This article contains care instructions for Period Shop cloth pads. If you use another brand, follow the care instructions supplied with that product.