Frequently Asked Questions
Why use cloth menstrual pads?
1) Some people have found that the material and chemicals used in disposable pads and tampons cause an allergic reaction.
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2) We end up spending so much money on things that are going to end up in the waste and harm our ecosystem.
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3) They save space in your bags and suitcases.
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4) They're less noisy. Do you hate the sound of wrinkling wrappers and pads peeling? Cloth pads make less of a scene when you're changing them.
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5) The wings aren't sticky so you don't have to deal with glue stuck to your underwear or them getting wrinkled.
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5) You don't have to run to the store to buy more pads because you're running low.
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6) They're comfortable! You have so many to choose from from the texture, size, absorbency, pattern, etc.
How many cloth pads do I need?
Take the number of disposable pads you use in one cycle as a reference point and have at least that many on hand.
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If you do laundry more frequently then you don't need as many.
How do I take care of cloth pads?
Please see the "Washing Your Pads" blog post!
What about leaks?
Just like disposable pads, you run the risk of leaking. If there's PUL, it's almost impossible to leak through the pad but if you leave it on for too long you can leak over it. Some people say reusables are more absorbent which isn't necessarily true. They can hold about the same amount but cloth spreads fluid slower.
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I highly encourage you to buy menstrual underwear whether you use tampons, menstrual cups, disposable pads, or cloth pads. Trust me, it's worth it!
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If you don't want to invest in THINX underwear because they do get expensive, then you can purchase bamboo menstrual underwear on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3dVLHYc
You can buy a pack of five for $30 and they work great.
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What do I do when I'm at school?
Yes, you'll probably have to change your pads at least once while at school.
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~Middle-school & High-school~
For most middle-schoolers and high-schoolers, they fortunately have lockers. You can put your used pads in a small PUL bag (aka. wet bag) which is leak/odor-resistant. When you get home you can clean them out.
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I wish I had known about cloth pads and menstrual underwear in middle-school. It can definitely feel like an awkward stage where some people have started their periods and others haven’t yet. When you go to the bathroom, it can feel embarrassing because you can hear the loud peeling sound of the wrappers. With cloth reusables, you have less to worry about!
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~College~
In college, it can be a little trickier and people may be worried because all you have throughout the day is your backpack. Your dorm may be far away, and you don’t have time to run back between classes. A lot of people who use menstrual cups tend to find a single-stall restroom and quickly rinse everything there. You can do the same with pads which are less messy. When you get back to your dorm and take a shower, use the stall with a drain directly below. Obviously, be courteous by making sure the place is clean for others. The best part is that if your college is located far away from a store, you’ll never have to run errands to pick up more pads!
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Isn't it gross & do they smell?
They shouldn't smell. The nasty smell people often associate with periods comes from bacteria that accumulate and react with chemicals in disposable pads. If you leave your pad on for a longer period of time, it could start to smell like iron which is normal.
Because you do have to rinse your own blood, some people may find that gross when it shouldn't be. After all, you'll just be washing your hands with hand-soap afterwards anyways.
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Just try it at least once and see!
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Do you have to wash them right away?
Normally, after changing your pad, you should rinse as much of it out as you can so that it not only reduces the chances of staining, but it also minimizes any odor.
Of course, if you don’t of time to clean your pad, you can put it directly into your wet bag which is what it’s for. The PUL lining in the wet bag that’s also used for diaper bags will prevent any odor from seeping through.
What’s even better about reusable pads is that they don’t even carry that period smell people dread. This is because reusable pads are more breathable compared to disposables and it was amazing how the smell disappeared.
Do I have to put my dirty pads & clean pads in the same bag?
You don’t ever have to mix your clean pads and dirty pads in the same bag.
You can purchase a wet bag with two pockets where you put your clean pads in one and your dirty ones in another. I’ve personally found it hard to find ones that come with double pockets, are compact, and are affordable but I definitely like the one I use.
Is there a right side and a wrong side?
Yes! Each layer uses a special fabric that performs a certain function. The top is usually absorbent so it allows fluid to go straight to the core of the pad while the backing is water-resistant.
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Check to make sure you're wearing your pad the right way.
Shipping?
Please see "Pad Pricing Sheet" in the "Shop" menu bar.
What is your return policy?
Check the "Store Policies" menu tab for more info.