/r/clothpads

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit to discuss reusable menstrual pads!

r/clothpads is a subreddit dedicated to the discussion of reusable menstrual pads and liners.

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    Related Subreddits

    /r/DIYclothpads

    /r/menstrualcups

    /r/MenstrualDiscs

    /r/PeriodUnderwear

    /r/Periods

    /r/clothpads

    3,962 Subscribers

    16

    How are we washing cloth pads?

    My period has finally returned after over six years. I used to be a cup girlie but I'm too old for that shit now. I've had to move stations and now use cloth pads.

    They never smell clean. I feel like I'm washing them four times a go and it takes over a day, sometimes two. They dry and half the time they irritate me because they're still soapy.

    Yall - what am I doing wrong? I'm suffering out here.

    Also can we use wash bags? I keep losing them. Or my dog eats them.

    25 Comments
    2025/01/09
    20:33 UTC

    4

    Recommendations for a noob

    Wondering if anyone has any recommendations on cloth pads?

    I’ve never tried any menstrual alternatives such as the cup, disk or reusable/cloth pads so I have no idea where to start lol.

    Typically my flow isn’t too heavy but I do like to wear long length for over night and regular length during the day. I’d like to try something that is 100% cotton or something that will not disrupt my pH or cause any possible infections or irritation.

    Thank you and Happy New Year! :-)

    6 Comments
    2025/01/03
    18:07 UTC

    2

    Hoping to find a replacement

    The pad maker I liked stopped making pads after I bought my last batch, and I’m hoping to find something as close to the same as I can. Mine are starting to fray and come apart at the seams 😢. These are the qualities I like in those pads:

    Cotton flannel for the whole exterior, top and bottom (would consider other cool fabrics like bamboo, but no synthetics or fleeces, I overheat a lot)

    Fairly thin (mine are 1 layer Zorb, I layer PUL, and that’s all the absorption I need)

    One-piece construction, with the edges of the absorbent material firmly sewn in place. (I’ve had pads that were single piece construction but the absorbent materials were only sewn down in the middle, and I ended up with it all wadded up in the middle, which was uncomfortable and didn’t do the job well. I’m pretty sure I’d make an even worse mess of the ones that have removable innards.)

    Wings attach to each other with a snap

    On the smaller end of the size of thin ”daytime” disposable pads. I used Kotex ultra thin with wings back when I still used disposables, and found Always ultra thin with wings pads were a little too wide, and most overnight size pads are just waaaay too much fabric for me.

    No binding on the edge. I could maybe make a very thin, soft binding work, but I have genetic skin fragility issues.

    I prefer colors over white or undyed, but it’s a pretty mild preference and I am open to an undyed pad if it meets the things I actually need.

    11 Comments
    2024/12/29
    02:47 UTC

    52

    Soco Studio

    Hi everyone! I haven’t seen anyone mention the brand of cloth pads I use called Soco Studio. It’s a handmade, woman owned brand in Texas, and I absolutely LOVE her pads! She has a ton of sizes ranging from 8 inches to 18 inches, as well as liners in two sizes, and wrappers that you can store your clean pads in or put your used pad in when changing it in public. She also has a ton of fabric topper options from cotton, supplex, minky, and stay dry, but does use zorb backing and cores if that’s something you’re looking out for. My favorite part is she has two drops a month (usually 4 prints in a drop) with different patterns and has seasoned prints for the holidays! (Some of my pads are pictured) Only downside is her pads are on the expensive size, but the quality is top-notch. The owner is super active on social media and super transparent about everything if you wanted to look her up!

    5 Comments
    2024/12/29
    01:54 UTC

    3

    My Hannahpad faded completely on the back side, is it still safe?

    My Hannahpad faded from the blue pattern to white on the back side. I don't know if it was from too much pre-laundry soak or sun exposure. I've had it for exactly 2 years so I could replace it if necessary, but I don't feel I got my money's worth. Is it still safe to use? Is the product damaged that would cause a risk?

    3 Comments
    2024/12/27
    11:46 UTC

    31

    Is it safe to wear a cloth pad 24/7

    I kind of have bladder issues but not to the point I need diapers, I just now learned normal pads are NOT safe to wear for high periods of times..

    I want to know if there's any reusable pads that are safer for me to be wearing all the time (please don't make fun of me)

    10 Comments
    2024/12/15
    09:33 UTC

    1

    Hello! I hqve bought a 5lb tub of OxiClean to soak them with after my period. Tips?

    Hello i bought a 5lb tub of OxiClean Odor Blaster for soaking my pads. This is only the Second time ive used them (on period right now)

    Didnt havw them last time. And i was wondering if theres any tips?

    Ill soak them at the end of my period but im fine with most soaps and detergents down there. So i just wash them right after use for now. I knw some people just toss em in a bucket after but i dont want the blood sitting rht long nor any bloody smell either. Plus i only have 5 pads roght now (was gonna be a 10pc pack but its unavailable and the other one wont be here till night of day 6 so im just waiting to buy the multi pack on amazon i want so tht i have 2 extra larges to use on day 2 nd 3)

    So right now i use cold or cool water to rinse it out till clear or almost clear.

    Then i switch to warm/hotter watet and soap of any kind (no bleach thoughbi told myself i wouldnt use any on these even tho i love it)

    Scrub them slightly so the fibers move around instead of stayin in one spot

    Then rinse again until water is clear

    Then hang to dry ontop of my towels. In a line. Face down so the towels will take a lot of the water instead of dripping and grip the cloth so they dont slide off.

    (The ones on the left are the wetterst and ones on rhe right should be totally dry by the time i change my pads ahain which i do abt evwry 8-12 hrs. I only have size xl but they look like most Larges ? I can grab measurements if u need me to)

    I didnt get to soak them to extra sanitize and wash last month but i figure one 5lb tub of the stuff i heard reccomendrd somewhere. Would be enough for eventually abt 15-20 pads a month.

    Tips for how to soak. What to do. Amnt usage. If i should also wash them all woth soap one last time. Etc etc etc would be greatly appreciated. I dont have any tub to soak them in right now so i might need to buy one or soak a few at a time in a small bowl

    Edit: may need to if roomies mom doesnt let me use a bowl. Though she might. Ill qsk tomorrow (cuz we got some bucket shapped things i can wash qnd use if i sit it in the tub and she says yea)

    Asking for tips now (today is day 4 of 8) so tht i can research or ask or etc and be ready for after my periods over

    Edit 2: oh forgot to say. The washing i explained i do RIGHT as i change pads. I clean myself up and pat dry and put on a new one onto my panties and then go roght to washing. To try and eliminate blood being in it to long.

    I qlso only have 5 pads right now i cyclr between during my period. I havent bought the other 10pck yet and i hope when i do itll be able to gibe the others more time to dry.

    9 Comments
    2024/12/06
    12:56 UTC

    7

    Party Pants Pads

    Is Party Pants Pads still in business? I’ve been purchasing their pads for over ten years. I noticed they haven’t posted on social media for two years and their website says the few products that are listed are all 60% off. Anyone know what’s going on? Really sad if they are out of business!!

    3 Comments
    2024/11/29
    00:09 UTC

    13

    What does your significant other think about cloth pads?

    My husband is just convinced they are unsanitary and strange. He’s nice enough about it but he just doesn’t get it lol. I’m just getting started on my journey. Curious what y’all’s partners think of this? And how are you discreet about cleaning/soaking pads in a shared household?

    19 Comments
    2024/11/28
    04:07 UTC

    3

    Cloth pads and exercise?

    I'm considering switching to cloth pads for health and environmental reasons. I have a light flow and they sound perfect for me, but I'm worried about exercising. Even sticky disposable pads can shift around, so how can a cloth pad stay in place? I'm not willing to put holes in my underwear with safety pins.

    12 Comments
    2024/11/27
    18:20 UTC

    6

    Survey about menstrual product use!

    https://preview.redd.it/vx8zcmcdj63e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03b1bf0d6c7ec175131f7fe1fb27acd1655db020

    Hello!

    I am currently conducting research for my dissertation, and I am seeking participants to take part in a survey focused on menstrual product use and mental health symptomatology. This study has received Institutional Review Board approval from California Northstate University.

    I would greatly appreciate your involvement if you meet the following criteria: 1) at least 18 years of age 2) you have utilized any type of menstrual product in the last 6 months, 3) you have utilized any type of menstrual product prior to 6 months ago, 4) you are not currently pregnant, 5) you are located within the United States, and 6) you can read English.

    This survey is anonymous, will take about 10-15 minutes to complete, and can be done online at your convenience. To participate, please visit the following link:

    https://forms.gle/SvwXWNHbgoDznoo8A

    If you would like more information regarding this topic, you are welcome to contact me directly via email at 15008@cnsu.edu. Additionally, if you would like to receive the results of this research after the study is completed you are invited, but not required, to provide your email address at the end of the survey. 

    I would additionally appreciate any and all snowballing to help spread this survey to other possible participants.

    Thank you in advance for your time and support!

    ~Kate

    1 Comment
    2024/11/26
    05:14 UTC

    2

    BST

    anyone know where i can sell my reusable pads i got a bunch from “soft tacos reusables” used one and the gusset just isn’t long enough for me someone said reddit but i cant find not one group ? any recommendations?? i tried to take to local like place for DVS home but they said they cant accept them

    4 Comments
    2024/11/19
    17:42 UTC

    2

    Leaking through sides. And top

    Im Leaking though the sides and top. The top portion had nearly xompletely got my underwear in blood in that area.the sides near the closure and the wholr top. But its yhe top tht surprised me and tipped me off. Its like it didnt even catch ANYTHING up there)

    (The part in the underwear above the stitcjing for rhe main portion.) But i think its from the silky backing slipping around while i move in my aleep or move in general. My normal pqds have a sticky backing tht keep them in place.

    I also thought of buying period underwear but other then the black color to resist staining and minor extra thickness it eouldnt help as i qlson bleed a lot. I should be changing more like OP is but i csnt afford tht many. So i only change every 8 - 12 hrs (which is not q nice feeling and difficult when going to the bathroom.)

    I thought of diapers but ah id need cloth ones to be comfy. I dont wqnt dispos of those. And i dont knw if the pads would clasp around thr bottom. (Would be amazing to have a period pad/underwear like this though like holy wow)

    Diva cups i dont even want to try. Would maybe be fine at home but im clumsy. It wouldnt be useful in public. Itd be q mess somehow

    (I use Always Maxi Overnight size 5 purple. And its 8 days long for my period. The pads a good median point. 36 pads and i use about hqlf on a period. But id preferrr being able to change every 4-6 hrs or if i go to the bathroom. And then id loveeee to hqve a GIANT overnight pad. Like the ALWAYS Zzz overnight pads. Those feel like diapers! And i use to have a smaller size pad for the day and change more often and use the size 5 for at night )

    Which is whyyy i want this to work so badly. I want to have a stockpile to use so i can actually change as often qs id like. And in various sizes and such...

    Also it feels like luxurious! Its so soft i feel naughty like i turned a blanket into my pqd and i half feel bad bleeding all over it. But like holy shit its like using q blanket as your pad. Some people were complaining abt sweating from it bein warm but Qhhhh no i love tht. Warmth helps me a lot for chronic issues. (I sadly couldnt qfford the weighted heating pqd this week)

    But gahhh this leaking ! Its moving around but i dont know how to stop that issue.

    I also think this is like "Regulqr" size not my overnight ones. But it soaked it all up over 6 hrs so great besides the leaking! Other then the weight and a great red spot to the side middle where its freshest. I couldnt tell or even FEEL the blood. And rinsing it out made me go Wow. Cuz it had a LOT.

    so its leaking and moving of thr silk backing right now thts my biggest issue. During this tasting

    Please help. Any and all advice welcome to get my pad to stop moving. Or mixes and matches of various pads and underwear to use.

    4 Comments
    2024/11/09
    07:53 UTC

    4

    Best non-toxic cloth pads?

    Hi there,

    Yesterday i had my IUD removed because i just wanted my body to do its natural thing. I haven't had my period in about 3 years and in the meantime i have become anti-consumption and also the whole discovery that menstrual products are poisons. Now i am looking for clothspad for my coming periods. But there is so much that i get overwhelmed i dont know what is the best. Some are just 5 dollars and some are so much more what are the best?

    I want something that is the most natural cause in period underwear there are also a lot of PFAS or are treated with a layer that just seems unhealthy too me. Do you guys have any suggestions? I am from the Netherlands if that makes a difference.

    thanks guys!

    17 Comments
    2024/11/08
    12:55 UTC

    11

    Bad smell after washing

    I just got some cloth pads and started using them this week for my period. I did a lot of research and saw that you can just wash all the soiled ones together at the end of your period and that they can be thrown in the washer with a bit of oxiclean and detergent.

    I washed a few of mine but they came out “clean” to the eye (no blood or stains visible) but some of them have a bad smell. not sure what i’m doing wrong but can someone help?

    I’m also not sure if this is why but I did get mine from amazon (wegreeco brand) wasn’t sure if this is a bad brand or something

    22 Comments
    2024/11/04
    04:20 UTC

    5

    Extremely heavy flow please help

    Hi I live in the US and I’ve had heavy periods since I was 11 (I’m 18 now). I typiclaly use 4-6 maxi (night) pads during the day and 1-3 at night depending on which day it is. My period lasts about 5-7 days now (thankfully down from my past 10 days), but maxi pads are no longer being readily sold around me, only thin pads are.

    I began using period underwear from Thinx until the scandal started (bled through those all the time and the material gave me rashes). And then I tried using a menstrual disc (TMI: it does not fit inside me at all), didn’t work. And now I’ve moved onto cloth pads from TreeHuggers (on insta, love them), but I also bleed through these even though they use a water-resistant backing.

    I have no idea what to use now other than going back to my disposable pads even though they’re so uncomfortable and don’t have enough coverage in the back.

    If anyone has any affordable cloth pad recommendations please let me know ;w;

    PS: How many should I buy and how often should I change them?

    9 Comments
    2024/10/26
    12:32 UTC

    15

    How often to replace cloth pads?

    How often to cloth pads need to be replaced, if at all? They still work well, feel soft, etc.

    Do they need to be replaced if there's nothing wrong with them?

    TIA.

    P.S., they are under ten years old - don't fret. ;)

    11 Comments
    2024/10/21
    18:07 UTC

    2

    Pads rubbing and hurting

    So I am currently trying my first cloth pad and it’s really rubbing against my leg and hurting me , anyone else had this? Should I try use a different style of pad or will all do this?

    3 Comments
    2024/10/21
    11:17 UTC

    6

    Accidently left my pads soaking for over a month?

    I’ve had a hectic month and messed up on my birth control enough that I accidentally skipped a period. I just realized I’ve left my cloth pads soaking in water for over a month. They are in a storage container with a lid with only water.

    I’m nervous about mold and stuff but didn’t see any obvious signs when I opened the box. There was a silvery film on top of the water and a weird smell I can’t describe? I chickened out of emptying it for now.

    Are these salvageable or should I toss them at this point? I’m starting to wonder if I have the responsibility needed to use these things…

    10 Comments
    2024/10/19
    09:10 UTC

    4

    Sanitizing tips?

    Hi guys!!

    Hopefully this question is allowed here.

    A few years ago, I was using the ModiBodi undies and they were amazing, but then I had some health issues with horrific recurrent UTIs, thrush, bacterial infections, etc. These issues were not caused by the undies because I was fine for 2 years, but my doctor and gynecologist recommended I throw them out because I just could not get rid of the infection.

    I went back to using organic cotton disposable pads, and managed to mostly get rid of the issues.

    Im still quite "sensitive" and working with a naturopath and my regular doctor on getting things back in balance, but I feel so guilty about the amount of waste I'm producing every month. I tried the menstrual cup but as I said, I'm very sensitive and it was painful to me, I much prefer external protection.

    Would cloth pads be suitable for me? I remember only being able to wash the undies in cold water, can I boil the pads or otherwise sanitize them?

    Super appreciate any advice and tips!!

    5 Comments
    2024/10/09
    14:07 UTC

    10

    Cloth pads for starters

    In need of some serious advice, or for someone to lead me in the right direction to start cloth pads, I have used a menstrual cup for years, up until I had my daughter a year ago, I’ve tried a disc since and every organic brand of pad out there and I still get irritation and for some reason the disc/cup just doesn’t feel completely invisible like it used to. Maybe I’m just more aware now… either way I’ve decided I want to use only cloth pads unless I’m swimming, where do you ladies purchase yours from? How many do you go through a month with a regular-medium flow? Like how many times you wash etc. Do they get lint on you like the disposable pads do? Thanks in advance☺️

    24 Comments
    2024/10/05
    12:54 UTC

    7

    no sew, fold-able pads??

    I have a question. I've used cloth pads for years now, and I've changed the type and style of cloth pads as the years went on, and my body changed. I was looking at a pic of my son in his flat cloth diaper, and a question popped into my head. If we can fold a piece of cloth into a diaper for babies. Can we take a piece of cloth and fold it up into cloth pad for moms as well. Like, could I just folds similar to the ones used in diapers. But smaller and just tie the wings/put snaps in a certain place?

    edit: I don't access to a sewing machine. I can hand sew some. not the best

    10 Comments
    2024/09/30
    03:07 UTC

    1

    Leaking through sides?

    Hey all! So I just switched over to reusable cloth pads yesterday.

    I’m using the night plus Gladrags unbleached undyed organic cotton ones. However, I just woke up to leakage and having stained my bed for the first time in…like 6 years? I was disappointed when I saw the blood.

    I never leaked like that when on disposable pads and I put on a fresh reusable one before going to bed.

    To be fair, I do bleed a lot! But it’s like the pad doesn’t absorb well towards the middle. Do I have to get different materials? Styles? What do you with heavy flows recommend? Because even the night plus Gladrags wasn’t long enough for me nor wide enough either and I spent like $100 on 5 pads :/

    16 Comments
    2024/09/24
    15:52 UTC

    6

    First time using any tips?

    I’m currently a young homeless woman. A foodbank kindly offered me the option of reusable pads which I took upon. I’ve never ever used them before in my life. I will wash them before use however is it okay in a 40 or 60 cycle?

    Does anyone have any tips? I suffer with eczema so what fabric / material should I avoid if it’s on the label.

    Thank you x

    7 Comments
    2024/09/22
    09:11 UTC

    4

    Perimenopause is it too late?

    So I’ve been wanting to try cloth pads for years and only just plucked up the courage to buy them…. BUT I’m in perimenopause so I don’t know how long I’ll be having periods for, and even when I do have a period it’s very light. Is it worth me changing over now or should I not bother?

    4 Comments
    2024/09/21
    18:31 UTC

    3

    Adult cloth diapers for postpartum mom

    Reusable adult diapers and postpartum pads

    Postpartum crunchy moms I need reusable cloth incontinece underwear no PFAS or plastic at all

    Or inexpensive cloth full coverage pads with no plastic waterproofing?

    I’m tired of buying adult disposable underwear

    6 Comments
    2024/09/21
    16:25 UTC

    3

    Opinion on Bamboolik cloth pads

    https://www.bamboolik.cz/nocni-poporodni-latkova-vlozka-biobavlnene-frote/

    I am considering buying cloth pads for the first time. Where I live Bamboolik sells those in organic cotton material. Has anyone tried these Bamboolik ones? Are they good and how long do they last ?

    0 Comments
    2024/09/16
    18:24 UTC

    7

    Cloth pad recommendation for hot weather?

    Hello! I have always wanted to try cloth pads but I live in Singapore so it is all year round 30+ degree celsius and super high humidity. I also have quite sensitive skin down there...therefore hoping to try something that is more skin friendly. Any brand recommendations? Thanks!!!

    11 Comments
    2024/09/15
    14:38 UTC

    4

    Disaster cloths 2ith horrible smell

    I messed up. Probably twice. I left my pads in water for 3 weeks. Rough times.

    But when I realized I took the following steps to make it right

    Soaked with new salted water Rinsed and soaked again 4 times Washed it cold with laundry detergent and vinegar twice Washed it hot with laundry deterfent and vingar once

    Looked at this sub and put them in a bucket with water and a bit of bleach. Washed it again but with other clothes aswell.

    Well... the smell is unbareable since the first wash but only got worse. It stinks up the room i put it in. And worst case .nightmare. My other clothes i put in with the last wash smell aswell. Including my brand new work pants.

    Please please please help me save these dreached pads and above all my work pants

    Update: pads are tossed. Pants are currently in washer being saved hopefully

    7 Comments
    2024/09/14
    22:55 UTC

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