Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads

The first thing most women think when they hear about reusable cloth menstrual pads is, "Yuck!" But reusable menstrual pads are superior to disposable pads in many ways. This article takes a look at a few of those ways.

What are Cloth Menstrual Pads?

Cloth menstrual pads are similar in design to disposable pads. They are quilted on top and should have a backing made of waterproof material. The preferred material seems to be flannel, as it is absorbent and soft. Pads can be made in differing lengths and thicknesses to suit your flow and body type.

These pads are homemade and easy to stitch up on a machine. Free patterns are available on line. If you aren't handy with a sewing machine, you can find brand new reusable pads on Ebay or in on line shops.

Comfort

If you are unable to use tampons due to reoccurring yeast infections or for other reasons, you probably know how uncomfortable disposable menstrual pads can be.

The problems that can arise are endless. Rough plastic edges stick out and poke your thighs. The cotton inside the pads shift around and bunch up. The pad does gymnastics in the night and ends up down your pajama leg, or, worse, flips upside down and attaches its sticky side to your tender regions.

Cloth menstrual pads are much softer, with no plastic to chafe at your skin. The edges are not jagged; instead, they are rounded and fit the contour of your body snugly. The fact that they are quilted prevents bunching. The cloth material makes the pad feel very much like panties and is more absorbant than disposables.

Cloth pads with wings often fasten with velcro or a snap, preventing the sticky problems that can arise with disposable pads. That said, snug panties should be worn with reusable pads, especially if the pad has no wings, to help them stay in place. Overall, reusable pads are much more comfortable than disposables.

Cost

Reusable menstrual pads that are well made can last from four to six years. Buying disposable pads at about ten dollars per month for 72 months will cost about $720.00. This may seem a small amount to some, but the frugally minded will appreciate the savings.

The Environment

Imagine how many thousands of disposable pads that you may use in your lifetime that will end up in a landfill. Many environmentally conscious mothers use cloth diapers but do not realize that alternatives to disposable menstrual pads exist.

You may be thinking that reusable cloth menstrual pads sound great...except for the reusable part. The fact is, reusing them is not as disgusting as it sounds.

For the benefit of the ladies who would like to try cloth menstrual pads, I will close with details on how to care for and launder cloth menstrual pads.

Details

Used pads can simply be rinsed in the bathroom sink as they are changed. This takes about as much time as washing your hands.

To keep the cloth pads soft, they should be soaked in a solution of cold water and vinegar inside a sealed container. This container can be stashed under your sink or in another out of the way spot.

Laundering Cloth Menstrual Pads

If you have enough pads to get you through one cycle, you can soak them all until your period is over and then wash them all at once. They can be machine washed and dried.