What Makes You Think Again About Using Cloth Menstrual Pads?

What makes you think again about using cloth menstrual pads

Periods are the least favorite part of being a woman and sometimes all we want is to feel less horrible and uncomfortable. Recently, cloth menstrual pads become more and more popular because of multiple Pros such as health concern, better for the environment, cheaper than disposables in the long run, feels much more comfortable than plasticky/papery disposables, etc. But there are some people still hesitate to make the switch.

I use a wide range of sizes and absorbance levels, how will cloth menstrual pads manage with this?

Is the cloth menstrual pads easy to use?

Is there is a large cost to start?

Is it a bit gross to clean cloth menstrual pads?

Above is some major reasons collected from other users' comments that make most the women think again about using cloth menstrual pads. Are you thinking the same? today let’s see how did our users say about these.

I use a wide range of sizes and absorbance levels, how will cloth menstrual pads manage with this?

- Feedback from our LUCKYPADS user (Daniela)

I don’t think I am alone in saying that the first day of my period is like the opening of a flood. It is so heavy and I need to change my pad quite regularly. I would even own up to using a night time pad in the day, perhaps changing it quite frequently. I have no confidence in the level of protection offered with disposable pads. The second and third day it has calmed down and I am able to go back to wearing a relatively large pad, but not a night time one, just one with wings. Then the last day or so I would use more of a panty liner. Luckily, LUCKYPADS offers entire range of reusable menstrual pads that I would need for one cycle.

What makes you think again about using cloth menstrual pads-2

Is the cloth menstrual pads easy to use?

- Feedback from our LUCKYPADS user (Diana)

Really easily with adjustable poppers. Much easier to get the right fit than the plastic-type with the sticky backing. When using the old fashioned type you can’t adjust the fit once you have stuck, with LUCKYPADS organic menstrual pads you can. For me, these are even better than the mass-produced disposable ones. I don’t find I have too much movement once they are in place. The movement that I do have seems to go with my natural movement rather than against it.

The other benefit is that I am silent for the day. No more rustling when I turn or even walk. So a good fit, with no leakages and a more breathable experience from the natural cotton. I was really relieved the first time as it really plays into my worst nightmare of periods. I hate the idea of being in the middle of work and needing to change my clothes because of an accident. LUCKYPADS organic menstrual pads do manage to give me a better level of discretion and I feel confident with them already.

What makes you think again about using cloth menstrual pads-3

Is there is a large cost to start?

- Feedback from our LUCKYPADS user (Angel)

What if I don’t like them or get on with them at all? I was really concerned that although I would save a lot of money over the lifespan of the washable menstrual pads I would still need to make an initial outlay which might not be ‘worth it’. Instead, I was able to buy a starter set and this included one of each size. I substituted the extras I needed for the first month from my old stash of disposable pads. That way you can really feel the difference from the breathable cotton ones and the sweaty smelly plastic ones. For me it confirmed that I had made the right swap, this then meant the initial cost was minimal and I could decide which sizes I needed to have washable menstrual pads for.

Yes, the initial cost is large but I think I must have around 12-13 periods a year each costing me £10-£15 at least. So that means that I have more than covered my costs within around nine months. Now think about each washable menstrual pad lasting around 5 years and the knock-on effect of those savings.

Is it a bit gross to clean them?

- Feedback from our LUCKYPADS user (Jolie)

I needed time to get my head around this one. Basically I have had times when I have had to soak and wash bed sheets or pants, only when I have been taken by surprise but I have just got on with it. So what would be the difference here? Not to sound too much like a militant feminist but, who told us we had to spend all this money each month just to have a period? In the recent past, like my own mother’s time, we all used old cotton rags. Hence the rather lovely term ‘on the rag’. If we used to just deal with it then, why not now?

Three things help here;

1. A little waterproof pouch. I have two, one for ready to use pads and one for used pads. I Just fold the used ones in four and pop into the pouch until I get home. Far more discrete than the ripping the loud plastic pads and opening up the grim and frankly unclean sanitary bin in a public toilet. This reminds me to say that just because we have become accustomed to something does not make it alright! No matter how you control the communal sanitary bin with your foot, you still have to pop the towel into it and run the risk of touching someone else’s period. Don’t get me started about blood born viruses!

2. I have a little watertight bin with a lid in my bathroom. This allows me to rinse the cloth sanitary pads and then leave to soak in cold water for at least 2 hours before washing. You can change the water as many times as you like. As I mentioned earlier the heavier the period you are having the more you will need in terms of protection. Be prepared to rinse away the main blood before soaking. It isn’t that horrible and as you do it as you go, even when you are out you bring it home and rinse immediately. It is easier and less off-putting than you might think.

3. Cold Process Soap. This allows me to get all of the stains out each time. You can also add the pads to your usual wash load. The main thing to remember is hand wash is easier, but always in cold water. If you do want to put them through the washing machine, remember to put them into the hand wash cycle on the coldest setting. This will help with removing stains. The soaking process will also help a lot! What I do is wait until the end of my period before doing any laundry then put them all in together. You can then pop some cute gloves on and do it all in one.

So I don’t think it is too gross and I would rather deal with my own cloth sanitary pads than have to use a communal sanitary bin ever again! Once they are washed out you just need to make sure that you have dried them thoroughly. So hang dry for the best results.

 

If we want to make big changes globally there is an easy way to start with small steps. This wasn’t as big a change as you first thought! Find out why you haven’t yet tried cloth menstrual pads and then get over it and move on!

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