Caring for your cloth pads is an important part of your cloth pad journey. Every user has their own preferences for how to store, wash, and dry their pads. This collection of suggestions is based upon the care routine that has worked for me for many years. The internet is full of additional ideas, but I like my pad owners to have access to what I personally have found to work well.
Storage *Wash before first use.*
Suggested Pre-Washing
(Only necessary IF your pads have surface “staining.” If your pads don’t look dirty on top, skip straight to the wash step! If you are using your pads for urinary issues, you may wish to spray them with a vinegar:witch hazel mixture at the ratio of 1:2.)
Washing
Drying
Have fun with your new cloth pads! Feel free to check back in to let me know how you are faring with your cloth.
Pre-washing routine inspired by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82FjqcMvox0
Other parts of the routine are based on a variety of sources and my own experience with cloth pads and diapers.
Copyright Sarah Peshek of Sarsey Seams, 2020
Do not reproduce this document without prior permission of the author.
Storage *Wash before first use.*
- Store clean pads in a clean, dry location.
- Used pads may be stored bag for up to 3-4 days before washing. You may rinse your pads prior to storing them, but it is not necessary. I prefer not to rinse. Store in a waterproof bag (reusable ones are marketed as “wet bags”) if possible. I do not suggest storing your pads in standing water.
- Contain any mess by wrapping the soiled side in. With the absorbent side up, fold each long side in toward the middle. Then just wrap the wings around that middle spot and snap!
Suggested Pre-Washing
(Only necessary IF your pads have surface “staining.” If your pads don’t look dirty on top, skip straight to the wash step! If you are using your pads for urinary issues, you may wish to spray them with a vinegar:witch hazel mixture at the ratio of 1:2.)
- Fill a basin/sink with cold water about halfway – just enough to cover your stack of pads once it is unfolded.
- Add ½ - 1 tablespoon of Oxiclean to the water and agitate with your hands to dissolve.
- Place pads (soiled side down) into the water and soak for 2-4 hours.
- Drain water and gently squeeze excess water out of pads y pushing them on the sides of your container.
- Rinse pads in clean, cold water, gently squeezing to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring.
- If any stains remain, treat by rubbing firmly with Fels-Naptha stain remover soap. You may also rub the two sides of the pad together to help remove any soiling.
- Any stained pads should then go through the Oxiclean soaking process again, soaking for at least 4 hours, but as long as overnight.
- Drain and rinse. At this time pads should be completely stain-free!
Washing
- Once pads are free of surface markings, they are ready to be washed. They may be washed in any load of laundry using your laundry routine, without fabric softener.
- Again, do NOT use fabric softener on your cloth pads.
- Do not wash a small load of pads alone – your machine likely will not agitate them enough to complete the cleaning process.
- I recommend warm water wash and cold rinse. I use regular Tide brand laundry powder. However, if you follow the Pre-washing steps above, your routine of choice should be absolutely fine…as long as you do NOT use fabric softener.
Drying
- Pads may be dried in the dryer on medium heat or hung to dry.
- Do not use dryer sheets
- Drying in the dryer leads to softer pads. You may add wool dryer balls for extra softening.
- If you find yourself in the unlikely situation of facing a stubborn stain, I recommend setting your pad in the sun to dry. Let Mother Nature work her magic!
Have fun with your new cloth pads! Feel free to check back in to let me know how you are faring with your cloth.
Pre-washing routine inspired by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82FjqcMvox0
Other parts of the routine are based on a variety of sources and my own experience with cloth pads and diapers.
Copyright Sarah Peshek of Sarsey Seams, 2020
Do not reproduce this document without prior permission of the author.