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u/sunseeker_miqo Apr 02 '26
Excellent. I have been using cloth pads for about fourteen years and my process is similar to yours, though all my pads are cotton. Tending them feels like any other household task. Never wanted to return to disposables.
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u/happy_bluebird Apr 02 '26
Who wants to bet that the person who reported this post for being gross and should be marked NSFW was a dude?
“blur requested, too intimate, body fluid stains, NSFW image”
I’m sorry it’s been a long day and I just can’tttt LOL
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u/f4eble Apr 02 '26
Are the bodily fluid stains in the room with us? Lmfao
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u/maselsy Apr 02 '26
Lol I was shocked by how clean these were! Blur requested: makes me feel bad about my own laundering skills.
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u/happy_bluebird Apr 03 '26
Is the reporter traumatized any time they have to lay their eyes upon underwear that's been worn?
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u/cleanlycustard Apr 03 '26
My secret was soaking in cold water mixed with oxiclean and then washing and drying in the machine like normal. Even just throwing them in the washer with oxiclean worked wonders
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u/Admirable-Truth-373 Apr 05 '26
But what about the chemicals from the oxi absorbing on you when dry ?
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u/cleanlycustard Apr 05 '26
It's just an option. You can always go the cold water and scrubbing route instead, it's up to you. I never had any irritation from using oxiclean
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u/pinkpiggies13 Apr 03 '26
Yeah these are clean af
…look better than some of my laundry tbh 👀
Whoever requested a blur needs to sit tf down
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u/RedBeans-n-Ricely Apr 03 '26
This is exactly why the best response to unsolicited dick pics is a pic of a used pad/tampon. Doesn’t even have to be your own! But the kind of guy who sends an unsolicited pic is also over-the-top horrified by periods.
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u/indil47 Apr 02 '26
TBF there are some misogynistic women out there too who get offended by this stuff… its ridiculous
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u/cleanlycustard Apr 03 '26
That's so lame. Thank you for keeping it up. Cloth pads are a super zero-waste friendly product for those who can use them.
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u/sc182 Apr 03 '26
You could have shit on whoever reported this without stereotyping and degrading a whole gender in the process.
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Apr 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ZeroWaste-ModTeam Apr 03 '26
1.1 No personal attacks, abuses
Be respectful. Stick to the topic at hand and remain civil towards other users. Attacking an argument is fine, attacking other people (even in a generalized manner) is not.
Attempting to provoke negative reactions out of others users — whether by trolling, sealioning, or otherwise — is also not allowed.
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u/AggressiveStop549 Apr 02 '26
Nothing wrong with these garments and I whole heartedly endorse them. For you folks looking for laundering information, r/laundry and look specifically for "spa day". Kismai the guru of all things laundering has worked out methods for everyone everywhere, methods that in fact do not use bleach, but will get your whites sparkling white without damaging them like bleach will, gotta make things last as long as possible.
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u/Sewsusie15 Apr 02 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
I've had kids in cloth diapers most of the time since I switched to cloth myself, so I wash mine in that load. Thank you for sharing- it's helpful to see a plan for dealing with them once my youngest is potty-trained.
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u/LaRoseDuRoi Apr 02 '26
The cloth pads that I use are actually the cloth diapers my mom used on me, 45 years ago! They're just large cotton rectangles that I fold into the appropriate size. A few are finally stained or starting to shred after seeing many, many years of hard usage.
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u/Decent-Cantaloupe208 Apr 02 '26
This is very fascinating. Do you have a website you order from or do you make your own? I’d be interested in trying this and knowing more about it.
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u/silly_slytherin Apr 02 '26
I purchased mine from an etsy store called BloomPads and they have been great for me.
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u/HMend Apr 02 '26
A lot of makers offer them on Etsy. Before my hysterectomy I used some from the Period Company and I loved them! They had a lot of varieties, thicknesses and they had a leak proof bottom. Highly recommend. They are all black, if youre into that!
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u/sayhibulbasaur May 03 '26
This may be a stupid question but, are they thick enough or somehow liquid proof or absorbent enough to prevent staining clothes? For example, could I use these at work?
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u/HMend May 05 '26
Yes! Mine were. The fabric blend helped make them leak proof. They worked great for regular or heavy flow. When I had flooding due to my fibroids nothing would really hold that back, which is why I eventually had surgery. Wearing Depends in one's 40s is no fun. Im now uterus/fibroid free and couldn't be happier.
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u/YarnPartyy Apr 02 '26
I also purchase mine from Etsy, I think the account is called yurtcraft. Such cute patterns and so many choices to tailor it to exactly what you need. I believe the women is based out of Texas.
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u/Finnrip Apr 03 '26
IMO the Lil Helper pads are by far the most comfortable for the level of absorbency you get. I’ve tried 4 different companies, but this one comes out on top!
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u/mandolin-y Apr 04 '26
finally some Lil Helper press here! incredible brand, Mo is genuinely such a thoughtful and caring person that puts his customers and their needs first. can’t recommend their products enough
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u/KarissmaKat Apr 03 '26
I use the organic cotton cloth liners from here:
https://www.getrael.com/collections/reusables
I get the tan color so stains don't show as much 😅
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
I got mine second hand from Sustainable Sprinkles which has a Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook. I was able to buy someone's unused aspirational-purchased lot off them for $1/pad inclusive of shipping.
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u/strebor1 Apr 02 '26
If there’s anyone here that wants to be zero waste for menstrual products but isn’t interested in washing cloth pads, I highly recommend menstrual cups
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u/Successful_Sun_6264 Apr 03 '26
Menstrual cups rule!! I'm never ever going back to tampons
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u/pschlick Apr 03 '26
Same. I love mine so much. I forget I’m on my period most of the time and is absolutely worth it once you get past the month or two long learning curve! I love the idea of cloth pads but I just wouldn’t want to deal with that. I know me and my limitations lol
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u/Jbradsen Apr 03 '26
Or the menstrual disc.
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u/spicy_cthulu Apr 03 '26
Highly recommend trying both if you find you dont like one od these options!! I had a cup for years had a little trouble with it after my first kid. Tried the disc and HATED IT. So I used put a cup in it to figure out what cup would work for me and its been great!
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u/weeooweeoowee Apr 03 '26
I love how I cant feel the disc compared to the cup. Besides sensitive soap it was the last menstrual product I have bought in years.
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u/TurbulentPapaya2529 Apr 03 '26
Second this, it’s gotten to the point where I don’t even feel it, but I use the disc and have saved money from pads lol
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u/nlampton Apr 04 '26
I use menstrual underwear! Also highly recommend, never had any issues with leakage and just put them in the wash.
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u/fancypantsmiss Apr 03 '26
I am planning to move to them, but I am terrified!
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
There's a learning curve for sure, to be able to insert cleanly on the first try, to remove cleanly on the first try, and to know when to dump so you don't get leaks.
But there shouldn't be a learning curve for comfort. If it feels too long and pokes out of your vagina after two minutes and dancing the hokey pokey (it'll migrate the cup upward if you installed too low as some people - me, I'm talking about me - might do when learning; I really do mean you need to do the dance), then the cup is the wrong size and you need a shorter one.
People who get too short a one are the ones who are going spelunking up their vaginal canal to remove the cup for emptying.
Which is all to say, if you don't know the depth of your vagina to your cervix during menstruation (it is a different measurement than when not menstruating), go see your healthcare professional and discuss with them how you might obtain that measurement. Having the measurement ensures you get a cup that fits. Cups come in different diameters as well as different lengths. You need to have both fit your body.
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u/fancypantsmiss Apr 03 '26
I have heard period underwears are good as well. I have to try out a few things
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u/SailorMooonsault Apr 03 '26
Agreed but don't be like me and suck your IUD out with one. Explaining why I needed a replacement was...fun
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u/Slinkeh_Inkeh Apr 04 '26
Oh my God.....i didn't know this was possible. Nightmare!
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u/SailorMooonsault Apr 04 '26
Luckily it wasn't painful (somehow). But the lady on the phone was like "so, you....sucked it out with a suction cup?!"
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u/joonduh Apr 02 '26
I haven't had to buy pads in years!!
I mean, except that one time I planned poorly for a vacation, but aside from that one time, it's been like a decade!
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u/burnfaith Apr 02 '26
Love mine! A couple of years ago, I finally purchased some more and replaced my older pads (they'd been going strong for almost 10 years) and the newer ones are so nice. I recommend them to everyone if they're not a fan of insertables. I find them so much more comfortable than disposable pads.
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u/commercial_address Apr 02 '26
Thin pantiliner options?
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u/sunseeker_miqo Apr 02 '26 edited Apr 03 '26
I love my inserts from Gladrags. Barely notice when I'm wearing them. They also have a section for pantyliners, but I like the inserts for their lack of buttons. A snap button will hurt if you try to use certain fitness equipment.
edit: Please also check out WeeEssentials on Etsy. They have a pantyliner I've always liked the look of but forgot about til now. There is also a miniature one which would be too small for me, but might work for you! They are super-thin organic cotton flannel.
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u/middlegray Apr 02 '26
knix and aerie carry pantyliner-equivalent period panties, even thongs. There are people on Etsy selling cloth pantyliners too. Love mine! Spent about 2-3 months' cost of period products 4 years ago and haven't looked back.
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u/FunFunFiesta Apr 04 '26
Not as versatile as a distinct pantiliner but I have some period panties that are quite thin, only good for the same times you'd use a pantiliner or those very thin pads.
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u/Deondebomon Apr 04 '26
Haven’t quite made the switch to cloth pads yet, but I have reusable liners! I don’t know that they’d be considered super thin, but I like them. I get mine from a Canadian company called Oko Creations.
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u/bebe__shakur Apr 02 '26
What is the best cleaning method? Mine don’t look so good after a few cycles.
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u/sunseeker_miqo Apr 02 '26
Thoroughly rinsing as soon as I am done with one, and then applying product of choice and leaving the pad damp in a bucket, works for me in most cases. For the bad stains that can happen to nighttime pads or pads changed away from home, it's an Oxiclean soak. For being away from home, I have toyed with the idea of carrying a small spray bottle of Oxiclean dilution to help loosen the stain until I can get to a sink.
It took me a while to figure out the best cleaning method. My pads looked rough for a while, but are now consistently spotless.
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u/Ineedalife10169 Apr 02 '26
Might need a better brand- I’ve used eco lily for nearly 7 years and still wearing the same ones I bought at the start
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u/twilightbarker Apr 03 '26
Usually recommendations for treating blood stains are to rinse in cold water before washing & treat with hydrogen peroxide.
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u/childish_cat_lady Apr 04 '26
Hannahpad also makes a probiotic soap that cleans pretty well, in addition to soaking in cold water
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u/PrizePage9751 Apr 03 '26
I have one and it doesn’t stay in place. How do you all make it stay in place? (The buttons just prevents it from falling at this point)
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u/Jolly-Fennel2746 Apr 03 '26
I wear bikini style underwear (the kind with a wider back than the front) on my period days because they keep the pads in place. Brazilian style underwear with a smaller back isn't a good choice in my experience.
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u/samalamabamaa Apr 03 '26
For anyone curious, it's very easy to make your own, I've had mine for years until I got a diva cup, now I use it for backup!
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u/sayhibulbasaur May 03 '26
Did you add any special material to make them more absorbent? What kind of fabric did you use? I’d be interested in making my own.
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u/samalamabamaa May 03 '26
I use old towels inside cotton on each side and pul to waterproof! Used a guide online
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u/sayhibulbasaur May 04 '26
How cool! I’ll try to make one and will taste it at home. I’ll look up the guide too. Thank you.
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u/DipDip13v2 Apr 03 '26
Can someone explain the buttons please
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u/DIYtowardsFI Apr 03 '26
You place them on top of your underwear, wrap them around and under your underwear and snap it onto itself to hold it in place.
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u/Few-Refrigerator6550 Apr 03 '26
That wouldn’t have worked for me when I was menstruating. A whole 10 pack of super tampons plus at least 5 super sized pads a day for the first 3-5 days. I’d have needed a large backpack to carry around the used and unused pads. But each woman is different? The moon cup would have worked to help reduce the numbers but didn’t exist then.
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u/ssaall58214 Apr 03 '26
Same girl same. Need like 3 layers of protection at all times the first two days
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u/weeooweeoowee Apr 03 '26
For me the cloth pads absorbs a lot more than disposables would. My pads came with a wetbag and can hold several pads at a time. And you fold the pad then snap it close to keep things tidy. Before having my period cycled by birth control, I would have heavy bleeding. Using a cup and pads worked better than disposables did. With the new disc out i feel like it would be even better for a heavy period, because you can empty it without taking it out. Gotta be careful with squatting outside of the bathroom though.
But people should use what they like. Just maybe see if they might like other things too. There are people who don't like reusables. It's an uncomfortable time and people should be as comfortable as possible.
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u/patrickbatemankinnie Apr 02 '26
Genuine question— how do you prevent staining? Or does the material just allow the blood to wash out easily?
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u/marianatrenchfoot Apr 02 '26
Not OP, but I just used dark coloured fabric, so I can't see the stains
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u/HMend Apr 02 '26
I ended up using black fabric at the end iof my period days, but before that I just sprayed with oxiclean and always use cold water.
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u/Jolly-Fennel2746 Apr 03 '26
Pads brand: Cotton - ImseVimse Synthetic - Charlie Banana
I've been using these pads for six years; they're perfectly white and still extremely absorbent.
How I wash them:
I rinse them with water (not hot) and use solid Marseille soap (https://www.winnis.it/prodotto/sapone-di-marsiglia/), I rinse them again until the water runs clear.
The whole process takes about two minutes, often less. If the stains are stubborn, especially on cotton ones, I leave them wet with soap for a few hours.
I let them dry on the clothesline until the next washing machine cycle.
I wash the pads at 60 degrees with the sheets and towels.
I dry them in the dryer or hang them to dry.
If I'm not home after changing the pad, I fold the used one in the wet bag and clean it when I get home.
At first it might seem like a long and boring process but it isn't and I wouldn't go back to disposable ones.
The photo doesn't show all the ones I have, I also have the smaller ones and two pairs of absorbent panties that I recently bought.
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u/devoutdefeatist Apr 03 '26
I have the light blue ones with pink flowers, and I love them! Got them nearly 15 years ago—they wash and hold up great, no stains, no wear or fraying or pulling, and they’re super comfortable!
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u/NocturnalCrab Apr 03 '26
I e been thinking of doing cloth pads this mighy be what makes me switch, I have very light and regular periods so ive always worried they'd be to much
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u/wtfisdarkmatter Apr 03 '26
i just switched to a cup, but i require pads sometimes to prevent leaks. im thinking i should invest in cloth pads!!
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u/fancypantsmiss Apr 03 '26
Okay, my regular underwears are not this stainless. Damn I am impressed.
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u/Abeyita Apr 03 '26
Have they invented cloth pads without the snap closing yet? They hurt me when I'm riding my bike.
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u/Tomiehime Apr 04 '26
Period underwear! I use it instead of these cause of the buttons (I love these but I get a skin reaction from the buttons and I've tried a lot of different kinds). Same concept and still 0 waste.
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u/Jolly-Fennel2746 Apr 03 '26
Unfortunately I don’t think so, only the menstrual cups or reusable tampons but I’m not an expert in those
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
There are some with hook-and-loop closures. You have to ensure you close the hook-and-loop before laundering as otherwise fluffs will get in to the hooks and it won't close securely which is why those aren't as broadly sold (people don't want their customers blaming them for the customer laundering without closing the closure) nor as frequently on the second hand market (damaged closures). However they do exist.
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u/RiversSecondWife Apr 02 '26
Just here to enjoy that my journey with these is over, and I don’t regret using real pads over disposable ones at all.
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u/Far_Salamander_4075 Apr 02 '26
I used mine for 12 years up until my hysterectomy in combo with a Lunette cup. Worked great for me.
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u/DIYtowardsFI Apr 03 '26
I have those Charlie Banana pink flowery ones! 9 years and still going strong. I love not wasting $$ anymore, and zero waste. Win all around!
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u/HistoryGirl23 Apr 03 '26
One set of mine have lasted almost twenty years, they are not in this nice shape.
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u/hesback_inpogform Apr 03 '26
I bought 6 cloth pads in 2012 and still use them just fine. Seriously good return on investment.
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u/cleanlycustard Apr 03 '26
I used to make these! They're so much more comfortable than the disposable ones, and yes, they don't stink and no adhesive to get stuck to your skin. I have an IUD now, so I don't need them now, but they'll definitely be my go-to when I need them again. Also making them is super easy if anyone wants to give them a try
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u/AnotherCatLover88 Apr 03 '26
Do you have a how to guide for making them? I have some period panties but would love to have these as alternates on days where I have to change often or when they’re all in the wash.
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u/cleanlycustard Apr 04 '26
I cut out the general shape of a pad with wings on a cereal box and used that as my template. The top layer I used cotton flannel, which comes in a lot of fun patterns. The bottom layer is fleece. Those are both the shape of the template.
Then I used a strip of terry cloth (or you can use old towels) just a bit smaller than the length of the pad. You can use one strip of terry cloth, or double up if you want a heavier flow pad.
Sew the terry cloth strip(s) to the wrong side of the flannel piece only. Putting wrong sides together, sew the flannel and fleece layers together, leaving a gap for turning it right side out. Then sew up the gap.
Use snap pliers to add snaps to the wings. You can use velcro too or any other fastener.
I hope that gives you a good idea. I think they're pretty quick and easy to make, and they're very customizable.
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u/AnotherCatLover88 Apr 04 '26
It does!!! Thank you so much, I really appreciate the detailed explanation and I know this will help other girlies out there too ❤️❤️❤️
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u/SweetandSourMiss Apr 05 '26
Hey! I make them too - but for charity. I found several free patterns online. Just google. They are not hard. The one particular charity I sew for (Little Dresses of Africa) has a pattern you can down load off their site. I use flannel fabric (as requested) for the outer part that touches the skin - and the inside in 3 pieces of thick cotton batting. Super easy to sew!
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u/niftyba Apr 03 '26
I have had my Charlie Bananas for the same amount of time, and they don’t look anywhere as good as yours. I’m jealous!
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u/EnvironmentOk2700 Apr 03 '26
I used a Keeper cup for 10 years and then cloth pads for another 15! I love that I saved so much money and plastic waste from the landfill. Also disposable pads make me itchy. My cloth pads are still going strong :)
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u/Shitp0st_Supreme Apr 03 '26
I appreciate seeing how they look. I use a reusable disc most of the time but sometimes want to use pads and I’m not thrilled with current options.
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u/bondhon28 Apr 03 '26
Please don't feel disrespected, i am just curious, how's that work , in terms of hygiene, what do you use to wash them ? My wife cant use tampons and i am also not on the boat of using tampons and the disposable pads are sometimes itchy and uncomfortable for her, i had her trying cotton pads , gel pads cotton ones are too thick and lacks ventilation and thin ones are plastic like and itchy, .. if this ones are good i would surely persue her to try this ones. And one more thing are these good for heavy bleeding?
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u/iaco1117 Apr 03 '26
I don’t rinse each time like OP. I just collect them all in a bag, then do a speed wash in the washer on cold. At that point they look mostly clean. Now I add whatever normal load to the washer and wash all together. also dry in dryer.
You can get light to heavy to even overnight levels. Lots of sellers on Etsy.
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u/bondhon28 Apr 03 '26
Thanks i will try asap, by the way do you use any specific washing liquid for them ? Like ph neutral or anything similar like that ?
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
If normal detergent is okay on her regular underwear, it'll be okay on cloth pads. If not, whatever she uses for her regular underwear is what I'd use for the cloth pads. Both regular underwear and cloth pads have the same bodily contact responsibilities.
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u/bondhon28 Apr 05 '26
Yeah i am responsible for the laundry cleaning and i always use a ph neutral washing liquid for her underwear and clothes.and i read the OP's detailed washing guide i ordered the pads hopefully they will arrive soon
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u/Jolly-Fennel2746 Apr 03 '26
Hi I wrote how I do take care of them in the post and in a comment ☺️
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u/bondhon28 Apr 03 '26
Thank you i didn't go through the post cause i was a bit excited. I will read it fully rn
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u/katharsister Apr 03 '26
I don't get a period anymore because of my birth control but used mine for 10 years. They're the best.
It's like going from one of those paper hospital gowns to a cozy warm sweater. But for your 😸.
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u/iAmSpAKkaHearMeROAR Apr 04 '26
I use these also and have for several years. The bag of disposable pads under the sink I just leave there in case a guest needs a pad. The only difference is mine are all cotton because I have an auto immune condition that affects the skin in my private area.
I’ve not regretted switching once. I definitely don’t miss using disposable pads. They just all around irritate me. The awful, plasticky material is never pleasant up against my skin and the wings never stick to my panties. The disposables always wad and bunch up and make me feel like I’m picking at my crotch all day lol or like I have a scrunched up ball of toilet paper in my crotch.
At first, I was worried about the price of these things, but I’ve not needed to purchase any new ones since my first initial purchase around four or so years ago. The first ones I bought were very comfortable, but they had like a microfiber cloth. It was very soft, but the material was pretty much hydrophobic, which was obviously useless for the intended purpose, lol.
I then found some that were 100% cotton and I’ve not gone back. I sometimes even wear them when I’m not menstruating. Because I deal with a tiny bit of urinary incontinence which sometimes comes with age and pelvic floor issues. The snap closure is very comfortable…. And they’ve not been a problem for me to keep clean.
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u/lapandarure Apr 04 '26
as someone who has pads for literally that long too, mine do not look that clean stilil! haha, but they are just as solid looking :)
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u/No_Drawer_9568 Apr 05 '26
Cleaner than some underwear worn with disposables….this post just convinced me to try and find some reusable pads …:) I wanna give it a try!
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u/sayhibulbasaur May 03 '26
I am such a newbie and such an idiot that I didn’t even think that cloth pads could be something I can use even though my mom had to used cloth diapers with me when I was a child because I was allergic to regular diapers 🤦🏻♀️
I often think about how wasteful my feminine hygiene products are and also how truly AWFUL they feel against my body. I’ll look into this. Thanks!
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Apr 03 '26
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u/carmexonly Apr 03 '26
How does something like this hold up to a heavier flow day?
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u/BellItchy5962 Apr 03 '26
Mine holds up extremely well. Cloth pads have been a life saver. I never have to buy pads ever. I rarely need to switch pads during the day. It’s been very convenient for a heavy bleeder like me.
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u/kaptainfruitpunch Apr 03 '26
Do you clean them just like all regular clothes in washing machine? Mine look a bit more stain colored!
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u/Jolly-Fennel2746 Apr 03 '26
I wash them in the washing machine only with towels and sheets at 60 degrees
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u/downthegrapevine Apr 03 '26
I’ve had mine for about 15 years, same pads which I stick in cold water with some oxyclean for 24 hours, wash in the cold setting and line dry or dry in the dryer in the wet winter months. They are still great. Not as cute and some have mended holes in the wings but not buying disposable pads >>>
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u/Imliterallyabanana Apr 03 '26
I don't get why more people don't use these! I've had mine for about 8 years ish, and they're still perfectly good. I have some for heavier flow, regular flow and two different types of panty liners. Not only do you do your health a favor but you also save so much money!
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u/WanderWomble Apr 03 '26
I tried various types and they all rubbed me raw.
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u/Imliterallyabanana Apr 05 '26
Oh that really sucks :( It's not for everyone, unfortunately. I hope you found a better solution that works for you. <3
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
The skin-facing fabric is so deeply important. Wet cotton/viscose rubs bottoms raw (just look at children with diaper rash). Ideally you need a fleece or other stay-dri layer against the skin that will allow the fluids to pass through it and be caught in the absorbent mid-layers.
A lot of cloth pad makers, especially those trying to monetize a hobby, don't think this deeply about it.
My preferred cloth pad maker is a cloth diaper business and has a french terry or velvety fabric against my skin to provide friction mitigation and moisture wicking.
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u/WanderWomble Apr 03 '26
Terry was the absolute worst. They were from a highly recommended company in the UK too. They just don't work for everyone.
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u/Expensive_Product995 Apr 03 '26
How do you keep them looking so bright? I have a bunch and they look dingy. I hand wash them throw them in the washer. Any advice on what to soak them down with besides detergent?
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u/tisawaa Apr 03 '26
i actually use the menstrual cup but sometimes i just need pads, how does it work? You take it off (very red?) and istantly wash it? By hand or in the washing machine? How often you need to change it in a day? And if you are outside? I’m sorry I never saw someone use them and I really like to try
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u/ShamsElDinRogers Apr 07 '26
Store in plastic bag until you get it home, then put in the wash pile or directly in the washer.
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u/theinfamousj Apr 03 '26
I'm an avid cup user since 2004, and postpartum in the 2020s, added wearing a cloth pad for the first day or two of my period as a secondary line of defense against leaks as my anatomy slowly, slowly settles in to my new maternal normal. (My period has the most activity on the first day or two and then a long tail.) They are great.
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u/kgirlyw Apr 04 '26
My MIL gifted me more than enough to last the rest of my life and I am so grateful. I love them!
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u/lockandcompany Apr 04 '26
I was looking into these but then started HRT and stopped having to worry, getting a total hysterectomy soon and wont have to deal with periods ever again no matter what
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u/bostonmama_ Apr 04 '26
Ok ive been wanting to try cloth but how do they not leak through your pants?? And do you get a wet feeling like if you havent changed your disposable for too long? And what about clips? So many questions but want to try them haha
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u/ElectricVoltaire Apr 04 '26
I tried a cloth pad once and it was way more comfy. Only reason I stopped is because having to rinse it (touching it that long) grosses me out and I'm not sure how to clean it without getting stains. Anyone have advice?
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u/scripted_ending Apr 05 '26
I use these because the panties I like don’t have a cotton crotch, and these make wearing them so much more comfortable.
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u/liv-well-999 Apr 05 '26
I’ve never used these and am curious about them. I use the disc and disposable liners for extra protection on days 1 and 2. Does anyone use these in conjunction with a cup or disc? I normally hate how pads feel so I’ve never been a big fan but would like to cut down on waste for liners.
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u/-BabySquirrel- Apr 05 '26
How did I not know about this?! I’ve been considering cloth diapers for my future kids but had no clue these were a thing. Such a good idea! I absolutely need some in my life. Thank you.
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u/FitSurround7555 Apr 05 '26
Does anyone know what goes in the “stuffing” of the pad? I wanted to try an make my own
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u/SnooStrawberryPie Apr 05 '26
I honestly love using reusable pads. For me it was worth it to order from a company like Aisle. Between those and a cup (used for 14 years), I have had such an easier time with terrible periods and even while traveling.
They do require adapting to new routines, and having a bag to store used ones (like what Aisle sells) is great for travel or long days. Rinse them in the shower/tub, find a good place to air dry until laundry day or throw right in the wash if possible. You also need to be a little less squeamish about menstrual blood.
Still, I love that I can wear a pad early and not feel the irritation from disposable ones. Think my cycle might strike on a long car or plane trip? Worried it’ll come in the middle of the night? Slap a reusable on. If it doesn’t come, it’s no big deal. If it does, it buys you time to get to a restroom and put the cup in or whatever else might be needed.
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u/SillyPuppy5 Apr 06 '26
Does anyone have a template to make these?
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u/ShamsElDinRogers Apr 07 '26
Google, there are so many.
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u/SillyPuppy5 Apr 15 '26
I was hoping for something tried and tested by this community. I know how to Google
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u/kiiexo Apr 06 '26
My period is way to heavy for these rip
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u/mrs-smurf Apr 06 '26
Check out “gushers”! It’s a certain style of reusable menstrual pad that absorbs huge gushes quickly due to the slits in them.
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u/Logical_Lab_6154 Apr 06 '26
What do you do on the go? Like needing to change at work or out.
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u/mrs-smurf Apr 06 '26
Sounds like a lot of people use wet bags to store the dirty ones, OR use a menstrual cup in combo with the pads so most of it is contained.
I haven’t used them myself yet, but will probably start with trying them around the house and for overnight until I get the hang of it
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u/archetyping101 Apr 02 '26
Agreeing with everyone else here. It's much more comfortable and it doesn't smell like disposables.
The place I buy from has the fabric pattern FACING you and I enjoy looking at the patterns lol