How to Have an Eco-Friendly Period, Part 1 : Cloth Sanitary Pads

The first time I heard about reusable period products, I was really quite confused. I couldn’t get my head around why people would willingly make their periods harder than they already are! A few years on, and wonderfully I am a complete convert to sustainable periods. Of course, they are so much better than the environment than their disposable cousins. But beyond that, I find my periods more comfortable, more natural and even more beautiful.

So, on my way to convincing the world that eco-friendly periods really are better, this is the first in a series helping you get started with some of the most common reusable period products. You can read the others in the series here to find out more about period pads and period pants.

Before I get started, it’s quite important to me to explain that I very much dislike the phrase ‘cloth sanitary pads’. It suggests that periods are dirty, and we need pads to keep us sanitary. That absolutely isn’t the case - periods are normal, natural and actually very clean! But unfortunately it’s still common parlance, and people won’t be able to find this article if I don’t use the phrase that’s used most regularly. Here’s hoping the world will move on before too long!

What are cloth sanitary pads?

Cloth sanitary pads (or as I prefer to call them - cloth period pads) are just like disposable pads, except that you wash them between uses. They tend to be made of natural absorbent materials like bamboo, cotton or hemp, with some sort of water resistant backing to help prevent leaks. They will usually have poppers or similar to help secure them in place around the gusset of your underwear.

Do cloth sanitary pads work for everyone?

Just as for disposable period products, different people will have different preferences. Some will prefer pads, others a cup, others something else. That being said, there is a wide variety of different styles, sizes and types of cloth pad out there, so if you’re set on a pad, there’s bound to be something that suits you.

Do cloth sanitary pads work for a heavy flow (or post-partum)?

They certainly can! Cloth sanitary pads tend to come in sizes relating to flow, just like disposables, so you can design your collection depending on how heavy your period tends to be. It’s also worth saying that one brand’s ‘large/heavy’ is not necessarily equivalent to others, so if you’ve struggled with leaks with a certain brand, it could be worth trying another.

Some brands make ultra heavy pads designed for those with very heavy flow or wishing to use cloth post-partum. I used cloth pads exclusively after my second little one was born, and swore by Honour Your Flow’s maxi night pads. They are, quite frankly, colossal, but super comfortable and very reliable. A slightly less huge alternative that also works great for is the Minivivi Heavy + Postpartum Pad.

They’re breathable, soft and, generally speaking, not too bulky

How comfortable are cloth sanitary pads? Are they bulky? Do they slip?

Everyone will have a different experience, but I find cloth sanitary pads infinitely more comfortable than the disposable ones. They’re breathable, soft and, generally speaking, not too bulky. Of course, the bulkiness will depend a little on your flow and how much absorbency you need your pad to have, but some brands manage to make slimmer pads whilst still offering plenty of absorbency. My favourite for slimness, comfort and beauty are Bare & Boho.

Most cloth sanitary pads will snap in place around the gusset of your underwear, so some people find that the pad will slip up and down or side to side, causing leaks. I haven’t ever found this an issue, but if it’s something you’re struggling with then you will likely find wool or fleece backed pads stay in place better than those that have a PUL (polyurethane laminate) backing. PUL is shiny in appearance so against certain underwear it will tend to slip around, something that shouldn’t happen with more ‘clingy’ fabrics like wool and fleece. I have also heard of pads with silicone dots on the underside to help them ‘stick’ to your underwear, though I haven’t investigated or tried any myself!

They seem quite pricey - how can I make them affordable?

This is one of the downsides with cloth pads. With each pad costing somewhere between £5 and £20, it can quickly become a costly option. Depending on your flow, you’re likely to need at least 4 pads for each day of your period, but you don’t need to go full time right away. Even switching one pad a day for a reusable option will save some disposables from landfill. Plus if you’re buying one or two pads at a time you’ll get a great idea of which are your favourite, saving you a great deal of cost and heartache if you realise you don’t love a certain brand as much as you thought you would.

How do I store my cloth pads before washing?

When you remove a pad, it’s best to rinse it immediately in cold water, to prevent staining. Then pop it in a small waterproof bag (also known as a wet bag), something like this one.

How do I wash cloth sanitary pads?

Try to wash your pads within a couple of days of use. They don’t need fancy washing instructions, just follow what the manufacturer suggests which is usually a normal 40 degree cottons cycle. You can wash your pads perfectly safely with other clothes and towels.

How can I prevent staining on my cloth sanitary pads?

Staining is purely a cosmetic problem, so if you’re fine with your pads changing colour slightly, there’s no need to go to extra lengths. You could even pads with a dark coloured top, so you don’t have to worry too much about stain removal. Having said that, I do understand if you’d prefer a shiny white pad each time!

Like I mentioned above, one of the best ways to prevent staining is to rinse the pad immediately after use. If you’re still finding you get staining after that, adding a gentle stain remover like sodium percarbonate to your wash may help. You can even pre treat stains before washing, if you’re finding them particularly stubborn. From experience helping lots of people get started with cloth pads, it seems that one of the main factors in staining is genetics, so what works for one person may not work for another.

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