Cloth Menstrual Pad Washing, Care & Use Instructions
Washing and caring for your cloth pads is super easy. If you're interested in making the switch from disposable pads to reusable cloth pads then washing should not be a deterrence. Cloth pads are durable and easy to care for. Cloth pad washing is so
simple in fact, that we have a hard time even creating a whole page post dedicated solely to the topic!If you're outside your home then soiled cloth pads should be stored in your wetbag until you return. You can read more about 'How to Use Cloth Pads in a Public Restroom' here.
If using cloth pads while outside of your home, remove your soiled cloth pads from your wetbag when you return and rinse them with cold water. Wring them out and toss into your laundry basket or back inside your wetbag or cloth pad storage bag until washing day. Cloth pads can be washed in cool or warm temperature water and tumble dried in your dryer. Cloth pads can be washed alone, with your regular clothing laundry or with your bathroom towels if you prefer.
Is there anything you should avoid using on your cloth pads?
In order to protect your cloth pad investment and get the most life and absorbency from them, we suggest you avoid the following things.
What to avoid when washing your cloth pads:
- Bleach - We recommend you avoid bleach and oxygen cleaners. In order to preserve the lifespan and quality of the fabrics used in making your cloth pads we suggest you avoid these products completely. Bleach and oxygen cleaners will wear your fabrics down and are not necessary when cloth pads are properly cared for.
- Vinegar - Vinegar, commonly used in natural or eco-friendly laundry care routines, can also break down fibers and shorten your pads lifespan over time.
- Dryer Sheets or Fabric Softener - Dryer sheets and fabric softeners will coat your pads leaving a film/residue and often fragrance. Accidentally using fabric softener once isn't a huge deal but softeners in general are not recommended or necessary. *Pink Lemonade Shop cloth pads are already soft enough on their own!
- Ironing - Ironing should also never be necessary. Because of the extreme temperatures, ironing will run you the risk of melting or damaging the polyester based fabrics and fleece lining used in the construction of your cloth pads.
- The ‘Sanitize Cycle’ on your washing machine, if it has one. - You might be tempted to sanitize your cloth pads but this simply is not necessary. If you are experiencing issues with your pads and are curious about whether you need to sanitize them, please contact us and we'll be happy to troubleshoot with you.
What about stains?
Believe it or not, staining is not a huge issue with Pink Lemonade Shop cloth pads. However if you are experiencing stains or discoloration we have a couple of recommendations for you.
Buncha Farmers Stain Stick
Sunshine
Don't under estimate the power of the sun's ultra violet rays. Even on an overcast day the sun's rays are capable of lightening stains. Sunshine is also an effective odor eliminator and can kill surface bacteria if any exist.