How to Use Reusable Cloth Pads

Loretta Pride • Updated on December 13, 2023

Reusable menstrual pads are an excellent alternative to disposable menstrual products. They are more environmentally friendly and can be washed and reused for up to a year. This article will give you instructions on how to use reusable pads, how long they last, and how to keep them in place while wearing them.

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How do cloth menstrual pads work?

Reusable menstrual pads are typically made of cloth, synthetic or organic cotton. Most cloth pads attach to underwear with a snap-on their backside for easy removal and washing.

Cloth pads are designed to absorb blood, urine, or any other vaginal leakage that may occur.

The outer layer is made from a breathable fabric that allows air so your skin will not overheat while wearing it. There are many different shapes and sizes available on our website so you should be able to find one that suits your needs best!

How do you wear a cloth pad?

Inserting new cloth pads is as simple as placing them in your underwear’s crotch area, lining up the snaps at the back of the pad with your underwear, and snapping it in place.

Be careful not to insert any part of the pad too far in-between your legs, as it can cause irritation and develop a rash.

These are the simple steps to wearing cloth pads:

1. Place the cloth pad on your underwear
2. The smooth and absorbent side of the pad goes against your skin and the wings warp around the crotch and snap together.
3. Change the pad as needed throughout the day. If you’re out and about you can store it in a carry bag until you get home.

Which way do you wear reusable pads?

Reusable pads can be worn any way you choose. Some people find it more comfortable to wear them on the inner side of underwear, while others prefer to have a pad cover their entire crotch area for added protection and comfort.

Ensure the absorbing side (the actual pad) is against your skin and the pad’s cover is lying against your underwear.

How do you keep reusable cloth menstrual pads in place?

One of the most common questions people have about reusable menstrual pads is how to keep them in place. There are a few options you can choose from:

• Wash the pad and try again.
• Let it sit on a flat surface to dry before wearing, which will make it less likely to move around once wet or damp.
• Sew elastic on opposite sides of the pad (to create wings).
• Wear with underwear that has tight elastic or cotton panels at the crotch like bike shorts, boyshorts, and briefs.
• Use pins or clips to keep the pad in place

How long can you wear a cloth menstrual pad?

One of the benefits of reusable menstrual pads is that you can wear them as long as necessary for your flow. For instance, if you are a heavy bleeder or experience breakthrough bleeding (which happens when the lining of your uterus breaks), then it may be best to use these pads for overnight protection.

Reusable menstrual pads are designed to last up to 12 hours before needing to be changed. If it starts feeling wet or leaking through, change the pad as soon as you can.

If they become soiled with fluid and/or blood, or smell unpleasant at all, it is time to put in a fresh one! Keep some extra ones handy in your bag just in case this happens unexpectedly.

How many cloth pads should I be using a day?

The number of reusable menstrual pads you should use every day depends on how heavy your flow is.

On average, most people need about two to four pads a day.

However, it’s important to know that everyone experiences periods differently- from the time of the month they start and how long their cycles last- so there isn’t one set amount for everybody!

If you have an especially very light flow or a moderate one during your period, you may only need one pad throughout the day.

If you experience a heavy flow in general, consider using two or more each day as needed. The best way to find what works best for your body type and cycle length is by experimenting with different types over time until you find something that works well for you!

If at any point during a cycle of wearing cloth menstrual pads it becomes uncomfortable or too heavy, consider purchasing another larger size pad so that there will be enough coverage when worn together. This means a higher cost in terms of how many days’ worth of product you have on hand and less waste in general, which makes up for this small investment!

Grow your cloth pad collection to suit your needs.

How do I stop my reusable cloth pad from leaking?

Washable cloth pads can sometimes leak if they are not in the right position. To make sure that your pad is staying in place, follow these steps:

• Place a panty liner or underwear over the top of your reusable pad to help it stay flat against you and prevent leaking.
• Wear tight clothing such as jeans or leggings with an elastic waistband instead of loose clothes like skirts so that they don’t slip around on you while wearing them.
• If possible, tuck some extra material under yourself before putting on your pants to keep them from slipping away.
• Make sure there’s no air trapped between the fabric and skin by pulling up any slack at the front panel or panty liner.
• If you’re still having trouble, consider using a menstrual cup or tampon as a backup to prevent leaks.

How long do reusable pads last?

Cloth pads need proper care so that they are stain and leak-free.

The average lifespan of a pad is anywhere from one to ten years depending on how often it gets washed and how well cared for it is.