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Ladies? Let’s chat. Gents, you may want to turn your head for this one. Have you ever thought of using cloth pads? Yes, I do mean cloth menstrual pads. I made the switch several years ago and honestly; I have not regretted it at all. We all know that reusable products can help save money and reusable menstrual pads are one that will save most women month after month – for years.
For me, finding ways to live a zero waste lifestyle played only a small part in my decision to start using cloth pads.
The biggest factor for me was the amount of money wasted on something that was easily replaced but tossed every month. Disposable pads are incredibly expensive when you really think about it.
Reasons to Consider Cloth Pads
I am not going to lie; I was pretty iffy on using reusable menstrual pads at first. The very idea made me a bit squeamish.
It turns out though there really isn’t a whole lot of mess. I have even worn them while on the truck with my husband with zero issues!
In fact, there is far less mess than with disposable pads and a menstrual cup.
That, the cost savings and the fact that cloth menstrual pads are a super easy way to reduce household waste made it a no-brainer for me.
What are Cloth Pads Made Of?
If you’re not familiar with them, you may be thinking that a cloth pad is nothing more than a strip of cloth and would be easy to leak through.
I assure you; they’re not.
What they are is a layer of cloth, an inner liner and a backing – usually fleece – that is sewn together to create the menstrual pad. A product called PUL is usually used for the absorbent liner although there are other options.
Most reusable menstrual pads have wings. Snaps or buttons are added to the wings to give them a way to attach to your underwear.
Why You Should Use Cloth Menstrual Pads
I know what you’re thinking. “That’s all fine for you, but why should I use cloth pads?”
Well, that is why we’re here isn’t it?
There are quite a few different reasons you might switch to reusable menstrual pads, but for now, let’s focus on the big six. After you read though, I’m convinced you will at least think about it.
Cloth pads are infinitely more comfortable
Most disposable pads have a vinyl/plastic/whateverthatstuffis liner that touches your skin. We all know it crinkles, rolls, sweats and a few other random feats.
Cloth menstrual pads are just that. They are cloth touching your skin. They breathe better, they stay put, there is no crinkling and frankly, they’re soft.
In fact, the comfort level is so different, I usually feel as if I am not wearing one at all.
Reusable menstrual pads are more cost effective
Some of the cloth pads I currently have in my stock I have owned since 2015. If they are well cared for and well made, cloth pads will last for years.
Because of this, they are far more cost effective than a package of disposable pads.
You will pay about the same as a package of disposable pads for a single reusable menstrual pad, but once you buy the cloth, you can quite literally be done with buying for years.
Cloth Pads Reduce Waste
There are a lot of reasons someone may want to reduce the amount of waste they’re putting out.
For instance, when I lived in Iowa, we paid per bag for our trash. This meant we tried to put out as little trash and instead recycled or reused everything we could to save a bit of cash.
When you switch to cloth pads, you’re opting for a reusable option that you won’t be tossing anytime soon. You would be surprised at how much less waste you will be sending to the landfills.
How to Clean Cloth Pads
Cloth pads, just like cloth diapers, go in the washer. While you’re on your period, rinse them out when you change them and soak them in a bucket filled with water and borax.
If you’re squeamish, a diaper pail like THIS one will work as well.
Once you’re done with your period for the month, place the pads in a mesh laundry bag and toss in the washer like normal.
Use a cloth pad drying strip or snap them across the shower rod to hang them dry.
Cloth menstrual pads may help with PMS, irregular or heavy periods
Now here’s the thing on this; I’m not a doctor and I am not a scientist and I highly doubt anyone with those titles would agree with me on this.
However, when I was using disposable pads, I had incredibly heavy and very irregular periods.
For whatever reason, within a few months of switching to a zero waste option, those issues fixed themselves. I can’t give you the scientific data. I can only give you my experience and that is, they work.
My daughter Laura suffered from horrible PMS every month at just 13 years old. The kind of PMS that would keep her in bed for days. Once she made the choice to move to cloth, her symptoms eased quite a bit.
Most disposable pads contain an untold number of chemicals. It simply makes sense to me that putting those chemicals up against the most sensitive part of your body and leaving it there once a month is probably causing more issues than you may realize.
Your daughters wear cloth pads?
Because I am not a dictator and because this is an incredibly personal choice, my girls make the decision themselves. As it currently stands, I have one that wears cloth with me and one who has chosen disposables.
The disposable girl wears them due to PCOS and the issues that come with it. If and when she decides to move to cloth, I have a cloth pad starter kit like THIS one waiting for her.
Reusable menstrual pads support small business
Most cloth pads are made by a small business owner. Yes, there are companies who sell them, but it is not hard to purchase them from an individual.
I personally love to buy mine on Etsy. I know that I am getting a great product while helping a business owner turn a profit.
In fact, one of my favorite cloth pad makers is an Etsy seller. Her pads are extremely high quality and super soft!
Did you enjoy this post? You may also like these:
- 50 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
- 21 Easy Ways to Live Zero Waste
- 36 Things to Reuse to Save Money
- 201 Frugal Tips that Will Save You Money
- 30 Things to Make at Home to Save Money
- 30 Uses for Fels-Naptha Soap
Cloth pads are more easily personalized to your body
We all know that your period cycles each month. You start out spotting, then move to a light flow and so on.
Know what this means? You have to keep multiple types of disposable pads on hand to handle each different day.
With cloth pads, there are only a couple of situations where you may need different sizes. Postpartum cloth pads are one instance.
The rest of the time, you could use a regular or normal flow pad and be fine! You’ll save money, space and time by making the switch.
So what do you think? Would you ever consider making the switch to reusable menstrual pads?
If not, that’s okay. I would however suggest you use a more natural option. They ca be expensive, but if you look for deals, you can usually find them. Otherwise, I highly recommend Grove for buying any natural products you need.
Plus, when you sign up for a Grove account HERE, you’ll score a FREE 5-piece Mrs. Meyers cleaning set with your first $25 order!
Originally published March 2014. Updated November 2019.
Well they survided years ago jyst using old turn up ragsso why not if im home and not leaving ya why not i do enough laundry everyday it would not make a difference but no:-)hanging them:-)on the line lol
Jada, I use them full time now, even if I leave the house. If you get good quality and well made ones there’s no worries about leaving. As for laundry, I soak in a bucket with Borax then toss into a lingerie bag. No additional laundry issues just be sure not to use ANY fabric softener on them. It will make them repel water.
this is a pretty awesome switch. I’ve considered it as well, but I’ve yet to make the leap. where did you purchase your’s from?
I’d like to try them. Unfortunately they don’t seem to have caught on in the UK so I have to pay more to get them shipped. I haven’t tried etsy though, so I’ll have a look on there. Thanks for the tip.
Hmmm …. very interesting! Not sure if I could go there or not … the part about soaking them and then having to get them out of the bucket kind of grosses me out. Where do you keep the bucket? I can just imagine protests from my son now;0)
LOL I keep the bucket beside the toilet. It’s a covered pail (think a diaper pail type of thing) so there’s nothing showing, etc. As for getting them out of the bucket, its as simple as dumping the water into the toilet and grabbing them. By that point they’re fairly clean so no yuckies to worry about.
Do you add anything to the water to soak? How are they for overnights?
Angela, I soak them with a little bit of Borax, but I know other use other things. Peroxide is good for getting stains out should that happen. As for the overnights, you can buy specifically for overnights, liners, regular, heavy and even postpartum. Just like the disposables. 🙂
We made the switch in my house about a year ago by sewing our own. The first ones weren’t that great, but we kept making adjustments. Then found ZORB! This stuff if great for absorption. I have to admit, at 40+, I’m just not budging, so I keep both in my house. My teenagers always choose the cloth. They snap them closed after using and let them dry out. (No bacteria, no smell). Then we wash with BIZ.
LOL I never thought I’d switch either Janice, but I guess my thirties are a prime time for me to try new things. 🙂 Zorb is great too! I have a few that are made with Zorb! Love them!
I’m all for saving money but my question is when your at work or not at home what do you do with the used cloth pad when you change
Christine, the pads snap together so you fold them up and put them in what is called a wet bag. It keeps them from floating around in your purse, etc. When you get home, you clean them however you choose to and toss in the wash. 🙂
Hi I’m older and have a different problem with bladder leaks would these work for that also
Hi Carol, I do know of some women that use them for bladder leakage with no issues. Try going for a pad made with PUL for extra absorbency.
I’ve used cloth pads for years because I am allergic to the ones you buy in the store. After my menopause I continued to use them for inconvinance pads…I paid about $8 for 2 dozen of them [ I did have to make them myself ] and a couple hours of sewing…that was more than 40 years ago and I am still using them. I have put new covers on them several times but I never spent any money on fabric I used old clothes that were worn out in spots…I use a bucket with water and old fashion borax in it until I wash them. Then just dump the whole thing in the washer -your hands never touch a mess. I would hate to think of how much money I would have spent over the years buying those things!
I would love a pattern and where do you get the absorbent part?
Wendy, I found the one I’m now with a quick Google search. There are a lot of shapes and things out there so it’s really a personal decision which one you use. As for the absorbent material, it’s called Zorb. I get mine HERE for a fairly decent price.
I’ve made and used cloth before and found them to be easy and comfortable to use but I kept struggling with keeping them in one location after they were laundered. I teach at a university and my students have told me about the Diva cup which is also reusable and you insert it inside you, but you can leave it in for up to 10 hours! So, there is no worrying about changing at work or anything like that. I plan to buy one. The students are all in love with them.
Buy it! I switched to menstrual cup 3 years ago, and I love it! I can go swimming, I can go on long trips, and I no longer have to panic and run to wc to check if all is okay. And you have to see “the mess” 2-3 times a day, as oppose to every time you go to pee.
I’ve used cloth pads for several years now and love them! I have sensitive skin so they are much more comfortable. The brand I use also has night pads that are wonderful. I’ve never had one leak at night. I don’t even bother with a pail for soaking, I rinse them out and hang them on my shower (so they dry out) and then I’ll throw them in the wash when I do laundry.
Sherry, I think my hubby would have a heart attack if I hung them over the shower! LOL!
I think the cloth pads are a great idea! If I wasn’t of “that age” and needed them still I would seriously consider them. I am kinda sad reading the comments, though. People are saying “yuck” to touching them to get them into the washing machine. Why? It is blood, not poo and it was a part of you. I am not saying you need to celebrate it but one should not disparage a natural part of life.
Having 2 kids back to back and breastfeeding full time- it had been a while since I had a period. I was cloth diapering so I used the same logic but they were pricey. During our military move, my cycle started! I’m guessing because of the stress of being “homeless”. Lucky for me I brought my sewing machine with me. A quick trip to Walmarts fabric remnants section and less than $10 later- I made myself 1 overnight pad, 4 heavy pads & 2 light pads/panty liners. I’ve made more since and I’m totally with you! Never going back to disposables. I do a quick rinse by hand in warm water with hand soap and I throw it in our laundry basket. It gets washed & dried with the rest of our clothes so no extra special steps or yucky water floaties lol
I have seen a few people mention overnight pads and day pads. Is there any specific difference between the two?
Melanie,
Overnight pads generally have more PUL in them making them thicker and able to handle overnight better. Day pads are thinner, easier to wear, etc.
So. I went on Etsy to check these out. I did not realize how many options there would be. So my question is….. Are they all made equally? Or are some types/kinds better then others. I am considering trying these, but I need directed in which ones to invest in. Thanks
Carol, I’m sure that different makers make them differently, but basically you want one that has a middle made with PUL. Also be sure you get the right size. Usually the smaller in inches, the lighter it is made for.
A question I have that I didn’t see, how do they ‘stick’ to stay in place. I am a firm tampon user, have an iud so I can’t use the cup thing, but I use panty liners at least one a day, so it adds up! I’m crafty so I can see making reusable panty liners and saving money.
Also- beginner question- do you rinse them just in the sink before soaking them? And on the go, do you rinse them before putting them in the wet bag?
Jennifer, the vast majority of them have wings that have snaps on them. Fold down and around like the commercial ones and you’re good to go. As far as rinsing them, we keep a bucket of soapy water under the sink. Drop them in when you’re done and then wash in a delicate bag. The care for them is A LOT like cloth diapers. You are totally correct for on the go care. Rinse well, ring out then store in a wet bag until you get home and can wash or soak.
Where do you get a wet bag from?
Sam, you can find them pretty easily on Etsy.
I purchased some and they arrived today. I do wear a menstrual cup but I do like a bit of back up when I leave the house and wearing a disposable pad kind of defeated the purpose of the whole green thing. Perhaps you were wearing the wrong kind of cup? I was never a tampon wearer as I could never get comfortable so trying a cup was a bit daunting. but after taking the leap I would never go back. It did take me a few brands to find one that was really comfy (I found juju to be the best). as for the pads, I can’t wait to try them. I also bought some liners. Now I just have to get my girls on the wagon!
Ok not sure if anyone knows but….i get really bad yeast infections and sometimes it follows my period like clock work i also have skin allergies. im wondering if maybe cloth pads would help lesson either of my skin allergy problems or maybe help prevent some yeast infections(my doctor said to stay dry down there and use cloth underwear so just wondering) and also there are so many on etsy i can’t figure out what i need.
I used to get yeast or UTI infections about every month right at period time. I felt really yucky and itchy and gross. I would wake up many, many times a night leaking out. Even though I changed them every time I used the bathroom and would wash the area during the day with a spray bottle, the plastic liner on my pads would cause the whole area to stay moist making a breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi . So I switched to cloth. I haven’t had a yeast infection or UTI since. I actually use a cotton washcloth folded in thirds and I can double it triple it or even throw a folded hand towel in there at night according to my flow. I keep the used ones in a gallon size ziplock bag in my purse and soak them as soon as I get home. I do wash them in the regular laundry the same way that I would have washed blood soaked panties in regular laundry.
So the benefits to me are . . .
#1. Health. I am much healthier using cloth than disposables.
#2. I am far more comfortable.
#3. My bedsheets and panties no longer get nasty.
#4. I no longer feel the need to wake up in the middle of the night and sleep much more soundly.
#5. I am causing less pollution to the environment.
#6. I never run out.
#7. I don’t feel weird putting some poor male teenage cashier through the experience of handling my pack of pads and I don’t have to ask my husband to grab some for me on his way home from work which he always felt awkward doing.
#8. $60.00 savings a year for basically doing nothing, that’s like making $60.00 extra bucks a year except I don’t get taxed on it. $60.00 is three hours of my husband’s work year that he gets to spend on something that we don’t throw in the garbage. Not to mention all the money I would have to spend combating yeast infections and UTI’s caused by nasty unbreathable disposable pads so the savings is even greater like in the hundreds of dollars and all because I spent $4.00 on a pack of cotton washcloths. Gravity holds them in the panties, no need to even buy or make pads.
Menstrual cups are really amazing, what issue did you have? I can’t imagine the mess you’d have with an uncontained cloth pad; blood everywhere. With a cup you just clean it out when you shower and there’s practically nothing to do and nothing to feel.
Kyra, let’s just say that I found out very quickly that I am allergic to silicone. Once that happened, I was actually unable to find a size that fit well enough that I could wear them or even insert them. As for the “mess,” there really isn’t one. Most cloth pads are made with an inner core of Zorb which does exactly what a store bought pad does, absorbs. I’ve never had one bleed through and I’ve never had one create any kind of real mess. Thanks for your comment!
What an unfortunate way to figure that out! As far as the absorbancy issue however, that’s good to hear. Are they about equal to an average pad?
The only other problem I’d worry about with any type of pad is the physical existence of them, I suppose is the only way of putting it, which is why I ever used tampons then a cup; pads always felt like menstrual diapers. Also, when it’s hot, there’s a smell.
Kyra, I know what you mean with the diaper feeling and I haven’t had that issue with the cloth. I imagine the thicker ones (usually called for use in postpartum situations) might feel that way but the regular ones haven’t done that. As far as a smell, I actually asked my husband if he had noticed one since I made the switch and he says no lol. I honestly like them better than a store bought pad. They’re more comfortable and there’s actually less sweating and uncomfortableness (is that a real word? LOL) since it’s cloth against your skin vs. that mesh liner that most store bought pads have over them.
What do you suppose woman used before store bought? Cloth not a new idea.
I agree Janet, but for most people today, it is…lol.
I’m a plus size gal, and I tend to be heavier and have to wear 2 pads during my cycle, especially at night, would you still recommend cloth?
Wendy, I’m plus sized as well. What I would recommend would be to try the thicker ones at first. If those aren’t strong enough, you could try postpartum ones. They’re usually made much thicker and can handle a heavier flow.
I was just looking on Amazon and I noticed that they come in different lengths as well. I am plus size as well and I’ve had trouble finding just the right placement for my disposable pads so I don’t have small leaks. I never thought of cloth pads, but with another 15+ years ahead of me that I probably will need them, it does sound like a good investment.
Ashley, I would recommend Etsy or a private seller on Facebook before Amazon. They both will offer more customization options. Try Made by Mother on FB. I’ve ordered from her (those are actually her work in the post picture) and she does really nice work. 🙂
what about if you want to go swimming in the summer? i very active and i found with store ones they bunch up on me and irritate me. so i use playtex sport tampons. i like the idea of the cloth pads.
Lacey, for something like that I would use a store bought tampon, but I prefer the cloth during normal times. 🙂
Hi,
I would love to make this switch both for environmental reasons and because like other commenters, I get infections after my period very often. One question I have is, I most often wear thong underwear–would these work with that or do you have to wear regular underwear during that time of month? I’m not a fan of panty lines and when wearing professional clothes struggle with finding a full panty that doesn’t show.
Danielle, I believe (although my be totally wrong on this) that there are some sellers who can do them for thongs too. If not, you could find a seller that you like and see if they were able to. Never hurts to ask!
I cloth diapered my youngest baby, but have never thought about doing cloth for myself. To me, buying disposable diapers was like literally throwing money away. I spent about $250 for the diapering kit, but it lasted years but paid for itself in just a few months. Was super easy to take care of also as far as washing. And my baby hardly ever had a diaper rash! 🙂 Anyway, I’ve always mindlessly grabbed feminine products off the shelf without ever considering that there’s got to be a better way. Thank you for writing this, I’m going to look into ordering some soon!
Both myself and my daughter made the switch about 6 months ago and think they are great. We have already more than saved the initial costs. I say, go for it!
I am a senior with bladder problems so I wear a disposable pad every day. I did purchase several cloth pads but for a reason not mentioned here. I tend to think ahead and like to be prepared and wondered what I would do if there was a catastrophic disaster and there were no stores around anywhere to purchase more of the disposable pads. I have some in my “bug out bag” but they would n’t last very long. I found the cloth online and now feel much better about dealing with that problem.
Christine, you’re a woman after my own heart. Emergency preparation was part of my reasoning too. 🙂
Ive used cloth since i had my first 24 years ago and used cloth nappies. Wasnt a big leap! Much comfier, safer CHEAPER. just rinse in COLD Water then shove in machine. I have used a mooncup for 15 years so now just use cloth liners. Perfect combo i have saved a fortune over the years.
Yeah, but I can’t find any that cheap. Specifically, where did you buy yours?
So glad to see someone talking about this who is not in one of my fb groups. I’ve been using cloth for over a year. I make my own because I’m not willing to pay that much for them. However, if you go to some of the B/S/T groups you can get them far cheaper or even trade for something else. It is so much better for your body (many ladies have shorter/lighter/less painful cycles after they switch), your pocket book, and the environment. I switched because I’m allergic to the chemicals in paper products. This means I even use cloth toilet paper. I know many would draw the line at that too but it is so much cleaner than paper and no different than cloth diapering. Anyway, just giving a shout out to say thanks for talking about this and letting more women know there is an alternative.
I have sewn up my own and I will never go back to disposable pads. I used pul (it is basically waterproof material) as my base layer and I have never leaked. My daughter is only 4 and has already picked out fabrics that she wants me to use for her pads because she watched me sew mine. I had to explain that it will be a while before she needs to use them. I sewed her some skirts instead.
My daughter wants to be a homesteader some day also and this sounds like a good idea, but I’m not sure she could handle a bucket of bloody water under her bathroom sink. How she had a VERY heavy flow and I am envisioning literally a bucket of blood and guts under the sink. And how do you get the blood out? Do they leak? How often do you have to change them? It sounds really gross. Can you explain it a little more? Thank you!
1. No bucket of bloody water. 🙂 Hot water, Borax and that’s about that. 2. Borax gets stains out. 3. I’ve not had issues with leaks. Actually had bigger issues with leaks with commercially made products more often than these. 4. Gross is relative. If your daughter wants to homestead, I’m positive that there will be more gross things to deal with than her own bodily fluids. 🙂
I looked Zorb up on Amazon and it’s fairly inexpensive and so are the PUL and a snap kit. With some flannel or mink cloth for the top cover it looks fairly simple to be able to make your own for around $50 for one yard with, which I imagine could probably make about 10 homemade pads. Why didn’t you make your own instead of spending $250?
I will be honest with you. 1. My time is extremely limited. I run 2 companies full time and homeschool my daughter. I already push it with the (over) 60 different items we make at home instead of buying.
Then there’s the fact that I’m actually still learning to sew. For me right now, it was better to buy from someone who knows how to properly sew than to attempt myself and waste the materials. Eventually though I will be making them instead of ever buying them.
Wow, I am definitely interested in this. Thank you for your honesty and information. We like to be prepared as well for who knows what! And the savings!
You’re welcome. We prepare too so that was one of the reasons that I initially tried them. 🙂
I took the leap to doing this probably around five or six years ago. I just couldn’t put the money out for supplies (cheapo!), so I found a random pattern online and sewed some up out of an old flannel sheet I had lying around. I still have some of those. I did “treat” myself with some tie-dyed flannel a year or so later to bulk up my stockpile a bit. I can’t tell you how much I would NEVER EVER EVER go back to “disposables” now! These are so much more comfortable, and the only extra liner I have in them is a double thick layer of heavy flannel in my heavy day pads.
I’ve only had one issue with the switch: I have all teen/young adult boys (none of whom are fazed by mom and her weirdness), so when my SIL and her nieces were over for a party (they are all teens/young adult too), of course doesn’t one of them come to me needing a pad. I just looked at her….’cause I certainly couldn’t SHARE!! 😉 That said, I will have a stash of some on hand from now on, just in case! If I’m fortunate enough to get granddaughters at some point, I plan to whip them up a batch when they get to that age, whatever their parents have to say. No one should need to wear diapers once they’ve gotten past potty-training!
I myself would use them, but I no longer need them. I’m going to try to get my two grown daughters to switch. I have been in your same situation and had to make shift with some wash clothes. This is great. Thank you so much.
I made the switch just this past month due to a reaction that I developed to the disposable. I am a homesteaders so this is just plain smart. I made my own with scraps that I had left over from making my granddaughters cloth diapers. double win! I love them and will never go back. I plan on making a lot more and sending them with our pastor the next time he goes on a mission trip.
I am slowly making the switch. I can sew so I am trying different patterns and techniques at the moment. I still use disposable for like 2 days but then my home made ones for the rest of the time. I really like the cloth better, feel like I am not wearing a diaper.
I have a few different questions…you say they are absorbent but how long can you realistically wear one if you have a heavy flow? Also when wearing them, do they absorb quickly? Is there any odor? I mostly use tampons when I am not home, so I’m hesitant to try these if I’m at work, etc.
Andrea, they make different absorbencies so yes, you can get them that are made specifically for those with a heavy flow. The heavy flow ones tend to have more Zorb in the middle so that they can handle a heavier flow. As far as absorbing quickly, they are about the same for quickness as a disposable. I’ve never had an issue with them not absorbing or with odor. The well made ones pull everything into the center core so there isn’t any really bad wetness or smell. What I would suggest is that you give them a try at home. You’ll know within a day or two of one cycle if they’re “right” for you. 🙂
Tree Hugger Cloth Pads has a lifetime warranty on their snaps 🙂
What washer/dryer settings do you use? I’ve read they should be washed in a lingerie bag but do I need to wash them on delicate or dry on low heat or anything like that? I use Tree Hugger.
Rachel, I leave them in the bag then use a low heat in the dryer. You could also air dry them too if you wanted to be double sure they were okay.