Storing, Washing, and Stain Treating

Washing your pads may seem like the worst aspect of reusable, but it's really not that bad! Washing your pads can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. This can also depend on how picky you are about stains. I have provided all sorts of information for you to choose from below, almost any method of washing can get your pads clean!

*Please wash your pads prior to use. I prewash all the fabric used to prevent shrinking of the final product but I do not wash pads before shipping. Washable marker visible on the fabric is normal and will wash out on your first wash.


 
 
What do I do with soiled pads?

wash as you go: One of the most complicated methods I know of is washing each pad as soon as you're done using it. Some people prefer to do this and it works well for them. This is usually done by hand. 

Wet storing: Some people choose to keep a small bucket of water beside their toilet. When they're done with a pad they put it in this container and change the water daily until they are ready to wash their pads. Sometimes they add cleaning products to this water to help prevent stains. These products include: Oxyclean, baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide, among many others.

Dry storing: Probably the easiest method of storing soiled pads. Some people keep either a bag or a bucket near their toilet, and put their soiled pads inside the bag/bucket when they are done using them. One important thing to remember if you choose this method, is to make sure the bag or the bucket is not completely closed as the pads need air circulation to prevent mildew/mold (like any other damp object). The soiled pads stay in the bag or bucket until you're ready to wash.

How do I wash my pads?

Before washing, it is important to rinse your pads in cold water as hot water sets protein stains. Pads that have been dry stored may need to soak for a little bit before rinsing. 

Hand washing + hang drying: hand washing and hang drying can extend the life of your pad as it is more gentle than machine washing. Hand wash like you would any other piece of clothing.

Hand washing + machine drying: This may be the preferred method to some who need their pads to be dried faster. BF pads can go in the dryer in any heat setting you choose, machine drying can shorten the life of your pad a bit though.

Machine washing + machine drying: This seems to be the preferred method by many cloth users. It's fast, it's easy, and if you're not grossed out by it your pads can go in with your regular laundry. If machine washing be sure to wash and rinse in cold water so if there is a stain it doesn't get set into the fabric. Please don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can cause a build up in the fabric making your pads less absorbent.

What cleaning products can I use?

commercial laundry detergents are safe for cloth pads, you can also use cleaning products made for cloth diapers as well. Anything that gets your clothes clean, will get your pads clean. The only special 'instructions' for cloth pad cleaning, are to use cold water to prevent stains, and don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets. 

What if I get a stain?

Brand name stain treatments (sprays, sticks, gels, soaps.): Follow the directions on the packaging of the stain treatment you chose to buy.

Oxyclean: Oxyclean is amazing for soaking pads before washing, or stain treating.

Hydrogen peroxide: hydrogen peroxide is also good to use as a pre-soak and a stain treatment (especially on tampons!). Spray onto your pad, or dilute a bit with water and let your pads soak for a minimum of 20 minutes. If you're worried your pads are not clean enough, try pouring a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto your pad, if it fizzes your pad isn't quite clean, if it doesn't you're good to go!

Sunlight: Have you ever left a colored paper in the sunlight and noticed it faded a lot? Well, the sun can do the same to stains! One of the most earth friendly, money saving, stain treatments there is. As easy as laying your pads in the sun for the afternoon.

Baking soda: Baking soda is pretty good at removing stains, make a paste, rub it on, and let it sit for a few hours. 

Homemade stain treatment: you can make a mixture of approximately 40% blue dawn dish soap, 40% hydrogen peroxide and 20% baking soda, spread it over your stain, rub it in, and let it sit. rinse and wash as usual. many people I know have tried many methods to remove a stain before using this one, and finally got their stain out. You can also make this into a paste by mixing equal amounts blue dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, then adding baking soda until it is the consistency you want.

There are so many methods and options, what works for one person may not work for someone else. If you need more detailed help with washing contact me, check out YouTube, or read blogs through a Google search. Once you have your own washing routine figured out, stains are pretty easy to prevent and deal with if they happen.