How To Wash Reusable Menstrual Pads
How to Wash Reusable Menstrual Pads
Washing reusable menstrual pads is simple. The goal is to rinse in cold water, wash with a gentle detergent, and dry fully. With consistent care, reusable pads can stay fresh and last for years.
Quick rule: Cold rinse, cold wash, air dry or low heat. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Fast Step-by-Step Washing Routine
- Rinse in cold water. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear. Cold water helps prevent stains from setting.
- Store until wash day. Place pads in a wet bag or pouch. If needed, a quick cold rinse first helps keep things fresher.
- Machine wash cold. Use a mild detergent on a cold cycle. Wash with similar colors if patterns are included.
- Skip fabric softener and bleach. These can reduce absorbency and affect fabrics over time.
- Dry fully. Air dry is ideal. Tumble dry low is usually fine if you need faster drying.
Best Practices for Freshness and Longevity
Prevent odors
Rinse in cold water after use and avoid letting pads sit sealed while soaking wet for long periods. A wet bag helps with storage until laundry day.
Reduce stains
Cold rinse immediately when possible. If stains remain, sun drying can help naturally lighten them over time.
Protect absorbency
Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets, which can coat fabrics and reduce absorbency. Use a gentle detergent.
How to Store Used Pads When You Are Not Home
- Fold the pad and snap it closed
- Place it in a wet bag or pouch
- Rinse when you get home, then wash on laundry day
What to Avoid
- Bleach, which can weaken fabrics over time
- Fabric softener and dryer sheets, which can reduce absorbency
- High heat drying, which can shorten lifespan
- Hot water rinses, which can set stains
Frequently Asked Questions
Do reusable pads smell?
When rinsed and washed regularly, reusable pads should not retain odor. Cold rinsing after use and washing with gentle detergent helps keep them fresh.
How do I remove stains from reusable pads?
Cold rinsing quickly helps. If stains remain, sun drying can naturally lighten them over time. Staining does not mean the pad is dirty or unsafe.
Can I machine wash reusable pads with other laundry?
Yes. Many people wash pads with towels or dark clothing on cold. A quick cold rinse first can help if your flow is heavier.
Can I put reusable pads in the dryer?
Air drying is ideal. If you use a dryer, choose low heat to help preserve fabric and snap longevity.
Is it hygienic to reuse menstrual pads?
Yes. When washed properly, reusable pads are safe and hygienic. Proper rinsing, washing, and drying are the key steps.
Not sure which pads to buy?
Use our Flow Type Guide to pick the right pad sizes for your cycle. If you want to plan your quantity, read How Many Reusable Pads Do I Need?
