Washing Instructions:
How to Wash a Reusable Sanitary Pad
You can wash them one of three ways; by rinsing or soaking the pads, or by taking them into the shower with you- and then washing them with your regular laundry. You can use whichever method you prefer.
Important: For all soaking methods use only "COLD" Water as HOT water will set in stains.
Method 1 - Soaking Method
- Select a tub. Choose a large jar, container, bucket, sink, etc., for your pads to be soaked in.
- When traveling or vacationing include a leak-proof container, Ziploc freezer bag or travel wet bag (included with "sets").
- Just out for the day or at work, fold pad so the soiled part is in the middle and snap wings closed to secure. You can rinse and squeeze out the excess moisture in the sink before storing used pad, or simply place the pad in reusable "wet bags".
- Soaking or rinsing soon after use is recommended to prevent stains from blood, urine or heavy discharge.
- Using only "COLD" water; fill your container If the pad is heavily soiled, rinse it in the sink before putting it in the filled bucket.
- You can add: a teaspoon of lemon juice or white/apple cider vinegar, 2-3 drops of lavender, tea-tree or eucalyptus oil, or 1-2 scoops Oxi-clean to prevent musty smells that are gentle but effective antibacterials/ antimicrobials.
- Hanging your pads out in the sunlight for the day is a natural way of removing blood stains and effectively killing germs.
- Important: If you have a thrush (candida) infection; once you cure the infection, you must disinfect the pads by soaking as mentioned above. It is not recommended to use hospital grade disinfectant soaps such as Dettol as these can encourage "antibiotic resistant bacteria" to flourish.
- Change the cold water if it appears dirty, begins to smell, or has been left for more than two days. By rinsing a heavily soiled pad before you put it in your bucket, you can prevent the need to change the water before wash day.
- Add the rinsed Pads (not the rinse water) safely to the laundry. Does not have to be a separate load.
- Use your regular detergent; keeping in mind that bleach will fade color faster.
- A dash of white vinegar to the Rinse cycle is a natural and safe disinfectant. (If there are stubborn stains on your pads, you can use anything from baking soda pastes, to sunlight, to commercial stain removal products to remove them).
- Use your dryer or you can "dry hang" them using your "hanging strap" (added to order if requested).
- Do Not Iron
Method 2 - Shower method
- Lay down the pre-rinsed (optional) pads on the floor of your shower (dirty Side facing up).
- Allow used pads to soak while you take your shower. (Using natural soaps and shampoos is recommended for this method to help lessen harmful chemicals into the pad)
- Wring them out after your shower.
- Leave them to dry (using hanging strap) or add to bucket method or simply add to laundry to wash. (This method is mostly used for dorm rooms, travel, or co-ed living.)