Washable pads - getting into a routine

[twosoups1972]

I have just started experimenting with washable pads. I already use a moon cup but sometimes need a pad when the flow is heavy.

I've tried some pads from Precious Stars which I really like. But I need some tips on exactly what you do when you change them. I know you have to wash them in cold water after use but what do you do with them then? And how many do you wash at a time?

Also, I'm trying to encourage my 3 teen dds to try them too. If they get on with them, I was thinking maybe a different colour for each of them?

Any tips very gratefully received!

[livingthegoodlife]

I use the cheeky wipes ones. I just chuck mine in with whatever washing I have on. I used to wash them separately but it seemed such a waste of water for five little pads! I don't both cold washing them either. 30c wash cycle here.

Good luck!

[DumbleDork]

I just put mine in a wet bag when used. I don’t rinse any. When I’ve finished my cycle I put them all in the machine alone on a cold wash to rinse, when that’s finished I put on a full wash with an extra rinse at the end with normal amount of biological powder for wash size. Then I hang to dry. Depending on if any blood is still showing after the cold rinse I may add a scoop of vanish too no problems a few years in

[SheepGoesBaa]

I'm new to cloth pads. I bought a lot and I have a few in different sizes and absorbancies. I'm looking forward to start using them.

I plan to take a toiletry bag out with me when I go to work etc. This will be in my main bag. I hope to have a few clean pads there. When I change, I will store the used pad in a separate pocket in the bag.

I have a large wet bag. Basically it has a waterproof lining. I hope to store all the used pads there in the bag until the end of my period (about 5 days). After that I will rinse them in the bathroom sink with cold water or rinse in the machine. I might give a cold water soak as well. Then I will wash as I normally wash my clothes. Probably on 40 degree cotton wash.

[ASqueakingInTheShrubbery]

I wash them with cold water and hand soap then put them in a wet bag until the next time I do a load of washing of the right colour.

[Alabasterangel6]

As above, I don’t do anything special, no rinse or cold water I just throw them in with the laundry as and when. 30c always brings them clean. I got mine from an eBay seller who makes them. I thought I’d try a few and upgrade later. 3 years later and I’m still using the same ones and they’re fantastic.

[onemouseplace]

I started with washable pads last month (also use a mooncup but after 4 months of being great I've had a couple of months of it being unpredictable so like the back up) and I've just been leaving them to soak in cold water then chucking them in a normal wash when I put one on - I've got the charcoal coloured ones so they just go in a darks wash with no fabric softener. I actually had a spare lidded food recycling caddy which has been perfect for soaking them in.

Really pleased with them so far. They stay in place far better than disposables.

[bellinisurge]

My dd uses reusables (I'm too old for periods) but I haven't got her to the managing them herself stage-she's only had about 7 periods and I'm being too soft so that it helps her to adjust gently to menstruation. Yes, I know, but that's how I have judged it for now.
Anyway, I launder them as follows:
She slings them into a zipped wet bag. When her period is over, I run them under a cold tap to get as much blood out as possible. I then put a stripe of Ecover stain remover on the stain. I sling them back into the wet bag once rinsed and Ecover'd. and take the bag to the washing machine. I empty them into the washing machine and add a scoop of Oxyclean to the wash. I use an EcoEgg for washing. Set it it normal "mixed load" which is usually at 40 degrees. And wash as normal.
I have one of those octopus hanger things to let me air dry them. I don't put directly on the radiator. On sunny days they go out like that on the line to air dry.
Never a stain yet.

[TheJoxter]

I use ‘honour your flow’ (they aren’t cheap but have 20% off every Sunday 8-9pm) they’re amazing. I have enough for my full period with some left over so just chuck them in a wet back left over from when toddler was in cloth nappies, at the end of my period I put them through a cold rinse cycle then top up the machine with towels etc and wash them as normal.

[theweebleshavelanded]

old lidded 1kg butter tub with salted cold water to put used pads in . wash at the end of the week on a 40 in the machine on a colours cycle with anything else.

[theweebleshavelanded]

out and about a ziplok bag (which can be washed out / reused). labelled so no one puts sarnies it it lol!