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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to want to try washable pads?

58 replies

rosiecg · 02/01/2015 17:45

I'm still not 100% sure I want to go for it, but I am interested in trying washable pads instead of disposable ones for periods. Same principle as washable nappies - leave to soak then wash them through.

But my OH thinks its way too gross and doesn't want to have to see them lying around etc.

I don't think it's that different to disposable ones going in the bathroom bin - occasionally a bit messy if the wrapper comes off, and potentially smelly if you leave them too long. At least with washable I would pop them into a sealed tub to soak - he wouldn't need to see anything!

What do you think? How do I persuade him?

OP posts:

Hatespiders · 02/01/2015 17:48

Most African women I know use folded bits of cloth and wash them by hand. Of course, they dry in minutes out there in the hot sun. But it is more environmentally friendly (and costs nothing!)

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/01/2015 17:48

I think how you deal with menstruation is none of his business tbh. This is not a committee decision. I agree you'd want to be sensible about it, like you would with any soiled laundry. He knows you're a grown up lady, right?

GingerbreadPudding · 02/01/2015 17:50

I used washable pads for a few years. I am allergic to the disposable alternatives. I used to drop them in a bucket, with lid, with water and bio washing liquid in. Then I'd wash them in the machine. I had ones with wings and poppers. They were ok but a bit sweaty. I also found they smelt a bit meaty (sorry). I now use a mooncup and have for years and I would not swap it for anything. Have you looked into this option?

divingoffthebalcony · 02/01/2015 17:50

Go for it. I've been using them for over ten years. I hate the plasticky, sweaty feeling of disposable pads. It's much nicer to have fleece against your fanjo

hiddenhome · 02/01/2015 17:51

They're okay, but need washing in very hot water or they end up stained. Blood is quite difficult to get out. I think you can soak them in Napisan too to help with stains.

Bluecarrot · 02/01/2015 17:52

Have a look on fb - there's lots of group (" the bloody waste " springs to mind. Where you can get more info on different types, storage, washing methods etc.
As for your hubby, I don't think his opinion really matters in this case. I'm discreet with mine and I'm not even sure my DP knows I use them...

CleanLinesSharpEdges · 02/01/2015 17:53

Why do you need to 'persuade' your OH, why are you even consulting him on this ?

Bluecarrot · 02/01/2015 17:53

And I wouldn't use hot water - none of mine are stained and they are washed at 30c. I do soak them in oxy clean stuff though.

LoathsomeDrab · 02/01/2015 17:54

I've been usin cloth pads for years and I love them. Miles nicer and more reliable than disposables.

What does your DH think he's going to see? Mine are either folded up waiting to go in the wash, clean on the radiators or in my underwear drawer. There's nothing to see.

LoathsomeDrab · 02/01/2015 17:57

Agree with Bluecarrot about the washing. Mine go in on a 30 wash and I've never had an issue with staining even with my Niagara Falls-esque periods.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 02/01/2015 17:58

They are more comfy more cost effective if you shop wisely and far nicer to use.

But given that the likelihood of him using them is slim to none why is the decision anything to do with him?

MistAndAWeepingRain · 02/01/2015 17:59

I really don't think your DH should have any say in how you deal with your periods. What's it got to do with him?

I used washable pads for a few years. I used cloth nappies at the time so it was just a matter of chucking them in the nappy bucket and then in with the nappy wash. Make sure you do a cold rinse first though - blood is a protein and will cook and stain if you wash on hot immediately.

It can take a but if trial and error to find the right pads for you - and they aren't cheap! I personally preferred cotton topped to bamboo velour and the like but everyone is different.

I stopped using them when the DCs were out of nappies though. I have a few virtually new ones in a drawer so if you aren't freaked out by the thought of preloved sanpro send me a PM and I'll post you some to try!

Original poster

rosiecg · 02/01/2015 18:00

I've considered the Mooncup but I don't really like the idea of putting things inside me - haven't used tampons in years!

I know it is my decision but we talk about everything and when I mentioned it those were his thoughts.... I think I might be trying to persuade myself a bit as well to be honest!

Do people have a special tub/container they put theirs in to soak or just any old bit of tupperware lol?

OP posts:

RevoltingPeasant · 02/01/2015 18:01

I use cloth pads and love them! I have some from Charlie Banana and some from another company called something like Cheeky Mamas.

I don't care about blood stains they are pads and no one looks at them but me. I wash them on 40 and hang them out in sunshine or over radiator depending on season. DH and neighbours have all survived this sight.

I also find them sooo much more comfortable and absorbent than disposables. I wear them ?ith a Mooncup at night for maximum protection.

RevoltingPeasant · 02/01/2015 18:02

Oh I don't soak mine, just quick rinse thru in bathroom sink or shower and bung in wash.

hiddenhome · 02/01/2015 18:03

Mooncup make more sense and are far less messy. Can't you just try one? It's not as though it's like shoving the QE2 up there.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 02/01/2015 18:03

I've been using them for years (with a meluna cup) I've never had an issue with them smelling (they tend to smell less than disposables) or staining. I just rinse them well with cold water and bung then in the machine if I don't have enough for a full load then they get rinsed and I leave soaking in cold water.

They will stink and stain if you use any type of fabric softener on them just like nappies

MistAndAWeepingRain · 02/01/2015 18:03

Any lidded container should do. Wilko used to do a small bucket with a tight fitting lid that was ideal.

uglyswan · 02/01/2015 18:16

ecofemme.org/ make really nice ones and they will also donate a pad to an adolescent girl in India for every one you buy. I leave mine to soak in a pretty china jug with cold water and a dash of bile soap (you can also use vinegar) before washing. So smell, no stains and they do feel so much nicer!

elliejjtiny · 02/01/2015 18:21

I use them and they're great, so much more comfortable than disposables. I buy mine from wee notions. Added bonus is that I don't have the situation when DH does the weekly shop, I ask him to buy really absorbant pads and he comes home with panty liners.

TheChristmasTreeFairy · 02/01/2015 18:22

Watching with interest, I've considered using cloth before, not entirely sure why I haven't tried yet

NettleTea · 02/01/2015 18:22

Ive been using them for years, they are much softer and kinder as well as being environmentally friendly, and also have saved me a small fortune.

avocadotoast · 02/01/2015 18:24

I only use mine on a night as I find them more comfortable than the Mooncup (for some reason the Mooncup makes my period pains worse for the first day). I have massive night time one that's a bit like wearing a nappy, but so comforting (I can't even explain it, it's just really nice to wear haha).

I have a couple of daytime ones too but I prefer wearing Mooncup when out and about.

I got mine from a website called Honour Your Flow. Super hippy but good quality products!

NeedsAsockamnesty · 02/01/2015 18:34

The woman that runs this site

luxurymoon.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3

Is incredibly helpful, if you message her and ask her advice she will not try to sell you stuff you don't need or to many or anything like that she's not a personal friend or anything like that but she is very nice and helpful

sanquhar · 02/01/2015 18:36

i make my own pads i use a lunette cup so only need little pads but any heavily soiled ones get rinsed under the cold tap and then are bunged in the normal wash.

lightly soiled ones are folded into parcels and poppered shut then go in the wash as normal.

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