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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:

Original poster

rosiecg · 02/01/2015 18:38

uglyswan - ecofemme have been recommended to me by someone I know IRL as well so I'm heading in their direction now!

Glad everyone has had positive experiences with reusable pads... My new year's resolution is to look after myself more (in every way) so I guess ordering some washable pads is a good first step!

OP posts:

SisterMoonshine · 02/01/2015 18:45

I use them. I have those minky soft ones from Weenotions, they're so soft and comfy.
I like that you can get black etc as most of my knickers are black.
I don't soak. They don't seem to stain at all.

MrsNutELFa · 02/01/2015 19:05

Sorry to hijak but I'm interested in trying cloth. Can people recommend some brands or sights?

MrsNutELFa · 02/01/2015 19:11

Duh, sites not sights.
And I've just seen the link above... Thank you!

erin99 · 02/01/2015 19:19

Go for it. Given your DH's worries I'd buy an opaque lidded bin - nappy bins are great as the lid fits so well but something half the size would be ideal.

I think the key is to soak them well in cold water for at least a few hours before washing, and change the soaking water most days. And buying dark colours helps. I may have tie dyed some in the past... Hippy much... It's amazing how little they stain. There will be days when rinsing feels like a chore, but they are so much nicer than disposables in all other ways.

No idea on brands I'm afraid as I haven't bought any in over 10 years...

LizzieMint · 02/01/2015 19:20

I use(d) them (don't have periods now, they're fab. The ones I have are fleece-topped, I'd highly recommend going for that because they wash so well without staining. Mine have poppers and once used, you can sort of wrap them around themselves and use the poppers to hold them in a little roll so they're nice and neat with nothing showing or leaking out. I don't bother soaking, just put them in the next normal wash load.

capsium · 02/01/2015 19:24

How to persuade him? Hmm suggest he tries wearing disposable pants for a week (like the ones people suggest are good for post birth, yucky sweaty things)?

Nonie241419 · 02/01/2015 19:25

I've used washable pads for years and love them. I wash mine hot with my towels with added Napisan (no softener) and they are brilliantly absorbent. I don't worry about stains as no one sees them but me!

Taystee · 02/01/2015 19:39

I've also got eco femme ones. They're lovely

OOAOML · 02/01/2015 19:51

well I have to add my voice to those wondering why you need to persuade him? When I first tried these I just ordered them, wouldn't have occurred to me to discuss it. As long as you're not leaving them scattered around the bathroom it isn't really going to impact him.

Marylou2 · 02/01/2015 19:52

Gross!! Mooncups rule!!

myleftfoot · 02/01/2015 19:55

I converted last year and would never yo back to disposables now - washable pads are so much comfier! I buy mine from the earthwise girls site (they send a packet of love hearts with orders which is fine by me!). I use Charlie Banana ones during the day and ecofemme at night. I like those brands as they fold into themselves for transportation which is useful.

IAmAPaleontologist · 02/01/2015 19:58

Cloth pads are fab. I know exactly what you mean about the cup. I have a meluna and it is great, it is comfortable, doesn't leak and very practical when doing long shifts. But I can't wait to take it out at the end of the day. Weird.

I have a mix of imse vimse (cheap end of the spectrum and you can tell but nothing wrong with them really), eco rainbow and charlie banana.

Original poster

rosiecg · 02/01/2015 19:59

I'm just being considerate :)

People who use cloth pads, how many do you have/need? The cost adds up very quickly so don't want to buy more than I need....

OP posts:

IAmAPaleontologist · 02/01/2015 20:00

Oh and because the dcs go through vats of the huge buckets of lidl yoghurt I just use one of those tubs to soak in. Cold soak, fling in wash and after I'm done the tub can be rinsed and put in the recycling so no "pad tub" hanging around, no risk of confusion and putting leftovers in the fridge in it and that sort of thing .

Discopanda · 02/01/2015 21:05

Just out of interest, do you save much money with reusable pads?

MistAndAWeepingRain · 02/01/2015 21:12

You save money in the long run Disco but there is an initial outlay which can be quite high. Most cloth pads cost between £5 and £15 each.

How many pads you will need OP depends on how many pads you are likely to go through in a day and how often you will do a wash. Do you have a tumble dryer?

FannyBlott · 02/01/2015 21:14

I've been using them for a couple of years, love them! I tried a mooncup but it always leaked in exactly the same place and gave me horrendous abdominal pain like my body was trying to expell it on my heaviest days.
I like cotton topped ones best, can't stand the feel of minky/fleece/velour ones.
I don't soak mine, just rinse in the shower and put them in with a normal wash (I don't use fabric conditioner).
I used disposables this month as I was staying at a relatives house and they leaked really badly. I find cloth copes much better with sudden gushes and my period seems lighter.

badRoly · 02/01/2015 21:16

I had my Mirena out last summer and am back having periods.

I have a Mooncup for the light days and a bucket like 'LuvUrBody' for the flood days which has rendered pads almost unnecessary but not completely.

I'm with op - how many and what type would you recommend to start off? I've seen fleecy ones but wonder if there are cotton type ones (like nappies?).

badRoly · 02/01/2015 21:17

Cross posted! Sorry

OOAOML · 02/01/2015 21:19

I avoided fleece and went for flannel ones. I don't use them on heavy days if I'm working, too paranoid (I did get a mooncup, but just didn't like it).

myleftfoot · 02/01/2015 21:21

I think I read something that said you start saving money after about 6 months usage Disco. Most pads last about 75 washes apparently so it does save money in the long run.

I have 3 pads for daily use and 1 for nighttime but I will be buying more for day use as on heavy flow days I get through them quickly. It does depend on how heavy a flow you have rosie.

erin99 · 02/01/2015 21:25

Disco it's like with cloth nappies, you can spend nothing or £15 a pad so it is difficult to say.

Mine are mostly home made, including from old brushed cotton PJs which are the softest thing ever. My bought pads were, IIRC, £6-8 each. They are used 2 or 3 times a month each, are over 10 years old and still in great condition. I also have some popolini pads which were much cheaper but not a patch on the others. They're literally made of towelling, which is way bulkier and less absorbent than brushed cotton, hemp, or even old t shirt!

But the reasons I use cloth are primarily comfort, and less waste. As a PP said, would you wear disposable paper pants for a week? I'll stick with my brushed cotton thanks!!

MistAndAWeepingRain · 02/01/2015 21:27

I found fleece and bamboo velour horrible - sweaty and just yuk. Brushed cotton was much more comfortable for me. Honour your Flow have a lovely range. The Weenotions cotton topped pads were good too.

SoonToBeSix · 02/01/2015 21:32

Seems like a great idea.

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