If you haven’t tried reusable cloth pads. I think you are missing out.
I kind of love these things. I also love that teen girls are online reviewing these types of items. Awesome for these girls who obviously feel no shame over their cycle!
You may have a million questions about them:
“Are they comfortable?”
“Do they…(whisper) smell?”
“Buut whyyyy, Ericaaahh?”
“Is that, um, gross?”
“Do they leak? I mean really…”
“Do they stay nice?”
“Does anyone else use them?”
“How do you even clean them?”
“But why, Erica? Like really?”
“Where do you buy them?”
Further below I have answered these questions.
First, I want to say that these things can be made from the most beautiful and soft (and super absorbing) and colorful fabrics out there. I like colorful fabrics with images of happy, strong women. I even found a Guadalupe pad! Um, yes. She is for sure one of the best female images to help us stay centered!
If there is a time when we could use examples of soft beauty it would be when we bleed. It’s a small treat. I know some of you need any help you can get with your mood. Sometimes, that includes me too and I have been working on it for a long time.
So let’s get to it. Of course, men you are welcome too. You should know what’s out there because healthy women and healthy men go together for a healthy planet. And, I know that some of you have daughters. (Ok…This is where I began to mess up, in the original post. (!) I did completely exclude a whole group of people. I excluded the people who identify as male but, do have a menstrual cycle. I’m sorry. And yes, you are correct. Gender didn’t really need to be a part of this post. Still, I hope the overall message wasn’t lost. Thank you. Please forgive me. X0XO.)
Are they comfortable? That’s a go. Yesss!! A million yesses. Look at the lengths of the disposables you buy. The standard is usually 8.5 inches. That isn’t the overnight length which is somewhere around 11 or 12inches or longer. Knowing the right length for you, will help you choose the right reusable pad.These items aren’t really sold by big brands selling super cheaply made expensive products. In the U.S., a person is likely to purchase reusable pads from individuals making these types of items- many of these sellers are from countries like England, Canada, Australia, throughout eastern Europe, some from the American states like Georgia or New York. It is a global affair and the majority of these people seem to really care about what they are doing. Some of them are very passionate about being a part of changing the way we care for the planet and the way we see our cycle. Comfort can’t be compromised especially for this type of product and, for the cause (for some people). From what I have seen, many of the women who sell these items seem passionate about their craft. It’s kind of cool, actually. Like solidarity, like the feminine loving on the feminine. We need that…
“Do they Smell?” No. Some of you may assume that your blood has an odor. It doesn’t (normally for most of us) and, neither do the materials used in these reusable products. When you smell something, it is probably just the end of the day or first thing in the morning and, it is time to take a shower or to clean up. That’s it. We all sweat and that sweat along with our germs make the odor. All humans get smelly and then we shower. Reusable pads or disposable pads aren’t going to keep us from needing to bathe but, they are also not the reason for naturally occurring odor. P.s. don’t let anyone get into your head about feminine odor. Many people aren’t educated on the matter and literally everyone has body odor when it is time for a shower. Yes, I am so over the ignorance said about our awesome female bodies. Anyway, no, they don’t smell and they don’t make us smell.
But Why, Erica? There are many reasons. 1) Personally, I think it’s an expression of self love- to not make our awesome baby making superpower material into toxic waste, in some nasty landfill. It seems wrong. Do you know that some people actually use a menstrual cup and put the blood into the earth. 2) So, it’s way better than exposing you body to those disposable chemical pads- You do put those pads in a sensitive place. Plus, how much exposure to these chemicals happen over our lives 3) It’s just better for the environment. 4) It supports amazing people who have found a way to do their part, on this planet!
Is that Gross? No. You are not gross and nothing your body does is gross. Cloth pads can easily be washed in a washer, if you absolutely won’t hand wash anything. Otherwise, hand wash them in cold water and hand soap or whatever you have in the bathroom. Let it soak while you shower then, let it air dry. I don’t like my washer and so I hand wash the stuff I want to keep, for longer. Plus, I think I do a much better job removing stains than my washer.
Do They leak? No. Theses pads come with a variety of options just like the disposable pads. Have some trust that normal people can make a better product than big brands in stores. I think you will be very happy with this sort of purchase and if you have questions, ask.
Do they stay nice? Yes. Wash them as you use them. If you can’t wash them immediately then, store them in a small wet bag until you get home. Wet bags for cloth pads are different from the wet bags you use on camping trips. Prepare to be amazed by what kinds of cloth materials are out there. I know that some super busy women keep their pads in cool water until they can clean them properly.Some of them won’t be bothered with hand washing anything nor running the washer everyday. The key is to use cool water and mild soap. No fabric softner- that will mess with absorption. You can use stain remover, if you are inclinded to do so.
Does anyone else use cloth Pads? YEEESSSSS! Lots of women do. All kinds of women use reusable pads- Teens, women who have curious people looking through their trash (very creepy BTW), women who care about the planet and are actively seeking ways to minimize their trash, women who just like pretty things, women who care about their bodies, women who like soft things, women who like women, women who don’t like women, women who look for anything reusable. Once you step into this world, you will see.
How do you Clean them? See above. *Hint: Cold water and soap, no softner. Or, machine wash them.
But Why, again? The plain and simple answer, it’s better for you and it’s better for the planet. It’s a tiny baby step to learning how to apply self- love. The more you love on yourself, the more you teach what really matters.
Plus, it can feel so empowering to change up something in your life. I know that for some of you this will be your first baby step for change.
Oh and little changes like this will help to save your money. The money you save by buying (pretty) reusable items like pads, napkins, sandwich bags or whatever, does begin to add up. We spend entirely too much on all of the disposable junk, that also pollutes our planet. And all the while, you will also be supporting an individual who is also doing her part to raise the planet.
Where Do I buy them? Given where I live and the norm in my area, I only really find them online. Etsy has the biggest selection from sellers all over the world. I have also found that these ladies will happily answer any of your questions. A lot of them will accommodate special request. It’s just a matter of reaching out to them…
Get one and actually use it. See how you feel about it.