Introduction to Reusable Menstrual Cloth Pads

Reusable menstrual cloth pads are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products.  Today, we will discuss the benefits of using reusable cloth pads, including their impact on the environment and the cost savings they offer. We will also discuss how reusable cloth pads are made and the materials used.

 

Benefits of Reusable Cloth Pads

1. Environmental Impact: Disposable menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. In contrast, reusable cloth pads can be washed and used for many years, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2. Cost Savings: Disposable menstrual products can be costly, especially when used over a long period of time. Reusable cloth pads, on the other hand, have a one-time cost and can be used for several years, saving money in the long run.
3. Comfort: Many people find that reusable cloth pads are more comfortable than disposable pads. They can be made from natural materials and are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. They allow the area to breathe.

How Reusable Cloth Pads are Made

Reusable cloth pads are typically made from a combination of natural materials and polyester fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, stay dry fabrics, minky and velours. The top layer of the pad is made from a soft, absorbent material. The middle layer contains a core of absorbent material, called Zorb. The bottom layer is made from a highly resistant fabric called softshell fleece. 

The pads are then sewn together using a sewing machine and serger. They come with snaps to secure the pad around your underwear. 

Materials Used

1. Cotton Lycra: Cotton is a popular choice for reusable cloth pads because it is soft, absorbent, and durable. 
2. Bamboo/Cotton Velour: Bamboo/cotton is a highly absorbent. The texture of the fabric is ideal for extra heavy flows, gushes and clots. Catching it in its texture and allowing the fabric time to absorb without it slipping over the surface. 
3. Pique: Pique is a stay dry jersey. It is a strong and durable material that is also highly absorbent. The fabric prints stay vibrant and has stain resistant qualities.
4. Minky: Minky is a soft fabric similar to velour. With the texture helping heavier flows, gushes and clots. The fabric prints also stay vibrant and has stain resistant qualities. 
5. Zorb: the leading brand of super absorbent fabrics, is thin, cost effective, hypo-allergenic and baby safe. It traps and holds huge amounts of liquid and dispenses it quickly, to reduce compression leaks.
6. Soft Shell Fleece: Soft shell fleece has two sides. One side is a water resistant side which helps make the pad virtually waterproof, and the other side is a thin fleece which grips to your underwear and helps the pad stay in place. 

Reusable menstrual cloth pads offer many benefits over disposable menstrual products, such as being environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They are made from soft and breathable materials, such as velours, stay dry jersey and cotton and are sewn together with a water resistant layer at the bottom to prevent leaks. Using reusable cloth pads is a great way to reduce waste and save money in the long run.

Choosing the Right Cloth Pad

When it comes to menstrual care, there are a variety of cloth pads available on the market. These pads come in different shapes, sizes, and absorbencies, making it important to choose the right one for your individual needs. In this tutorial, we will discuss the different types of cloth pads available, how to choose the right pad for your needs, how to measure and choose the right size, and how to choose the right absorbency level.

Types of Cloth Pads

1. Pantyliners: These are the thinnest and most absorbent type of cloth pad. They are ideal for light days, spotting, or as a backup for menstrual cups.
2. Moderate/ Regular Pads: These are the most common type of cloth pad and are suitable for moderate flow days. They come in a variety of lengths and widths to accommodate different body types.
3. Heavy/Overnight Pads: These are longer than moderate/regular pads and have a higher absorbency level. They are designed to be worn for heavier days and overnight and can handle heavy flow days.
4. Extra Heavy, Night Time/Postpartum Pads: These are longer and wider than moderate/regular and heavy/overnight pads and have a higher absorbency level. They are designed to be worn after for extreme heavy flows, night time and after childbirth and can handle extra heavy flow days.

Choosing the Right Pad

1. Consider your flow: Look at the absorbency level of the pad and choose one that is appropriate for your flow.
2. Consider your lifestyle: If you are active and on the go, you may want to choose a pad that is comfortable and easy to move around in.
3. Consider your comfort: Look for a pad that is made of soft, breathable fabrics and that is comfortable to wear.

Measuring and Choosing the Right Size

Measure your preferred disposable pad and get the closest size. 

1. Determine the type of flow you have. Light, moderate, heavy. And decide if you need little coverage and a lot of coverage.
2. Measure on yourself where you’d like the pad to cover. Some who have heavier flows will measure from the pubic bone and around the back up to where you’d like to coverage to stop at our back end. 

Choosing the Right Absorbency Level

1. Light flow: Choose a pad with a low absorbency level for light flow days.
2. Moderate/Regular flow: Choose a pad with a moderate absorbency level for moderate flow days.
3. Heavy flow: Choose a pad with a heavier absorbency level and more length for heavy flow days.
4. Extra Heavy/ Night Time/ Post Partum flow: Choose a pad with extra heavy absorbency and the longest length available in the stores. Also, look for wider options if needed. 

When choosing a cloth pad, it is important to consider your flow, lifestyle, and comfort. Measuring and choosing the right size and absorbency level will ensure that you have the right pad for your individual needs. Remember to always check the absorbency level before making a purchase and choose a pad that is comfortable and easy to move around in.

Caring for and Maintaining Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products. However, they do require proper care and maintenance to ensure they last for a long time. Here, we will discuss how to properly care for and maintain reusable cloth pads, including washing instructions and tips on how to keep cloth pads in good condition.

 

Washing Instructions

1. Rinse: Rinse the pad in cold water to remove any blood. Do not use hot water as it can set the blood stains. You can rinse the pad is the sink or soak them overnight  in a bucket with oxyclean, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar and cold water. 
2. Wash: Wash the pad in a washing machine with your preferred detergent on a regular. Bulk the load with clothes or towels. Avoid using fabric softener and bleach.
3. Dry: Hang the pad to dry in the sun or dry it in a tumble dryer on low heat. Avoid using high heat as it can shrink the pad. Also avoid using dryer sheets as they leave a film on the fabric which will affect the absorbency with time. 

Tips for Keeping Cloth Pads in Good Condition

1. Rotate your pads: Use a variety of pads during your cycle to ensure they have time to air out and dry completely before being used again. Having a larger rotation will also mean you won’t wear every pad you own each cycle. With fewer washes, the fabric of the pads will last much longer. 
2. Use a wet bag: Use a wet bag to store your pads when you are out and about to keep them clean and free from rubbing against things like velcro and collecting dirt.
3. Keep them dry: Avoid storing your pads in a damp area or in a sealed bag. This can cause them to become musty and can lead to mold growth.
4. Use a stain remover: If your pads become stained, use a stain remover to remove the stain before washing them. Stain sticks, oxyclean, hydrogen peroxide and even the sun can removes stains. 
5. Replace them: If your pads become worn or damaged, replace them to ensure you have a comfortable and hygienic menstrual experience. Cloth pads can last 10-15 years but if you have a smaller stash, your pads can become worm much sooner. If you start the see the fabric wear and tear, or the pad no longer absorbs like it once did, toss the pad away and replace it with a new one. 

Proper care and maintenance of reusable cloth pads is essential to ensure they last for a long time. By following the washing instructions and tips for keeping cloth pads in good condition, you can ensure that your pads are clean, hygienic, and comfortable to use. Remember to rotate your pads, use a wet bag, keep them dry, use a stain remover and replace them when necessary.

Common Issues and Solutions for Using Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products, but they do come with their own set of challenges. Here, we will discuss some common issues customers may encounter when using reusable cloth pads and solutions to overcome these problems.

1. Leakage: Leakage can occur when the pad is not the right size or absorbency level for your menstrual flow. Solution: Choose a pad with the appropriate absorbency level and make sure it fits properly.
2. Staining: Stains can occur if the pad is not washed properly or if it is not washed frequently enough. Solution: Use a stain remover before washing and make sure to wash the pad frequently.
3. Uncomfortable: Some customers may find that the pad is not comfortable to wear. Solution: Choose a pad with a soft and breathable material, and make sure it fits properly.
4. Smell: Some customers may experience a smell from their pads. Solution: Make sure to wash the pad frequently, and use a good detergent. Sometimes your washing machine may not wash the pad properly so you may need to play around with your setting and washing methods and customize your routine for better results. Avoid using fabric softener and bleach. 
5. Difficulty cleaning: Some customers may find it difficult to clean their pads. Solution: Use a detergent/stain remover and soak the pad in cold water before washing. Rinse the pad thoroughly and wash on a regular cycle with other soiled laundry. Then dry it in the sun or in a tumble dryer on low heat.
6. Difficulty using: Some customers may find it difficult to use the pads. Solution: Make sure the pad fits properly and is the right absorbency level for your menstrual flow. Take time to practice inserting and removing the pad before your menstrual cycle.

By understanding and addressing these common issues, you can ensure a comfortable and hygienic experience when using reusable cloth pads. Remember to choose the right size, absorbency level and material, wash them frequently, use a stain remover, and practice using them. If you continue to experience issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Lady Crimson Cloth for further assistance.

Best Practices for Using Cloth Pads during Sport Activities

Menstruation doesn't have to stop you from participating in sport activities. Reusable cloth pads can be a comfortable and reliable option for active individuals, but it's important to choose the right pad and practice proper hygiene to avoid leakage or discomfort. Here, we will discuss the best practices for using cloth pads during sport activities and how to choose the right pad for different sport activities.

1. Choose the right pad: When choosing a cloth pad for sport activities, look for a pad with a secure fit, such as a winged pad or a pad with snaps. Also, consider a pad with a moisture-wicking or stay-dry top such as Pique, to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.
2. Change your pad frequently: It's important to change your pad frequently during sport activities to avoid leakage and discomfort.
3. Use a panty liner: A panty liner can provide additional protection against leakage, especially during high-impact activities.
4. Practice proper hygiene: Washing your hands before and after changing your pad can help prevent infection. Also, make sure to wash your pads with detergent and dry them in the sun or in a tumble dryer on low heat.
5. Choose the right pad for the activity: Different sport activities have different demands on the pad. For example, a pad with a thicker absorbency layer may be more suitable for activities such as horseback riding, whereas a pad with a thinner absorbency layer may be more suitable for activities such as cycling. Always make sure to wear the proper absorbency for the level of flow you are having at the time of the activity. It’s always better to overestimate the absorbency then to underestimate and not have proper protection against leakages. 

By following these best practices, you can enjoy sport activities without interruption, even during your menstrual cycle. Remember to choose the right pad, change it frequently, use a panty liner to wick moisture away if not on your period, practice proper hygiene and choose the right pad for the activity. If you continue to experience issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Lady Crimson Cloth for further assistance.

Adapting Reusable Cloth Pads for People with Disabilities

Reusable cloth pads are a sustainable and cost-effective menstrual product option, but they can be adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Here, we will discuss how reusable cloth pads can be adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities and best practices for using cloth pads for people with disabilities.

1. Adapting cloth pad use: Reusable cloth pads can be adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities by choosing a pad with a secure fit, such as a winged pad or a pad with snaps, to ensure that it stays in place during activities.
2. Easy to use fasteners: People with disabilities may have difficulty with certain tasks. Having snaps will make it easier to fasten the pad in place. 
3. Absorbency: People with disabilities may have different absorbency needs. Consider choosing a cloth pad with higher absorbency levels to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
4. Comfort: People with disabilities may have different comfort needs. Consider choosing a cloth pad with a comfortable and soft material to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
5. Special needs: People with disabilities may have special needs, such as the need for a larger or smaller pad, or a pad that is shaped differently. Consider wider or larger sizes to help them feel protected. 

By adapting reusable cloth pads to meet the needs of people with disabilities, they can be a sustainable and cost-effective menstrual product option for individuals with disabilities. Remember to choose a pad with a secure fit, use easy-to-use snaps, choose a pad with proper absorbency levels, choose a comfortable and soft material and customize cloth pads to meet the special needs of people with disabilities.

 

Understanding Menstruation for Non-Binary and Trans People

It is important to understand that menstruation is not limited to those who identify as cisgender women. Non-binary and trans people also experience menstruation and can benefit from using reusable cloth pads.

1. The Importance of Inclusive Language: Using inclusive language when discussing menstruation is important for non-binary and trans people. Referring to menstruators as "people" instead of "women" acknowledges that not all people who menstruate identify as women.
2. The Impact of Dysphoria: For many non-binary and trans people, the physical and emotional symptoms of menstruation can trigger dysphoria. Using reusable cloth pads can provide a sense of control and empowerment during this time.
3. Choosing the Right Cloth Pad: Non-binary and trans people may have different needs when it comes to choosing a cloth pad. It is important to consider factors such as absorbency, size, and material in order to find the most comfortable option.
4. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality: For non-binary and trans people, maintaining privacy and confidentiality when it comes to menstruation can be important. Reusable cloth pads can be discreetly purchased online. Having the ability to wash at home, provides more control over the process.

Reusable cloth pads can be a great option for non-binary and trans people who menstruate. They provide a sense of control and empowerment, and can also help alleviate symptoms of dysphoria. By understanding the needs and experiences of non-binary and trans people, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all menstruators.

We hope you’ve learnt more about reusable cloth pads and the benefits they have to offer. 

If you have any other questions, please contact us at info@ladycrimsonclothemporiu.ca 

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