In the search for less wasteful feminine hygiene solutions, many women have been turning to reusable pads made from cloth. While these have been an option for a long time, they can be intimidating and require a bit of work on your part.

This guide is designed to help you decide if reusable cloth pads are an option that might fit into your lifestyle and give you some resources to get started; great while supplies last - we update frequently!

What kinds of cloth menstrual pads are there?

Cloth menstrual pads come in all shapes and sizes: rectangles, squares, ovals (U shaped), donuts (for heavy flow days) with wings or without wings , layers or not . You can buy them ready-made or make them yourself from old cloth diapers, fabric, or even repurposed receiving blankets.

Ready-made pads can be made of cotton, flannel, bamboo, hemp, or a combination of these materials. They are usually secured to your underwear with snaps or a Velcro-type closure.

Homemade pads

There are also a number of ways to make your Reusable Sanitary Pads own cloth menstrual pads. You can use an old cloth diaper as the basis for your pad, sew them yourself from some purchased fabric, or use up some of the fabric scraps you have lying around. If you’re feeling really ambitious, there are a number of great patterns available free online (see Resources below).

What size should my cloth menstrual pad be?

There is no standard answer to this question because it depends on your needs and what kind of pad you plan on making – you can make them any size. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can make a pad which is more adjustable and fit different folded sizes (see Resources below).

What about accessories?

There are lots of ways to make your cloth menstrual pads more comfortable. Most pads include some sort of unbleached cotton flannel liner that goes next to the body which helps wick away moisture from the skin. You can buy or easily sew your own liners as well as wing liners . If you want a bit more absorbency for heavy days, try adding an layer in the center of your pad. You can also buy or make reusable, washable pads for post-menopausal women and incontinent men and women.

What about washing and drying?

The good news about cloth menstrual pads is that they are machine-washable and dryer-safe. The majority of the time, you just need to rinse them in cold water after use, then toss them in the washing machine with your other laundry. A few times a year (or more, if needed), you’ll need to do a deeper clean – just soak them in some hot water with some soap and let them air dry.