Reusable period pads or cloth pads are the longest lasting reusable option there is. I say that because they have a much simpler design than period underwear, with no elastic to wear out. This means that reusable period pads are inherently more durable and built to last than period pants.

And the older I get the more I seem to count durability when it comes to buying decisions. I sound like my mum…

Even a menstrual cup will need replacing more frequently than you think.

So how long do pads last?

I’ve had mine for 3 years now and they are still going strong. And I have spoken with some women who have been using theirs for over 5 years; even up to 10 (I heard once) and that seems perfectly feasible.

Most brands recommend up to 5 years. This is of course dependent on how big a rotative stash you have, and how you treat your pads.

So how can you keep them lasting this long?

How do you care for reusable pads?

Keeping to a simple routine is the easiest way:

• Rinse out your pad after use in warm water and squeeze it out.

• Washing pads at too hot a temperature, consistently tumble drying or washing with in laundry loads with fabric conditioner added are the things to avoid.

• A 40 degree wash cycle and air drying is all that’s needed.

Don’t dry them directly on a radiator, as it is possible for the PUL layer to melt.

I washed my pads with softener, have I ruined them?

We’ve all done this! believe me it’s easily done and pads will survive. A one off won’t ruin or damage your pads. The issues come when it’s something you do repeatedly.

This is because silicons in all conditioners bind the fibres in the internal absorbent layers and prevent them doing their job of soaking up liquids like a sponge.

If you’ve done it, don’t feel bad, but remember to avoid conditioner the next time round and then you’ll avoid any silicon build up.

How do you remove stains from pads?

There’s no harm in using the odd bit of vanish, napisan or percarbonate added to your wash occasionally. But the simplest way to remove stains or smells from pads is to make up a paste using bicarb and water and leave it to soak into to the pad for a couple of hours before going in the wash.

I’ve never needed to soak pads by fully submersing them in water or other liquids. And this really isn’t recommended nowadays. You are more likely to start getting smells if you soak pads in a bucket.

A quick hand rinse with water and then dry pailing in a wetbag or tub is sufficient.

Buy quality pads that last

Pads should do two important things:

1. absorb liquid without any leaks and

2. fasten in and out of your underwear repeatedly without snaps breaking.

Cheaper pads are way more likely to underperform in both of the above camps due to lower quality materials and poor craftsmanship/stitching.

Instead of choosing that cheap as chips multipack from Amazon or other market place websites; always shop around, have a think and do your research first.

The best thing you can do is to purchase from a small business that cares about stocking only the best quality, and brands who embody the highest ethical standards. Then all this detective work has already been done for you.

Get in touch and ask!

I’m always happy to answer questions or make a recommendation if you’re a bit stuck.

That’s exactly why I am here 🙂

Life changing

If you’re still a bit on the fence, I’m here for you. And if you would like to see some testimonials of women who I have introduced pads to for the first time, read my quick guide.

Help guides

For more straight forward practical tips on how to switch to reusables without adding to your existing workload, have a read of my further articles/blogs:

• Best pads for heavy periods

• How to wash reusable period pads or period underwear

• How to dry reusable period pads and pants

• How many reusable period pads do I need?

• How to store reusable period pads

• Easiest eco beauty swaps