Looking after your reusable cloth pads doesn't need to be complicated. Here are some common washing mistakes to avoid, so you can keep your pads clean, fresh and ready to use again.
🦇 The Crimson Bat — Uniquely Irregular
Reusable cloth pads are designed to be washed and reused time and time again. With a simple washing routine and a little care, you can help keep your pads in good condition for as long as possible.
If you're new to reusable cloth pads, you might be wondering whether you're washing them correctly. And if you've been using them for years, a few small changes to your routine could help if you're experiencing lingering smells, residue or other washing problems.
Let's look at some common cloth pad washing mistakes, and what to do instead!
🩸 1. Rinsing or Soaking Pads Before Storing Them
It's easy to assume that used cloth pads need to be rinsed or soaked straight away, but we don't recommend rinsing or soaking your used pads before storing them.
Keeping used pads dry between use and wash day helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the fabric, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and mildew.
What to do instead:
- Store used pads in a wetbag or a bucket until wash day.
- If using a bucket, don't seal it completely — your used pads need some airflow.
- When you're ready to wash, start with an initial cold rinse without detergent.
You don't need to soak your pads to keep them clean. A suitable wash routine is all part of caring for them properly.
🧺 2. Using Fabric Softener
Fabric softener might seem like a good way to keep laundry feeling soft, but we recommend avoiding it when washing reusable cloth pads.
Fabric softener can leave a coating on the fibres, which may affect how well the absorbent layers take in liquid. Residue can also contribute to washing problems over time.
What to do instead:
Use a suitable laundry detergent according to its instructions, and leave out the fabric softener.
Your pads don't need fabric softener to stay comfortable!
🦇 The Crimson Bat Tip
If your pads start feeling unusually stiff or you notice water beading on the fabric's surface, check your detergent and washing routine before assuming your pads need replacing.
🌡️ 3. Washing at Too High a Temperature
Hotter doesn't automatically mean cleaner!
For The Crimson Bat cloth pads, we recommend washing at your usual laundry temperature, up to a maximum of 40°C.
Repeated washing at higher temperatures can contribute to wear and may affect the lifespan of the fabrics and stitching.
What to do instead:
- Start with a cold rinse without detergent.
- Follow with your normal wash at up to 40°C.
- Avoid routinely using very hot washes as part of your everyday care routine.
An occasional deeper wash may be considered if you're experiencing persistent washing problems, but it shouldn't be necessary as part of your normal routine.
🧴 4. Using Too Much or Too Little Detergent
Detergent plays an important part in getting your pads clean, but using more doesn't necessarily mean getting better results.
Too much detergent can leave residue behind, while too little may not clean your laundry effectively. The right amount depends on your detergent, load size and water hardness.
What to do instead:
- Follow the dosage instructions on your detergent.
- Take your load size and water hardness into account.
- Avoid overcrowding your washing machine.
- If you notice lingering smells or residue, review your detergent dosage and washing cycle.
You don't need a special detergent just because you're washing cloth pads. A suitable laundry detergent, used correctly, is a good place to start.
🧼 5. Using Bleach or Harsh Cleaning Products
When faced with a stubborn stain or lingering smell, it can be tempting to reach for stronger cleaning products.
However, bleach and harsh treatments may damage the fabrics or affect the water-resistant layer of your pads.
What to do instead:
Stick to your usual suitable laundry detergent and a consistent washing routine. For stains, an initial cold rinse when you're ready to wash can help prevent them from setting.
Remember, a faint menstrual stain doesn't automatically mean your pad isn't clean.
🧺 6. Overloading the Washing Machine
It's tempting to squeeze everything into one load, but an overcrowded washing machine may prevent water and detergent from circulating properly.
This can affect how effectively your pads are washed and rinsed.
What to do instead:
Leave enough room for your laundry to move freely during the wash cycle. Follow your washing machine's guidance for load sizes and choose a suitable cycle for your laundry.
If your pads still smell after washing, checking whether your machine is overloaded is a useful place to start.
🌬️ 7. Putting Pads Away Before They're Completely Dry
Your pads might feel dry on the outside while the absorbent core is still holding moisture.
Storing pads before they're completely dry can encourage musty smells and may create an environment where mildew can develop.
What to do instead:
- Air dry your pads somewhere with good airflow.
- Give thicker, more absorbent pads extra time to dry.
- Check that the core is completely dry before putting pads away.
- Store clean pads in a clean, dry place.
Air drying is our preferred method. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low-heat setting if suitable for your pads.
🦇 The Crimson Bat Tip
Don't rush the drying process! The outside of a pad can feel dry before the absorbent layers are ready to be stored.
🩸 8. Assuming Stains Mean Your Pads Aren't Clean
Menstrual stains are completely normal, and some staining may remain even after a thorough wash.
It's easy to think that a pad needs another wash simply because it isn't completely stain-free, but a stain doesn't automatically mean a pad is dirty.
What to do instead:
Focus on following a suitable washing routine and allowing your pads to dry thoroughly. Use a cold rinse when you're ready to wash, and avoid bleach or harsh treatments to try to remove every last mark.
Cleanliness is about proper washing and drying, not achieving a perfectly stain-free appearance.
🧽 9. Strip Washing Too Often
Strip washing is an occasional deeper wash intended to help remove built-up residue. It isn't something you should need to do regularly.
Repeated deep washing, especially at higher temperatures, may contribute to wear over time.
What to do instead:
Before considering a strip wash, check your everyday routine:
- Are you using the correct amount of detergent?
- Are you avoiding fabric softener?
- Is your washing machine overloaded?
- Are your pads being rinsed properly?
- Are they drying completely before storage?
If you're still experiencing persistent smells or signs of residue after reviewing your routine, an occasional strip wash may be worth considering, provided it's suitable for your pads.
🖤 10. Forgetting That Each Pad Needs to Dry Completely Between Uses
Reusable cloth pads are made to be used, washed and reused, but it's important not to put a damp pad back into use.
Even if the outside feels dry, the absorbent layers may still contain moisture.
What to do instead:
Always make sure your pad is completely dry before using it again. If you're unsure, give it some extra drying time.
Having a few pads available to rotate between uses can make this easier, particularly during heavier-flow days or when the weather makes air drying slower.
🦇 A Simple Cloth Pad Washing Routine
The good news is that avoiding these common mistakes doesn't require a complicated routine.
Here's a quick reminder of our recommended approach:
- Store used pads dry in a wetbag or a bucket with airflow. Don't rinse or soak them before storage.
- Cold rinse when you're ready to wash, using no detergent for the initial rinse.
- Wash at your usual temperature, up to a maximum of 40°C, with a suitable detergent.
- Avoid fabric softener and bleach to help protect the fabrics and absorbency.
- Air dry thoroughly, making sure the absorbent core is completely dry before storing.
- Review your routine first if you experience lingering smells, residue or other washing problems.
You shouldn't need to strip wash your pads regularly if your everyday washing routine is working well.
🖤 Need More Help With Cloth Pad Care?
Everyday cloth pad care really can be straightforward. A few simple habits can help keep your pads clean, comfortable and ready to use again.
For a complete step-by-step explanation, take a look at our Cloth Pad Care Guide.
And remember, if you have a question about caring for your pads, we're always happy to help!
The Crimson Bat — Uniquely Irregular. 🖤