Reusable pads and liners

Typically, pads come in a minimum of three absorbencies: 

• panty liner: low absorbency and the smallest size. Ideal to use at the start and end of your period or if you are due on and not sure when your bleed will start. Ideal for light flow
• day pads: medium absorbency and the middle size. Ideal to use for day-time when you have a medium flow 
• night time pad: high absorbency and the biggest size. Ideal to use on your heaviest days or overnight when you will be wearing the pad for longer 

You can wear a reusable period pad for up to 12 hours, but this will depend on the heaviness of your flow and to ensure the pad does not get saturated and leak.  

A reusable period pad can last for three to five years depending on their usage and how they are maintained. 

When you first get your reusable pads, it’s a good idea to give them a soak in cold water to increase their absorbency. Air dry the pads and then they are ready to use. 

Reusable pads have got wings, just like disposable pads. Instead of being sticky, they will have poppers or some kind of fastening to keep the pad attached to your underwear. Brands may vary on the size of the wings and the fastenings, but they all do the same job. Some pads also have two options for securing them so you can secure it tighter if you need to. 

Place the pad in your underwear and wrap the wings around your underwear and secure it so that it keeps it in place. 

Most pads have a pattern on them; the pattern should go face down in your pants. If the pads don’t have a patterned side, there is quite often a seam which goes around the absorbent part, which should face up. Make sure the pad lays nice and flat, then it is ready to wear. 

To change the pad, you'll just need to undo the poppers or fastening and remove it from your underwear. 

If you are changing your pad at home, you can rinse your pad straight away in a sink with cold water.  

If you are out and about, you can fold the pad up. Fold the long ends into the middle and wrap the wings around and fasten it shut so it looks a bit like an envelope. Then place it into a bag or wet bag so that it stays separate from the rest of the items in your bag. Once you return home, take it out the bag and give it a rinse with cold water. 

It is important to use cold water so that it prevents staining as hot water can set a stain. It can also damage the fibres of the pad and affect how long you can use the pad for. 

Ways to wash your reusable period pads

• washing machine: once the pads have been rinsed, you can place them straight into your washing machine with the rest of your washing. Most of the blood will have already been removed, so there is no need to do a separate wash
• hand wash: the pads can be washed in a sink with detergent if you want to keep your pads separate from the rest of your items. Just add laundry detergent to your sink and give them a good wash
• end of period wash: you can keep all your pads in a wet bag or tub and wash them all together at the end of your period in either of the ways above 
• laundry detergent: you can use your normal laundry detergent to wash your pads with your other items. Do not use fabric softener as this can affect the absorbency of the pad. If you want to use something like softener, white vinegar will do the same thing. Don’t worry, it won’t leave your items smelling of vinegar! 
• water softener: Essex is notorious for being a hard water area, so you may want to consider using a water softening tablet or soda crystals which will soften the water and allow the detergent to lather more effectively