Frequently Asked Questions
I'm new to cloth, how do I decide what kind of pad to buy?
The general rule is to choose a pad which is a similar length and absorbancy to the disposable alternatives that you'd use. Just pick up a ruler & measure your pad in inches! It is better to round up than down - a little more length can add a bit of peace of mind!
If you dont tend to use pads normally, my popular lengths are 8" for liners and lights, 9-10" for regulars, 10" for heavies and 12" for night time pads.
How many pads do I need for a whole cycle?
This is largely dependant on whether you'd like to wash your pads once at the end of your cycle or every few days! The average amount of pads to use during a period seems to be around 25, of varying absorbancies. You could definitely reduce this by half if you're happy to wash every couple of days!
How do I clean my pads?
Recommended process:
1) Store you pads in a large wet bag or another container after use. All that matters is that the container isn't air tight!
2) When ready to wash, pop all of your pads in the washing machine. Pop them on a cold rinse cycle, or alternatively a cold fast wash. This just acts to rinse the blood out before commencing the proper wash.
3) Put in a healthy does of washing powder and put the load on a nice long 40 degree wash cycle. DO NOT use fabric conditioners as these coat the fibers and greatly reduce the absorbancy of pads.
4) Hang pads to dry - I find a sock dryer works amazingly for this!! Alternatively you can pop them on the radiator for a quicker dry! You can pop them in the tumble dryer if you wish, however this does reduce the lifespan of you pads, may cause minor shrinkage and may affect the labels on the back of the pads.
5) Once they are dry, store them in a nice dry area, ready for use during your next period!
Are cloth pads hygienic?
Modern washing machines and detergents are incredibly efficient at cleaning textiles. We think nothing to reusing knickers time after time and many people use resuable nappies, so why should cloth pads be any different? Watch my video so find out more!!
What is the lifetime of a cloth pad?
There is no reason that a cloth pad can't last many years, providing that it is looked after well. Using the tumble drier and stain removers can all contribute to a reduction in life span of pads.
If you use liners daily, they often have a shorter life span than menstrual pads as you use them that much more frequently during a cycle, but with proper care, there again is no reason they shouldn't survive for many years!
What are cloth pads made of?
My cloth pads differ between absorbancy.
Ultra slim liners and light pads contain layers of brushed cotton flannel as a core.
Regulars have brushed cotton flannel and super heavy organic bamboo fleece.
Heavies and Nights have layers ofsuper heavy organic bamboo fleece.
Pads are either backed with polar fleece or cotton corduroy with a hidden polyurethane layer.
Can you use cloth pads when out and about?
Absolutley!! Just like any other menstrual product, take plenty of fresh pads to change throughout your day, and a mini wet bag can be ideal to store clean or used pads in discretely.
Will cloth pads be absorbant enough for me?
Absolutely. Cloth pads are just as absorbant (if not more!) than their disposable counterparts. Furthermore, they are completely customisable, thus perfect for all kinds of flows. I have worked with various customers in the past who suffer from medical conditions such as Endometriosis which can result in incredibly heavy periods. There is always an adjustment I can make to suit your needs, so please get in touch if you think that I might be able to help with a completely tailor made pad.
Do cloth pads reduce menstrual cramps, length of periods, heaviness of flow etc?
The honest answer is that we just can't be sure, and actually the benefits of cloth go so far beyond these claims that it almost makes them irrelevant in my opinion.
There are lots of personal accounts from women saying that they find many of these benefits, however this is purely anecdotal evidence. I am a scientist by training and as a result I just cannot, in good conscience, get behind any of these suggestions unless there is scientific evidence to back up these claims. Unfortunatley I am not aware of any studies exploring the health benefits of cloth pads, therefore I don't make any claims.
Regardless, the other benefits of cloth are irrefutable! Not only are they better for the environment and the wallet, they also provide an exceptional security. The effect of this cannot be under estimated - it can increase confidence and allow women to shed the worry that all to often sits over them during their periods. Furthermore, picking desirable fabrics and pads you love can actually completely flip menstruation into something to be looked forward to, not dreaded.
Can I use my pads for bladder weakness?
Yes you can, in fact many people have been doing so for a while! My new, updated core fabrics are perfect for both purposes. If you have any queries regarding this then please dont hesitate to contact me.
How does a cloth pad stay in place?
Cloth pads are backed with fabric that reduces slipping via friction. This is paired with wings and snaps, as shown, which makes for a very secure pad!
Can I use cloth pads after I give birth?
Postpartum pads are a great way to increase comfort after the birth of your child. Whether you delivered vaginally or via a section you with need protection, and cloth is completely up to the job!! We offer post partum starter sets to boost your current collection of cloth pads!
Postpartum bleeding can vary dramatically from women to woman, but we generally advise a few extra 14" and 16" pads to compliment a standard collection of regular, heavy and night time pads.
What is the difference between the shapes that you offer?
This is an example of the Curvy shape. It is flared and symetrical. The standard snapped Width is approx 2.5" but 2.75" is also avaliable. This is a good all round shape, and a great place to start for new cloth users as there is even coverage on the back and front. This pad is made using the 'turned and topstitched' method making it the slightly thicker at the edges. There is also a 10" front bleeder version - if youd like to order this, please choose 10" curvy and add the front bleeder preference in the comments box.
This is an example of the overlocked pad shape. It is made using the Happy Hippos pattern and has slightly thinner edges as the pad is overlocked. The standard snapped width on this style is 2.75", and it is assymmetrical. Due to the slightly wider nature of the pad, it provides a little more protection on the gusset area of the pad.
Where did the name 'Aunt Irma's' come from?
This is a question I love answering! When I decided to venture into producing cloth menstrual pads I knew I wanted to choose a name that represented me and my sense of humour. One evening, while watching one of my favourite episodes in one of my favourite comedy programmes, I had a eureka moment. What show was it?
