Cloth pads are more absorbent than disposable pads, but should still be changed regularly. Our layer of PUL will stop any leaking, but use your discretion when it comes to swapping out your pad.

Our customers have found that wearing close-fitting underwear helps keep their pads in place. We’ve also added two different snap placements on our pads so you can choose between a looser and closer fit, depending on your preference and underwear.

After using your pad, simply fold in the top and bottom ends, covering the used lyocell insert, and snap the wings closed. Your pad should now be a nice little compact square. 

If you aren’t able to wash your used pad for some time after removing it, we recommend dabbing some cold water onto any blood before folding the pad shut. This will help keep the blood from drying and prevent excessive staining. 

When you can, emerge your pad into cold water and leave it to soak (for up to 24 hours). This will minimise staining and the sooner you can do this after using your pad, the better.

Our wet bags are ideal to transport your used pads in until you can soak or wash them.

Washing 

Immediately after using your pad, we recommend rinsing it in cold water to remove as much blood as possible and to help prevent staining. You can then either fold your pad up or leave it soaking in cold water until you can wash it. 

When it comes time to wash your pads, just throw them in the washing machine with your regular laundry and wash with similar colours, using COLD water no warmer than 30 degrees celsius. Cold washes are better for the environment (and your power bill) plus they also avoid setting any blood stains and help maintain the softness and quality of the lyocell fabric we use for the inserts. 

It’s completely fine to use your normal laundry detergent, just make sure it contains less than 5% of soap. DO NOT use zeolite, bleach, perfume, or fabric softener as they will affect the absorbency and lifespan of your pads. Adding baking soda or tea tree oil to your wash are good natural options that will help with stain removal and the prevention of odours. 

Drying 

Sunlight is one of the best things to remove stains and kill bacteria, and drying your pads on a clothes horse or clothesline outside is ideal (with any stains facing the sun). However, keep in mind, prolonged time in harsh sunlight may cause your printed fabric to fade faster. 

Do not tumble dry your pads. It is too rough for the natural fibres and will eventually destroy the layer of PUL inside the pads, altering your pad’s effectiveness and absorbency. Warm air from the tumble dryer will also set unwanted stains.

How to minimise staining

Always soak your pad immediately in cold water after use, and wash the pad as soon as you can. To remove any major stains, we recommend using a natural stain remover like Gall Soap. Gall Soap removes ink, mud, blood, grease, and oil from whites, without bleeding the colour from the textile.

You could also add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your regular wash to help remove stains. White vinegar also softens fibers and cleans your washing machine from limescale deposits from hard water. Adding stain remover to your normal wash cycle every two or three months helps keep your pads fresh.

What to do about odours

Both lyocell and ZORB have odour-resisting and anti-bacterial properties - that’s why we work with them. But if you do notice any lingering odours after washing, try adding baking soda to your next wash.

Drying your pads in the open air whenever possible will also help keep them smelling fresh.

We use lyocell for the upper insert of our pads (the part that directly touches your skin and receives the most amount of blood) because it is one of the best fabrics on the market for preventing stains. However with all fabrics, your cloth pad will look used after some time, and it is completely normal for some staining to occur.

• apply heat to any aches, pains, or cramps. Here are a couple of DIY methods for making a heat pad using things you should have lying around at home. Having a hot, steamy bath will also help relieve pains.
   
• drink tea. Studies have proven drinking green tea and oolong tea in particular significantly relieves suffering caused by dysmenorrhea. Other popular options include ginger, chamomile, raspberry leaf, and peppermint tea. Fennel, ginkgo biloba, and dandelion tea all help relieve period-related pains as well. We suggest trying several different ones and finding what works for you.
   
• drink water. As with your other muscles, if you’re dehydrated, your uterus is more likely to cramp up and cramp up for longer. Caffeine, alcohol, soda, sugar, and salt can all make things worse as well, so we recommend just sticking with pure H2O.
   
• drink pineapple juice. This one was new to us, but apparently pineapples help ease muscle tension, thanks to the bromelain enzyme they contain.

• exercise. Moving your body not only helps release mood-boosting endorphins but also helps the uterus muscles loosen up. You don’t have to do intense cardio to reap the benefits of exercise either; some gentle, low-impact yoga poses will do the trick too.
   
• massage with essential oils. Many people swear by this one. You could try mixing essential oils like lavender, cinnamon, clove, rose, ylang-ylang, or peppermint into a neutral ‘carrier oil’ (coconut, avocado, almond, or extra-virgin olive oil) and rubbing a small amount into your abdomen once a day at least one week before your period begins. Another option is to add 5 - 10 drops of your preferred oil directly to your bathwater.
   
• have orgasms. Because orgasms increase blood flow to the uterus, this helps ease cramping. Plus, orgasms trigger a release of feel-good pleasure chemicals including oxytocin and dopamine. We encourage everyone to try this one, whether it’s as a couple or solo.