How to Tell When Your Reusable Pad is No Longer Usable9 August 2024 | Admin There's no doubt that reusable pads are one of the most economical forms of period protection. Switching to reusable period products is a bit of a no brainer if you're looking for a cost saving, comfortable alternative to plastic filled disposable pads. In addition to that, they're SUPER long lasting. Jo, our Customer Services Manager very proudly displays her 9 year old used reusable cloth pads (below) when we go to exhibitions, to show just how high quality and durable they are plus super easy to wash! 
However, even the best things come to an end. Recognising when your reusable period pad is no longer up to the task is crucial for maintaining personal hygiene and comfort. Let’s explore the telltale signs that it’s time to retire your trusted pad. "So glad I made the switch! The company is well organised, so ordering & delivery were straight forward. The products ate all great quality and lovely designs too. I was a bit nervous of making the switch from disposable to reusable sanitary products but both the pads and the pants have worked out really well. They are all very comfortable and made of soft fabrics which are both absorbable and soft on the skin. Easy to wash and dry and feel natural under my normal clothes." Louise Trustpilot Signs Your Reusable Pad is No Longer Usable1. Less AbsorbentOne of the first signs that your reusable pad might need replacing is a noticeable decrease in its absorbency. This can happen gradually over time due to the fibres breaking down after multiple washes. However if you consistently wash your pads with fabric softener, this can also impact the absorbency over time. Initially, you might find that you need to change your pad more frequently during your cycle. If your trusty reusable menstrual pads have started to leak or the pad feels saturated much quicker than it used to, it’s likely that the absorbent layers are no longer functioning effectively. Alternatively if your pads have a waterproof lining, this lining could have started to fail (usually as a result of heat through tumble drying or being placed on a radiator to dry. This not only compromises your comfort but can also lead to potential 'oops' moments. Definitely to be avoided, especially if you're sitting on someone's nice new cream sofa.... "Continues to do the job - I only bought a few more because I managed to pop the PU liner through over-zealous rinsing out, otherwise I think the rest of my set are at least 5 years old now and still going strong." Trustpilot Product Review of Bamboo Day Pads 2. Persistent OdoursA well-maintained reusable pad shouldn't be smelly if it has been washed properly. If you notice persistent odours even after a good wash in your washing machine, this could be a sign that bacteria have embedded themselves deep within the fabric, which can occur if pads are not cleaned or dried properly. Persistent bad smells are a clear indicator that it's time to replace your pad, as this can affect the pH balance of your intimate areas, potentially leading to discomfort or infections. For top tips on proper care of pants and pads, read our Cheeky washing and care guide. Remember the most important tip for washing reusable menstrual products is to wash in cold water first. Washing your pads in hot water will set any bloodstains! 3. Visible Signs of WearPhysical wear and tear are inevitable. Inspect your pads regularly for any signs of deterioration. Look out for thinning fabric, tears, or stitches coming loose. The snaps or fasteners used to secure the pad in place can also become less effective over time, which could lead to the pad shifting uncomfortably during use. These signs of wear can compromise the pad’s functionality and your comfort, signaling that it’s time for a replacement. "Fantastic company with great eco-friendly, effective and comfy products I love all the options Cheeky Wipes provides to go eco-friendly. I started with period pants for my daughter and was so impressed with them that I got some for myself and never looked back. I now have a mix of pants and pads (alongside a menstrual cup) that I'm so happy with and it gives me the flexibility to manage my periods as I wish to. I'm tempted to go down the wipes route as a toilet paper alternative - not quite there yet but getting closer! Cheeky Wipes do great email communications as well - you get weekly Tuesday deals and lots of really interesting facts and info on the subjects that most people shy away from. Thank you to the team at Cheeky Wipes - keep doing what you're doing! X" Katherine Trustpilot What Do I Do With Cloth Pads I Can't Use Anymore?RepurposeJust because a pad is no longer suitable for its original purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be given a new life. Consider repurposing your old cloth pads for household cleaning tasks. They can be cut up and used as cleaning rags for dusting or wiping up spills. We have found that the large bamboo night pads for heavy flow make fantastic car cleaning mitts! CompostIf your pads are made from 100% natural materials like cotton or bamboo, they can be composted. First, remove any non-biodegradable components such as snaps or PUL backing. Cut the fabric into smaller pieces to speed up the composting process. This is a wonderful way to return the natural fibers back to the earth. RecycleSome areas provide textile recycling facilities that accept worn-out cloth pads, however it is difficult to recycle blended fibres such as polycotton. Bamboo or cotton and microfibre which are the key components of cheeky pads can be recycled however once the PUL backing is removed. This option helps ensure that the materials are handled sustainably, keeping them out of landfills and potentially repurposing the fibres into new products. "Extremely comfortable and easy to use period pants and reusable pads. I’ve been trying to reduce my plastic use, but have had difficulties with menstrual cups in the past, so I generally rely on pads. I love the designs on these and how soft they are, and once you get into a routine of soaking them after use and washing them, they’re really not too difficult to use. I now have enough to go through a whole period without using disposable pads, but even if you start off with just a few, you’re still reducing your plastic waste, so I’d highly recommend trying them out. There’s also a lot of information on their website, so it’s a good resource too" Katherine June 23 Knowing when to retire your reusable pads and what to do with them afterwards not only helps you maintain personal health and hygiene but also contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. By looking out for these signs and knowing your options for disposing of worn-out pads, you can ditch disposable menstrual products and instead support environmental sustainability with easier periods. We hope you've found this helpful, but if you've got any further questions at all about reusable pads, please do drop us a line. The team all use the products themselves and love to chat pee, poo and periods all day long! We've also got some further reading that you may be interested in: About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period panties, reusable sanitary pads and reusable incontinence pants. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings! | 
