Cloth Pad FAQs
Why use cloth pads?
First, they are more comfortable than paper and plastic versions, second they reduce the amount of waste that you throw away, third they come in a variety of fun fabrics, fourth they save you money.
But how do I wash cloth pads?
After use, rinse pads in cold water until the water runs clean and then leave to soak in cold water (changing the water each day) and then throw in with the regular wash. Washing pads in a lingerie bag will reduce lint gathering on cotton velour. You can use any cycle from cold to hot, but hot water will set any stains that haven't already rinsed out. It is inadvisable to use fabric softener with these products so that absorbency is not compromised. Hang to dry, or use a regular dryer cycle. Hanging in the sun is beneficial to help remove stains and for its antibacterial action. Wringing by hand may damage the stitching and waterproof laminate. Vinegar may also damage the laminate.
How many do I need?
You are likely to need about the same number of cloth pads a day as you would use disposible ones. Consider how many days between washing, plus allow for drying time and you can calculate the number of pads that you would need. I wash every couple of days and would need a minimum of four heavy pads, six medium and four light.
But they seem so expensive!
A complete stash of cloth pads may cost you between $120 and $150. That is a lot in one go, however consider that over the course of a year you are likely to spend that much (or more) on disposible products. Cloth pads are durable and may last five years or more. I have some that are ten years old and still going strong.
If you are making your first foray into the world of cloth pads, then I would recommend buying a couple of light pads or liners first to try them out. Use them for spotting, just in case before your period starts, as pantiliners in midcycle and for the light days at the end of your period.
When you discover how much more pleasant they are, then expand your stash with one heavy, two medium and another light pad and then build up to a complete stash over time.
If buying a pad or liner for the cost of a couple of lattes and cake at the local coffee shop still seems a lot, then you might like to sew your own pads. You can repurpose items around your house to make serviceable cloth pads and the sewing is easy. Some people sew them by hand. Check out my DIY page for links to other sites for patterns and tutorials to make cloth pads.
For a very comprehensive discussion of the costs of hand made cloth pads, have a look here.
What about using cloth pads when out and about?
Slip your clean pads into a small bag - for example a zip cosmetics bag, a pencil case, or a custom made one and then stow them in your hand bag or back pack. When you change pads, wrap the soiled one up in itself. Fold the front and back in to the centre of the pad, bring the wings over the top and snap them over the top. You will have a compact little package that you can then pop into a small wet bag till you get home.
Are there other reuseable alternatives?
Menstrual cups: If cloth pads just don't do it for you, then you should check out menstrual cups. They are worn internally and catch the flow which you can then empty out.
Cloth tampons: These cannot be sold in Australia as they are not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Act for internal use. However if you would like to try them out, you can find them on Etsy or have a look at these "ribbon wipes". Email me for more details about them.
You may also like to find out about menstrual sponges. You can buy ones that are specifically intended for this purpose, or use a natural sea sponge for cosmetic purposes. Choose a denser celled sponge.
How to choose the right Noonee Wilga Cloth Pads for you.
Noonee Wilga Cloth Pads are washable and reuseable cloth pads that range from purely comfortable and practical to luxurious with wild flights of fancy. They are ideal for use during menstruation, after child-birth for the post-partum period, for mild incontinence or for mid-cycle freshness. I make these cloth pads according to your requirements, although I sometimes have items available in stock.
I plan to have a quick questionnaire available through this page to help you figure out which pads will suit you - but in the mean time, please browse the following information, then email me if you can't decide.
If you wish to skip the details - click here to go to a summary of my recommendations!
Outer fabrics
You can choose the fabrics for the upper, lower and inner layers according to your own requirements. For the upper and lower surfaces you may choose soft cotton flannelette, organic cotton, cotton velour, luxurious silk or gentle pinwale cord against your skin, or feel-dry microfleece or pseudochamois or suedecloth. You may prefer different fabrics top and bottom. I like to have a special cotton print on the bottom just for fun!
I have a wide variety of fabrics available for making up a special pad (or collection of pads) just for you or for a special gift. I love to find fun and different fabrics for top and bottom of the pads, and if I don't have a print exactly to your liking, I can happily pop into our nearby cotton print treasure trove where there are fabrics of almost any print you can imagine.
Absorbency
The inner absorbent layers of the pad can be made from 100% cotton fabrics such as cotton fleece or flannelette or a hemp/organic cotton french terry or even bamboo fleece. More layers = more absorbency.
Unless you have a particular requirement for something different, I would use an inner core of 55% hemp/45% organic cotton french terry fabric for absorbency. Hemp/organic cotton is an absorbent, durable fabric with antibacterial properties.
I recommend the following numbers of layers for various
menstrual uses:
- one layer - liners and light flow
- two layers - light to medium flow, late post-partum use
- three layers - medium to heavy flow, early post-partum use
If you wish to use these pads for mild incontinence, please select the absorbency according to your requirements.
Waterproofing
A waterproof layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate - commonly used in modern cloth nappies and for medical purposes for waterproofing), Taslon (moisture-resistant nylon and more breathable than PUL) or polyester fleece (moisture-resistant and more breathable) can be included within the pad, as the lower surface or as a separate lay-under liner.
Fastening
All Noonee Wilga Cloth Pads snap shut around your regular underwear using polyacetal resin snaps, metal snaps or buttons (your choice) unless you select a wingless style. Snug-fitting underwear is more comfortable when wearing cloth pads to help hold them against your body.
Length
Noonee Wilga Cloth Pads are available in 18cm (7"), 24cm (9"), 28cm (11") and 33 cm (13") lengths or other as requested.
Price
Pricing is based on length, type of external layers and number and type of internal layers.
Ordering
You can order a variety of different pads through the Cloth Pad page here at Noonee Wilga.
I also list instock pads and custom slots at the Cloth Pad Shop.
You can find a wide range of fabrics for making into your own custom designed pads at my Noonee Wilga FaceBook page. Check the photo albums for photographs.
To discuss special requests (I always enjoy a new challenge!) please email me.
Summary of Marnie's Recommendations
For Menstrual Use
| Liner/cup backup | Light Day | Light night/Medium Day | Medium night/ Heavy Day |
Heavy night/ Super Day |
|
| Length (cm) | 18 - 24 | 18 - 24 | 24 - 28 | 28 - 33 | 33+ |
| Length (inches) | 7" - 9.5" | 7" - 9.5" | 9.5" - 11" | 11" - 13" | 13" + |
| Absorbency (layers of hemp/org cotton) |
1 - 2 | 1 - 2 | 2 | 2 - 3 | 3 + booster |
| Waterproofing | maybe | probably not | perhaps | probably | most likely |
| Width | 6cm | 6cm | 6cm | 6-7cm | 8cm |
For Post Partum Use
| Light | Moderate | Very heavy and Heavy flow |
|
| Length (cm) | 24 | 28 - 33 | 33 or more |
| Length (inches) | 9.5" | 11" - 13" | 13" or more |
| Absorbency (layers of hemp/org cotton) |
1 - 2 | 2 - 3 | 3 plus booster |
| Waterproofing | maybe | probably | most likely |
| Width | 6 cm | 7 cm | 8 cm |
For Urinary Incontinence Use
| Mild | Moderate | Heavier | |
| Length (cm) | 18 - 24 | 24 - 28 | 28 - 33 |
| Length (inches) | 7" - 9.5" | 9.5" - 11" | 11" - 13" |
| Absorbency (layers of hemp/org cotton) |
1 - 2 | 2 | 3 plus booster |
| Waterproofing | probably | probably | most likely |
| Width | 6cm | 6cm | 7cm |
If you would like to discuss your particular situation in detail, please email me.