A complete guide to washing Reusable Cloth Pads and Panty Liners

For those switching to this more eco-friendly alternative, washing reusable menstrual pads is often the biggest concern. That’s why we’ve gathered all the necessary information in one place, and with just a few simple steps, washing your reusable cloth pads and panty liners will quickly become part of your routine.

1. Before first use

Wash the reusable period pads at 95°C before the first use, without using any fabric softener. This helps ensure hygiene and enhances the fabric's absorbency.

2. Methods of handling reusable sanitary pads immediately after use

Properly handling your washable menstrual pads right after use is crucial for their long lifespan. There are different methods to help you prepare the cloth menstrual pads for washing:

The "Wet" Method – soaking in cold water

• After use, soak the cloth pads in a bucket, container, or basin with cold water, making sure the stained side of the pad is facing down. Since blood is a protein stain, it can set deeper into the fabric, when in contact with warm or hot water.
• You can rinse the used cloth pad under cold running water (until the water runs clear) before soaking them, but this is optional.
• Change the water in the bucket daily or when it becomes dirty, cloudy, or smelly. Soak the reusable feminine pads until you’re ready to wash them – whether that’s after a few hours, days, or at the end of your menstrual cycle.

The "Dry" Method – storing cloth pads dry until washing

• After use, rinse the reusable sanitary towels under cold running water (until the water runs clear), using a stain remover if needed.
• After rinsing, store the cloth pads “dry” – it’s best to air dry them on a drying rack. You can also store them in a waterproof bag, cotton pouch, or bucket. Avoid storing wet pads without airflow, as this can lead to mold or unpleasant odors (especially if multiple wet fabric pads are stored together).
• You can store the washable menstrual pads this way and leave them until the main wash, whether that’s after a few hours, days, or at the end of your cycle.

No "Pre-Wash" Method

• Of course, you can skip the rinsing step entirely and simply store the used cloth period pads unwashed until washing day. In this case, we recommend using a cold pre-wash program, followed by a higher temperature main wash cycle.
• Keep in mind that dried stains may be more difficult to remove completely. For better results, we suggest soaking the washable period pads in cold water (for about 1 hour) before washing, or simply rinsing them with cold water and wringing them out. This will help remove stains more effectively compared to washing dried reusable pads

3. Tips for effective washing

Proper care of your cloth pads not only extends their lifespan but also ensures optimal performance and maximum comfort while wearing them. Here are some key guidelines:

• All Racman reusable cloth pads and panty liners for women can be washed at temperatures up to 95°C. You can wash them along with other laundry without worrying that colored pads will stain your white laundry.
• Even the black cloth pads can be washed at temperatures up to 95°C (though you can also wash them at lower temperatures). However, we recommend washing them with dark clothing, to avoid the possibility of picking up light lint.
• Avoid using fabric softener, as it can reduce absorbency.
• We recommend washing your sanitary pads in a laundry bag. This will prevent tangling and ensure that your pads don’t get lost in the washing machine. It will also help preserve the seams, especially if your washing machine is not fully loaded.

4. How to dry reusable sanitary pads and is ironing necessary?

• After washing your menstrual cloth pads, stretch each one in all four directions before drying to help maintain their shape.
• We recommend air drying. The Racman drying strap is a practical solution, which allows you to easily link your period pads together in a chain. While it's possible to dry them in a tumble dryer, the fabric will wear out faster, shortening their lifespan.
• Ironing cloth pads isn't necessary, unless you're dealing with vaginal infections or bacteria. In such cases, we recommend ironing your cloth pads at a high temperature. Be careful not to iron over the snap buttons or the bottom (waterproof) layer. 

5. Solutions for removing stubborn stains and natural disinfection methods

If stains remain despite washing, you can try various effective methods to remove them.

If you choose the "wet" method of soaking the cloth sanitary pads before washing, you can add natural stain removers (e.g., some sea salt or baking soda) to the water for better stain removal. For additional disinfection and to prevent unpleasant odors, you can add a bit of lemon juice, white vinegar, or 2-3 drops of high-quality eucalyptus/tea tree essential oil. These ingredients have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, so we recommend this process for disinfecting washable sanitary towels when dealing with yeast infection. In these cases, we also recommend drying the pads in the sun and ironing them at a high temperature as mentioned earlier.

Warning: Acid/vinegar can damage the waterproof layer over time, so excessive use is not recommended.

You can also try removing stains with salt and sunlight! Apply some sea salt onto a wet cloth pad, leave it for a few hours, then wash it again at 95°C. The sun acts as a natural bleach, making it an effective way to bleach the fabric and kill microorganisms. Be sure to position the pad so that the top side faces the sun. Both bleaching methods are very effective for newer stains but may be less effective on older ones.

Another method for stain removal is using oxygen based bleach (sodium percarbonate). First, rinse the reusable menstrual pads under cold water (until clean). Add 1-2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate to a bucket of hot water (60°C) and soak the pads for 3-12 hours. After soaking, wash the pads at 95°C. For added cleaning power, you can add some sodium percarbonate to the washing powder compartment.

Washing nuts are another natural and eco-friendly alternative to conventional detergents. The soap from the nuts removes dirt and stains while being gentle on fabrics. The most effective washing temperature is 60°C to 95°C. We still recommend to occasionally wash your sanitary pads with washing powder or sodium percarbonate for even more effective cleaning.

6. Practical tips for using reusable menstrual pads and daily panty liners when you're away from home

Using reusable sanitary pads for women at work, school, or when traveling is not complicated! Racman bags are a great solution for storing clean and used menstrual pads when you're away from home. They are perfect for discreet changes anywhere and provide a practical solution for storage at home.

Our double-pocket wet bag is designed to store at least two cloth menstrual pads. You can store a clean pad on one side and a used one on the other.

Another practical tip: after use, you can easily fold the reusable period pad and secure it with the snap buttons on the wings, then neatly store it in the waterproof bag. This will keep it safe and compact. At home, it's best to store your washable menstrual pads and daily panty liners unfolded to maintain their original shape and functionality.

7. What about washing reusable panty liners?

Reusable daily pads, or panty liners, do not have a waterproof layer and are intended for everyday use (when you're not menstruating). The washing and drying process is the same as for reusable menstrual pads, but you skip the steps of rinsing blood and soaking in a bucket. Simply wash them in the washing machine!

With our trusted tips, you now know all the tricks and can enjoy the comfort of reusable period pads for women with peace of mind!