How to Use Reusable Cloth Pads: A Beginner's Guide
So, You’re Curious About Cloth Pads?
Whatever brought you here — welcome. Switching to reusable cloth pads is a smart move, and once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly simple. This guide will walk you through how to use, change, and care for your pads. No shame, no weirdness — just real, comfortable, sustainable period care.
What Are Cloth Pads?
Reusable cloth pads are washable menstrual pads made from absorbent fabric. They work just like a disposable pad — only better. You wear them in your underwear to absorb menstrual flow, then wash and reuse them for years.
Millie Pads™, for example, are made with:
- A soft, comfortable top layer (against your skin)
- An absorbent core to soak up moisture quickly
- A waterproof bottom layer to protect your underwear
- They also have wings with snaps that secure them in place — no shifting, bunching, or surprise leaks.
- 👉 Curious about the fabrics we use? Explore our full Fabric Guide for a closer look at every layer.
How to Wear a Cloth Pad
How Often Should You Change It?
Cloth pads should be changed about as often as disposable ones — usually every 4 to 6 hours, or more often if you have a heavy flow. (It could be as often as every hour.)
Just like with disposables, listen to your body and check in periodically. You’ll get to know your flow better over time. Trust your body and change as needed.
How to Handle Pad Changes On the Go
Yes, you can absolutely use cloth pads while you're out and about.
Here’s how:
- Carry a Millie Pad™ wrapper to store clean and used pads discreetly.
- Pull out a fresh pad, replace your soiled pad with the fresh/clean pad in your underwear, then fold your soiled one and place it in the waterproof wrapper. The wrapper provides complete protection.
- When you get home, rinse or wash it as usual.
No mess, no smell, and no landfill guilt.
Watch this short demo on how our Millie Pad™ Wrapper works:
What Do You Do with a Used Pad?
When you’re ready to change:
-
Remove the pad.
- Rinsing immediately with cold water is optional but will help prevent stains.
- Store it in a wet bag or a small container until laundry day.
-
On Laundry Day:
- Wash on a cold, gentle cycle with phosphate-free detergent.
- Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and acidic products- they reduce absorbency.
- Tumble dry on low (dryer balls OK- but skip the dryer sheets or air dry to extend life.
- Make sure pads are completely dry before storing them.
You can go to our linked: Cleaning and Care Guide if you have questions.
Tips for First-Time Users
Get Started Comfortably:
- Try it at home first. Wear your cloth pad on a comfy day around the house to get used to the feel and flow.
- Start small. Even 2-3 pads can make a difference- you don’t need a full stash to begin.
- Track what you love. Some people prefer cotton fabric; others prefer the feel of minky fabric. You’ll find your favorites over time.
Why Cloth Pads Are Worth It
- 🌱 Zero waste: One pad can last up to 5 years or more
- 🩲 Body-safe: No PFAS, lead, bleach, perfumes, or plastic
- 💸 Cost-effective: Ditch the monthly spending on disposables
- 😌 So. Dang. Comfortable. Seriously — they feel like soft underwear and who doesn’t want to bleed on something fun and pretty? It’s your own little secret!
Ready to Make the Switch?
We’ve got your back (and your front). Millie Pads™ are handmade with high-quality materials, designed for comfort, absorbency, and leak protection — with zero shame and zero waste.
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🌿 Feeling ready to try reusable pads for yourself?
Explore our full collection of Millie Pads™, wrappers, and wet bags [RIGHT HERE].
Each product is made with care — for your body and the Earth.