How to Wash and Care for Reusable Cloth Pads

How to Wash and Care for Reusable Cloth Pads

If you’ve made the switch to reusable cloth pads (or you’re thinking about it), one of the most common questions is:

How do I wash cloth pads?

The good news? It’s easier than you think — and once you get into a rhythm, it becomes second nature. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to wash and care for your Millie Pads™ to keep them soft, absorbent, and long-lasting.

Not all fabrics are the same — and the right material makes a big difference. Explore our Fabric Guide to see what sets Millie Pads™ apart.

🧼 Step 1: Wash Before First Use

Before your first period with a new Millie Pad™, give it a quick wash. This removes any factory dust and preps the fibers for better absorbency. Do not use your pads before washing them first.

💧 Step 2: Rinse After Use (Optional, but Helpful)

Right after you change your pad, you can give it a quick rinse with cold water to remove most of the blood. This is especially helpful if:

  • The pad is heavily saturated
  • You want to reduce staining
  • You’ll be storing it for a day or two before washing

Just run the pad under cold water or let it soak briefly in a small basin.

 🧊 Cold water helps prevent stains from setting.

If you rinse your pad after use, always let it air dry completely before placing it into a wet bag or into an open pail.

Avoid soaking pads in water for long periods — this can lead to bacterial growth, unpleasant odors, and make pads harder to clean.

To prevent this:

  • Do not leave pads submerged in water. If you choose to soak, change the water at least once daily.
  • Dry storage is better. After air-drying, store used pads in a wet bag or an open pail that allows airflow until wash day.

💡 Why it matters: Most bacteria thrive in moisture. Letting your pads dry out between uses keeps them fresher and makes laundry day easier.

🛁 Step 3: Pre-Wash or Soak

This step is optional but can make your main wash more effective. You can:

  • Do a short machine rinse (no detergent)
  • Or soak your used pads in cold water for a few hours

Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, or heavily acidic additives. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of baking soda to the soak for freshness.

🌼 Optional: Stain Removal Tips

If you’d like to keep your pads looking bright, here are a few natural stain-removal options:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide Spray: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water and spray directly onto the stain. Let sit for a few minutes before tossing into the wash.
  • Stain Remover Sticks or Sprays: These can also work — just make sure they’re cloth-safe and follow the instructions on the product.

Sunshine Boost: After washing, lay your pad in direct sunlight — it’s a natural, gentle way to help lift stains and brighten fabric.

Note: Some fabrics stain more than others. A light stain doesn’t mean your pad is dirty — if it’s been properly washed and dried, it’s clean and safe to reuse.

Curious which fabrics resist staining best? Check out our Fabric Guide to learn about each layer used in Millie Pads™.

🌀 Step 4: Machine Wash

When you’re ready for a full wash:

  • Machine wash cold
  • Select a gentle wash cycle
  • Wash with a phosphate-free, zero-residue detergent (one that rinses clean without leaving buildup)
    • To spot a zero-residue detergent, avoid formulas with:
      • Fabric softeners
      • Natural oils (like coconut or essential oils)
      • Perfumes or dyes
      • Optical brighteners (UV brighteners)
      • Stain guard ingredients
      • Enzymes

These additives can coat the fabric, reduce absorbency, cause buildup or odor, and shorten the lifespan of your pads.

Avoid vinegar, bleach, fabric softeners, and acidic products as they can reduce absorbency.

✅ Pads can be washed with other laundry — just avoid high-heat, rough fabrics, or anything with zippers.

🌬️ Step 5: Drying

Proper drying helps your pads stay fresh and last longer.

  • Air dry when possible (it’s gentler on the fabrics)
  • Or tumble dry on low heat
  • Dryer balls are fine — just skip the dryer sheets
  • Always ensure your pads are completely dry before storing

🧺 Step 6: Storage

Store your clean, dry Millie Pads™ in a cool, dry space — like a dedicated drawer, basket, or clean pouch — until your next period.

💡 Final Thoughts

Caring for your reusable cloth pads doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right routine, your Millie Pads™ will stay soft, absorbent, and ready for whatever your period brings.

And the best part? With every wash, you’re saving waste, money, and energy — all while honoring your body with something more comfortable and sustainable.

Ready to try your first reusable cloth pad?

Millie Pads are ready for you! SHOP MILLIE PADS NOW!

Have questions or care tips of your own?

Reach out — we love hearing from you. 💌 support@millieessentials.com

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