Cleaning and Care Guide

Switching to reusable cloth pads is one of the kindest things you can do for your body and the planet. This guide walks you through exactly how to wash, dry, and care for your Millie Pads™ — so they stay soft, absorbent, and last for many years.

🧼 Step 1: Wash Before First Use

Before your first cycle with a new Millie Pad™, give it a gentle wash to remove any factory dust and activate the fibers for better absorbency.

  • Machine wash cold or warm
  • No bleach or fabric softener
  • Tumble dry low or air dry

🚫 Do not use 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 to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Dry storage is better. We recommend storing used pads in a breathable wet bag or open pail, allowing airflow so the pad can dry out naturally 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 (Optional)

To prep your pads before the main wash, you can:

  • Run a short rinse cycle in your machine (no detergent)
  • Or soak in cold water for a few hours

You can add 1 tablespoon of baking soda for freshness if desired.
Avoid bleach, acidic cleaners, or harsh chemicals — they reduce absorbency and can damage fabric.

🌼 Optional: Stain Removal Tips

Want to keep your pads looking bright? Here are a few natural tricks:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide Spray: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water. Spray directly on stains, let sit for a few minutes, then wash.
  • Stain Remover Sticks or Sprays: These can help — just make sure they’re cloth-safe.
  • ☀️Sunshine Boost: Lay your pads in direct sun after washing — it naturally lifts stains and brightens fabric.

A little staining is normal with natural fabrics. If your pad is clean and dry, it's safe to reuse — even with a spot or two.

🌀 Step 4: Machine Wash

When you’re ready for a full wash:

  • Machine wash cold
  • Select a gentle 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 (gentler on the fabrics)
  • Or tumble dry on low heat
  • Dryer balls are fine — but skip the dryer sheets
  • Always make sure pads are completely dry before storing

🧺 Step 6: Storage

Store your clean, dry Millie Pads™ in a cool, dry space:

  • A drawer
  • A designated basket
  • A clean pouch

Avoid storing them in humid or damp environments.

💧 Wrappers & Wet Bag Care

MilliePad™ Wrappers & Wet Bags:

  • Machine wash with your pads
  • No bleach, vinegar, or harsh stain removers
  • Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
  • Do not iron or dry clean

💡 Final Thoughts

Caring for your Millie Pads™ doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple routine, your pads will stay soft, absorbent, and ready for whatever your cycle brings.

And the best part? With every wash, you’re saving waste, money, and energy — all while choosing comfort and sustainability.

💡 Curious about what our pads are made of?

Each Millie Pad™ is crafted with carefully selected fabrics for comfort, performance, and sustainability. 👉 Explore our Fabrics Guide