The Truth About Reusable Menstrual Pads: Disadvantages and Hygiene Explained

Reusable menstrual pads have gained popularity as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable pads. But are they really hygienic? What are the downsides? Let’s explore these questions, including insights from trusted sources like Wikipedia and real product test videos.

What Are the Disadvantages of Reusable Pads?

While reusable pads have many benefits, they also come with some drawbacks you should consider:

1. Initial Cost and Investment

  • Reusable pads can be more expensive upfront compared to disposables.

  • You’ll need multiple pads (6–12 typically) for a full cycle to avoid daily washing.

2. Maintenance and Washing

  • They require regular washing and care to stay clean and odor-free.

  • Washing pads properly can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when traveling or at work.

3. Drying Time

  • Pads need to dry completely before reuse to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

  • In humid climates or winter, drying can take longer.

4. Bulkiness and Comfort

  • Some reusable pads are thicker or bulkier than disposables, which may affect comfort or discretion.

  • New users might find adjusting to the feel of cloth pads challenging.

5. Staining

  • Cloth pads may develop stains over time, which can be hard to remove completely even with proper washing.

6. Limited Availability and Variety

  • Compared to disposables, reusable pads might have fewer size, absorbency, or style options available locally.

Are Reusable Period Pads Hygienic?

According to Wikipedia on Menstrual Hygiene Management:

  • Reusable menstrual pads can be hygienic when properly cared for.

  • Proper cleaning includes rinsing in cold water, washing with mild detergent, and drying in sunlight to kill bacteria.

  • Improper washing or storage can lead to bacterial growth and odor.

Important Hygiene Practices:

  • Change pads every 4–6 hours or sooner on heavy flow days.

  • Rinse used pads immediately to remove blood.

  • Wash pads separately or with gentle detergent to avoid fabric damage.

  • Sun-dry pads whenever possible; sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant.

Real Product Test Videos on YouTube

Watching product tests can help you understand how reusable pads perform in real life:

(Note: Replace the example links with actual YouTube URLs when sharing.)

Final Thoughts

Reusable menstrual pads are a sustainable and hygienic choice for many, but they require a bit more care and commitment than disposables. If you’re willing to invest time in proper washing and drying, they can be a comfortable and eco-friendly option.

Trusted Reusable Menstrual Pad Brands + Reviews

1. NYX Collection

  • Material: Organic bamboo charcoal layers for odor control and absorbency

  • Pros: Soft, breathable, highly absorbent, modern designs

  • User Review: “Very comfortable and I love how it keeps odor away even after long wear.”

  • Shop: nyxcollection.com

2. Hannahpad

  • Material: Certified organic cotton, gentle on skin

  • Pros: Durable, eco-friendly, good for sensitive skin

  • User Review: “Soft and reliable, though drying takes a bit longer.”

  • Shop: hannahpad.com

3. Rael Reusable Pads

  • Material: Organic cotton top with waterproof backing

  • Pros: Great for beginners, affordable, effective leak protection

  • User Review: “Holds up well even on heavy days, easy to wash.”

  • Shop: Amazon or rael.life

4. GladRags

  • Material: Organic cotton, customizable inserts

  • Pros: Adjustable absorbency, long-lasting

  • User Review: “Takes some time to dry but very effective.”

  • Shop: gladrags.com

5. Party In My Pants (PIMP Pads)

  • Material: Cotton flannel with waterproof layer

  • Pros: Fun prints, custom sizing, comfortable

  • User Review: “Cute and functional, no leaks overnight.”

  • Shop: partypantspads.com

Washing Care Guide for Reusable Pads

Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use

  • Rinse under cold water to remove blood. Avoid hot water as it sets stains.

Step 2: Pre-soak (Optional)

  • Soak pads in cold water with a little baking soda or white vinegar for 1–4 hours.

Step 3: Wash

  • Use a gentle detergent without fabric softener or bleach.

  • Machine wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash thoroughly.

Step 4: Dry

  • Air dry in direct sunlight if possible (sunlight disinfects and removes stains).

  • If not, tumble dry on low heat.

Extra Tips:

  • Store dry pads in a breathable bag or container.

  • Avoid scented detergents or harsh chemicals to protect fabric and skin.

  • Change pads every 4–6 hours or as needed.

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