Is it gross to use reusable pads? Let’s Talk Honestly
When you first hear the phrase "reusable pads", the image that comes to mind might be… well, not the most glamorous. And if you're used to the convenience of tossing a disposable pad in the trash, the idea of washing one might seem, frankly, gross.
But let’s take a step back and look at what reusable pads really are, how they work, and why thousands of people are making the switch — not despite the ick factor, but because they realized it’s not so icky after all.
🌿 What Are Reusable Pads?
Reusable menstrual pads are fabric-based, washable cloth pads designed to absorb menstrual blood just like disposables. They typically:
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Have multiple absorbent layers
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Are leak-resistant with waterproof backing
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Snap around your underwear to stay in place
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Last for 3–5 years or more with proper care
Popular brands include Nyx Collection, Lunapads, GladRags, and Hannahpad — and many people even make their own.
💭 “But Isn’t It Gross?”
This is one of the most common hesitations. And it’s totally understandable — menstrual blood is still a taboo topic in many cultures. But here’s the truth:
Blood is natural. Menstruation is not dirty.
If you’ve ever:
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Touched a tampon string
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Had a pad shift in your underwear
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Dealt with a leaky disposable…
…then you’ve already encountered the same things you’ll experience with reusable pads — just in a slightly different context.
What surprises most first-time users is how clean, comfortable, and odor-free reusable pads can be.
✅ Why People Fall in Love with Reusable Pads
1. They’re Comfortable
Cloth pads are usually made from organic cotton or bamboo — materials that breathe better and feel softer against your skin than plastic-backed disposables.
2. They Don’t Smell (Really!)
Menstrual blood only smells when it’s exposed to air and mixed with chemicals. Reusable pads tend to trap odor less than plastic-based ones.
3. They Save You Money
A set of 5–10 reusable pads may cost $30–$60 up front but can replace thousands of disposable pads over the years.
4. They’re Better for the Planet
One person can throw away 12,000 to 15,000 pads or tampons in a lifetime. Reusables help cut down dramatically on landfill waste.
🧼 How Do You Clean Them?
It’s easier than it sounds:
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Rinse with cold water to remove blood.
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Soak in water with natural detergent if desired.
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Machine wash (or hand wash) with your regular laundry.
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Air dry to extend their life.
Many people keep a small wet bag in their bathroom or purse to store used pads until wash time — no different than how you’d store cloth diapers or gym clothes.
⚖️ Who Might Not Like Reusable Pads?
Reusable pads might not be ideal if you:
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Don’t have access to a private washer/dryer
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Prefer ultra-thin products for heavy flow
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Have limited time or mobility for washing
In those cases, combining reusables with disposable or menstrual cups might be a good middle ground.
💬 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Gross — It’s Just Different
Is it gross to use reusable pads? The honest answer: Only if you’ve been taught that periods are gross.
Once you try it, you may be surprised by how normal it feels — and how empowering it is to ditch waste, save money, and take control of your period in a new way.
🛍️ Ready to give it a try? Check out breathable, organic reusable pads at NyxCollection.com — comfort and sustainability, all in one.