If you’re using reusable menstrual pads, at some point you’ll probably wonder “How do I change my cloth pads when I’m not home?” We’re going to share a few easy and relatively mess free handling tips for when you’re on the go:
Invest in a good wetbag! I remember changing a cloth pad in a public restroom once and realizing I had nothing to put it in once I was done. I wound up wrapping it in a ton of paper towels and then tying it in a plastic grocery bag. Worst. Idea. Ever. I forgot the pad was in the bag and wound up accidentally throwing it away. Heartbroken, I lost my favorite cloth pad that day. Needless to say, my number one piece of advice would be to invest in a wetbag and then have it ready when it’s time to change your pad.
Try a pad with an insert. There are many sizes and shapes available for cloth pads, but when you’re changing your pad in a public restroom, a pad with an insert is actually much easier to manage (and significantly smaller). Plus, pads with inserts can be adjusted based on your flow. If you’re having a heavy day, use a thicker insert. For light days, use a thin insert. Simply swap out the insert with a new one and you’re ready to go!
Rinse your cloth pad after wear. Completely optional, but if you happen to find yourself in a bathroom with a sink, rinse your cloth pad out in the sink before popping it into your wet bag. Washing your pad out will help you feel less insecure about your pad. You can even carry a few soap bits with you and hand wash the pad (if you have time to do so). Then just let it air dry when you have a moment to do so.
Don’t worry about any smells. Possibly the biggest concern we hear is the fear used cloth pads smell. Here’s the thing – cloth pads typically do not smell (tip: don’t leave them in a wet bag or soaking bucket for too long). Your menstrual blood usually does not have a strong smell either; make sure you’re practicing good hygiene and eating clean. Often times, that nasty “period blood” smell is a combination of our body’s natural fluids interacting poorly with the chemicals found in disposables. Many women agree that once they ditched the disposables, they no longer dealt with the smell.
Do you have a tip not listed above? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion onFacebook.