Your questions about washable sanitary pads

A few weeks ago, we asked you on Instagram (do come and join us there if you haven't already) whether you had any questions about washable sanitary pads. We answered them in our Stories. But we decided to bring your questions together here and answer them in a little more detail, so that newcomers can benefit too.

Your questions about washable sanitary pads

Are they difficult to clean?

Of course, using washable sanitary pads does require a little more effort than disposable ones. That said, it is not complicated — you just need to get the right routine in place. In short, a cold pre-rinse is essential before machine washing, to prevent staining your washable pads.

Find all our care advice for washable sanitary pads here.

How many pads do you need for one cycle?

This depends on your cycle, its length, and the heaviness of your flow. It also depends on how often you do your washing, bearing in mind that drying takes around 24 hours. It is therefore preferable to have enough pads to cover 48 hours, so around ten. We also recommend adding a few washable panty liners, which are very handy towards the end of your period or for everyday use.

Do they smell?

Actually, no! Generally they smell of blood, so a slightly metallic odour, and that is about it! It is possible that the smell may be slightly different due to bacteria. However, it will not smell any worse than a used disposable sanitary pad — quite the opposite! In fact, the unpleasant odours you notice with used disposable pads come from the combination of the pad's fragrance, the chemical ingredients, and the bacteria present in blood.

How long do they last?

The lifespan of a washable sanitary pad is around 5 years. Again, this depends on how frequently you use them.

Can they be used even with a "heavy flow" like at the start of a period?

Yes, there are several types of washable pads to suit all flow levels. They can therefore accompany you throughout the entirety of your menstrual cycle.

Our different types of washable sanitary pads

Mini: 21 x 8.5 cm, made of one layer of microfibre and one of bamboo
Medium: 26 x 9 cm, made of two layers of microfibre and one of bamboo
Large: 30 x 11 cm, made of two layers of microfibre and one of bamboo
Night: 34 x 10 cm, made of three layers of microfibre and one of bamboo

Do they stay in place on underwear? Do they slip?

Once the pad is in place, it does not move. However, you do need to make sure the pad is properly positioned after each visit to the toilet. Washable sanitary pads do not have an adhesive strip, so they can shift slightly when you remove your underwear. On the other hand, this has the great advantage of not damaging your underwear!

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!