Hello!
Well, I have a new item in my shop. Reusable, washable, eco-friendly period pads.
The average woman in Australia (I'm assuming this is also the case for most developed countries) goes through 10 000 and 12 000 disposable pads, liners and tampons in a lifetime, and I believe that doesn't take into consideration panty liners which some use every day.
I was amazed at the difference in rubbish from the toilet since we started using reusable, washable pads.
This is the blurb I have on my Etsy Shop which explains pretty much everything, if you have a question, leave me a comment here, or contact me via Etsy, Facebook, or Instagram.
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These eco-friendly sanitary pads can be used as menstrual/period pads, as extra daily protection with a cup or tampon, as you would use disposable pads, or as mild incontinence pads (the kind occasionally caused by the odd sneeze, cough or laugh).
This particular listing is for reusable, washable menstrual pads as described above (measurement/gusset width/absorbency).
Note, that at this point, I can’t guarantee that the pads I offer would be absorbent enough for a full bladder case of incontinence; however I am working on a solution for a more absorbent core – do let me know if this would be of interest to you. The more interest, the more likely it is to happen!
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Please read the sections below so you understand what you are purchasing. These items are non-returnable and non-refundable, as they are personal hygiene products. I inspect each pad after it’s made and before shipping. Should one slip by with a fault, please contact me within 2 days of receipt.
Whether you call them moon time pads, period pads, menstrual napkins, serviettes, mama cloths, cloth rags, sanitary-napkin, feminine napkin, sanitary pad, sanitary towel, personal care products or whatever combination of those words, I hope you will love my pads and that they will make that time of your cycle easier for you!
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Why did I start making washable, reusable, eco-friendly, environment friendly, sustainable, cloth pads?
It started a while back when my daughters and I were talking about how great it would be to have panty liners with wings, then a friend started talking about making her own period pads, so research ensued, and in 2019 I started making pads.
I’ve made over 100 pads from liners without waterproof layers, to big huge overnight pads for heavy flow during the night. They have ALL passed the test of time and the test of MANY washes. Of course, like any fabric, some cottons fade over time, especially if soaked in stain removers, prior to washing, but I’m seriously pleased with the way the waterproof layer is holding up, and the topper is in really good shape!
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My daughters and I calculated how many pads we saved from landfill during a year, and it was an astounding number! Now ALL those pads not going to landfill! We also calculated the savings, even for you who is buying a pad rather than making it yourself, in one year or two you will have paid off the pads since you will no longer be paying for disposable pads, and they will last up to 5 years or more if you take care of them! Beware though; buying pretty pads that truly work, might quickly become addictive – and you will want to buy some for family and friends!
I received comments that these pads are more absorbent than commercial ones and the surface is less wet as well, which in my opinion makes them better for vaginal and genital health!
I make my pads slightly differently from others you may see online. There’s no right or wrong way to make them - it’s all a question of what fabric is preferred, which are preferred for toppers, and I’ll explain my reasons below, in the description for my choice of fabrics.
• • • THE LAYERS • • •
• Suedecloth – the top layer, closest to the vulva •
The Suedecloth I use is sourced from an Australian company. Suedecloth is used as the layer closest to the body. It is a polyester fabric, which does not absorb any moisture but instead wicks moisture through the absorbent part of the pad, and away from your skin. Because it does not absorb moisture, it feels dry, keeping you drier than flannel or a cotton topper would. It is also cooler and less bulky than a micro fleece topper.
I colour code the absorbency of my pads according to the Suedecloth layer, thus avoiding having to label the pads for absorbency.
PURPLE: panty liner/light (sizes vary, usually 7”/~18cm)– one layer of absorbing bamboo fleece (see below)
GREEN: regular flow (sizes vary) – two layers of absorbing bamboo fleece
RED: heavy flow (10-12”/~25-30cm) – three layers of absorbing bamboo fleece
LONG RED: overnights (14+"/~35.5cm) – four layers of absorbing bamboo fleece – these can be made in a variety of shapes, for front or back bleeders and will be available as custom orders only until further notice.
Suedecloth is pretty much stain proof, and stubborn stains are easy to remove – I have not had a single pad stay stained, in over three years.
• Inner core of cotton – the hidden layer keeping the absorbent layer secure •
This hidden layer is plain white cotton, where possible I use unbleached calico, otherwise plain white cotton, this layer is to hold the absorbent layers together and does not come in contact with the skin.
• Bamboo fleece – the absorbent layer •
The bamboo fleece is sewn on an invisible 100% cotton layer (mentioned above), inside the pad, and not visible from the outside. Bamboo is the material I use for the absorbent layers, I source the bamboo fleece from a 100% Australian owned company.
• PUL – the waterproof breathable layer •
PUL, is the breathable water-resistant layer. PUL is PBA free is made of Polyurethane. Most PUL have no chemicals, perfumes or toxins and are safe to use. The one I use is most definitely a safe one and is manufactured in Australia by an Australian company, which uses the highest standard possible’ This PUL will outlast every other product currently in the market place. In their testing so far they are yet to destroy, or put any sign of wear of it, laundering on 300 standard cycles, at 90°C. I can tell you from my own experience that the same cannot be said from cheap PUL purchased overseas elsewhere.
• Cotton – the pretty layer, facing your underwear •
This is the pretty outer layer, some people use it as a top layer, I prefer the Suedecloth as top layer but still want my pads to spark joy!
• Pressure studs - what holds them to your knickers, panties, undies, underwear •
I use KAMsnaps® brand KAM plastic snaps. They are made from polyacetal resin, a type of plastic that is stronger and more durable than other types of plastic.
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All fabrics used in making the pads are pre-washed in hot water to clean and pre-shrink them so you don't have any unpleasant surprises. The bamboo fleece is prone to shrinking so goes through a couple of washes. I do however suggest that you give them a quick wash when you get them, and let them dry. Preferably hang dry. I enclose a "care sheet" with all purchases explaining how to deal with stains.
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How many pads do I need for my period?
It all depends how long or short your period is, how light or heavy it is. If you would like some advice, contact me, links below, and I’ll try to help you out. However I would suggest you start with a couple liners, and maybe 2-3 more absorbent pads first, to see if you like them (no matter where you purchase them from – try a few before you buy a lot!). I want you to be comfortable during your moon time!
Statistics tell us that a woman goes through about 22 pads during a cycle, but that might vary, and you can wash your pads mid-cycle when you start, or alternate with disposable pads until you have built your stash.
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If you are new to reusable pads and have more questions, please get in touch with me via Etsy, Facebook, or Instagram.
See my full range of pads here: https://etsy.me/3mPEOO6
and other items I create here: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/France
Download my How to wash your reusable pads guide!
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