How To Care For Your Cloth Pads?

(picture courtesy of lolalovesgreen.com)

This is a question I get from a lot of people who have just been introduced to the concept of using reusable cloth pads.

Luckily there are MANY options when it comes to cleaning your cloth pads.

No matter the method, there are a few things to keep in mind when washing your pads:

*DO NOT use bleach or products such as oxy clean. Bleach and products such as oxy clean may either fade color, break down natural fibers, and overall deteriorate the product over time thus shortening the life of your pad.

*DO NOT wash in temperature higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Washing with hot water will cause stains to set.

*DO NOT use heat when drying. Using heat to dry may cause your pad to warp.

*DO NOT use fabric softener. Fabric softener can leave a coating which can make the pad less absorbent.


So, what CAN you do?


*Use cold water to rinse and wash. Cold water washes away what's on the pad and does not allow stains to set.

*Use a detergent that does not cause irritation or leave residue.


What are the different ways to clean your pads? (You can use these methods separately or together)

*Rinse them in COLD water until the water runs clear and then air dry until wash day.

*Soak them in cold water until it's time to wash. Some people like to add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water. Tea tree helps to disinfect and deodorize pads. Just remember to change water daily if you plan to soak for more than 24 hours. Some people may use a bucket, pail, or a glass jar. Be sure to use a tight fitting lid.

*Wash by hand with cold water and detergent.

*Machine wash (preferably on gentle) in cold water.

*Tumble dry on no heat setting.

*Air dry your pad.

How to store your soiled pad(s) when you're out and about or just don't have time to wash right away?

Just like washing there are many options when it comes to storing your soiled pads.

*You can fold them up and place them in a wet bag or an air tight back (such as a plastic ziplock bag).

*You can rinse them, allow them to air dry, then place them in your dirty clothes hamper.

*You can allow them to soak (as mentioned above) until wash day.

What to do about stains?

As stated earlier *DO NOT USE BLEACH*

You can allow your pad to air dry in the sun. Sun light naturally bleaches fabric and will fade the stain.

You can use a mixture of baking soda and water. mix it until it becomes a paste and work into the pad. Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes, rinse, and then wash as usual.

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Any other questions you may have about caring for your pads that I may not have covered in this entry? Please email them (cherise.jay@gmail.com) or comment below. I may also feature your question on an upcoming entry.

What's New And What's To Come!

As I receive more inquiries about my products, I am provided the opportunity to know and understand what you all want. I am listening! Because of your input, I am able to make available what you all are interested in purchasing.

 

WHAT'S NEW?

 

I am now offering raw shea butter. Yes! Finally!

I am working to update my listing on the side panel so that you'll be able to purchase directly from my blog. In the meantime, if you're interested in purchasing, then please contact me via email at cherise.jay@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S TO COME?

 

More butters will be introduced soon!

Size 12" menstrual/maternity pads will be available really soon. As in "within the next 3 weeks or earlier" soon! With those pads comes new designs to add to your stash.

 

And with more sizes comes new starter package options!

 

I am also excited to tell you that I will be stocked with brand new 10" designs. You will also have your pick of bamboo OR charcoal (colored) bamboo.

I will be providing pad alterations. Need extra snaps for security? I will soon be providing these modifications for just $1 extra.

 

 

Please be sure to like http://www.facebook.com/iyajay1 for updates and facebook only offers. I am at the halfway point of 100 likes. If I reach 50 more likes then I'll host a giveaway. So if you haven't liked already, click the link and press the thumbs up button. Then invite your friends!

Want To Save Money? Buy Cloth Pads!

Well, I had to get your attention somehow!

There's an explanation (albeit odd) for this picture. You can visit http://bookshop.tumblr.com/post/47470276432 for more info.

Fortunately this is not what this entry is about.

I used to believe that reusable pads were too costly to actually make a difference financially... After sitting down and taking my time to accurately figure out the costs I realized that that couldn't be further from the truth!

According to womenshealth.gov, girls, on average, begin their very first period at the age of 12 and will continue until menopause at about the age of 50. That's about 38 years of monthly cycles.

Now, let's just say a woman experiences 12 cycles per year. Each cycle lasts 5 days. Each of those 5 days she uses 5 disposable pads.

5 pads x 5 days = 25 pads/cycle

25 pads x 12 cycles = 300 pads/year

I posted this picture because it represents roughly the amount of disposable pads bought by one woman within a year's time.

If each pack of pads costs $8 per 20 pack, then you're buying approximately 15 packs a year.

15 packs x $8 = $120

In a lifetime you'd use roughly 11,400 pads and spend a total of $4,560!

It doesn't seem like much when you're buying disposable sanitary products monthly, but the money adds up quickly. It's a lot!

The yearly total of 15 packs of pads would cover the cost of 20+ reusable pads that, if properly cared for, can last up to 10 years.

I think it's safe to say that the cost of reusable cloth pads are your best bet when it comes to saving money.

For a limited time, I am offering a discounted starter package for those who are interested in making the transition. You must like my facebook page www.facebook.com/IyaJay1 in order to take advantage. Only 1 starter package per customer. Starter package requests must be made via facebook.

Are you interested, but don't want to purchase a starter package just yet? No worries. I also sell individual pads. Please refer to the side panel of this blog to purchase.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at cherise.jay@gmail.com

New Cloth Pad and Wet Bag Designs

AVAILABLE CLOTH PAD AND WET BAG DESIGNS

 

 

 

All styles are currently available for sale. Please refer to the side panel to purchase!

PRODUCT SPECS

 

*Size: The size of each 10 inch pad is comparable to a regular disposable sanitary pad. Each pad measures 26cm x 8cm (without wings). Each inch pad measures 8" X 2.5" (without wings).*Flow: Equivalent to a regular flow absorbency pad. Equivalent to a light flow/panty liner pad.

*Secure: The wings have a pop button allowing them to be clipped around underwear for extra security.

*Composition: Pattern A1, D2, C5, A6, F7 and E9 are comprised of 4 layers, upper layer is bamboo, inner is 2 layers microfiber and the outer layer is with a waterproof PUL backing to prevent leaks. Design B3 and B5 are comprised of 4 layers, upper layer is bamboo, inner is 2 layers microfiber and the outer layer is a hidden waterproof layer backing to prevent leaks as well as a minky outer layer.

 

FEATURES

 

*100% Bamboo is all that touches your delicate skin

*Naturally deodorizing, breathable and antibacterial

*Easy to use, just clip around underwear

*Machine washable

*Highly absorbent and the outer is lined with a waterproof PUL layer to prevent leaking

 

ADDITIONAL INFO

 

*Bamboo has natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties, is breathable, and hypoallergenic. Suitable for most sensitive skin.

*Bamboo requires no fertilizers, pesticides, or chemicals to grow. Therefore safe for your skin.

My Cloth Pad Review

***WARNING***

 

<<<TMI!!!>>>

 

Ladies Only! ;)

 

 

Day 1:

 

 

My periods usually taper on and off. So when I first received my shipment of cloth pads, I didn't use them right away. Towards the end of the day, when I noticed my flow had picked up, I decided to wear it for the evening/night.

 

I must first tell you that the way the cloth pads feel against my skin as opposed to disposable pads was a world of difference. My new cloth pad was really soft and after a while it didn't feel like I was wearing a pad. Unlike disposable pads that, in my opinion, feel really abrasive at times.

 

I was also impressed with the way my cloth pad stayed in place. This part I was really worried about because it just didn't seem (to me) that a snap closure would properly stay in place. I was wrong! It fit really snug and never once moved. This is a far cry from my experience with disposable pads because after a while the adhesive stops working and you're kind of forced to change your pad, even if you didn't soil it, since it starts moving around as a result and begins to lose it's usefulness.

 

Another thing I wanted to point out is that whenever I'd wear an unsoiled disposable pad for an extended period of time, I begin to develop something similar to a diaper rash due to the materials and chemicals used to make those types of pads. In fact, it's something that's always been a personal and annoying problem of mine ever since I began using disposable pads. With using cloth pads I have not experienced those same unpleasant symptoms.

 

As far as absorbency is concerned, I was unable to come to a conclusion that evening because I think I actually got the hang of using my soft cup (lol). There was absolutely no leakage.

 

 

 

Day 2:

 

 

Upon waking up the next morning, I realized that I was in the heaviest part of my flow because my pad was soaked! Even though my pad was completely soiled there was no leakage whatsoever. I have to admit. The way that it felt against my skin convinced me that I'd need to change my clothes and bed covers. But that couldn't be further from the truth. It did not seep through the other side of my pad either let alone onto my clothes or bed.

 

When I went to the restroom I prepared to clean my pad. This part I was a bit wary of also. I just wasn't convinced that a cold rinse would clean a blood soaked pad. I was wrong yet again. I ran the pad under cold water and it cleaned it about 90%. I then hand washed it with a little soap and folded it up until I was able to get my clothes inside of the wash.

 

When I did, I simply washed it in cold water with a few dark clothes and let them air dry afterward. And it looks like new. Ready to wear once again!

 

Oh! I also decided to wear a disposable pad while I cleaned my cloth pad. The feeling was like day and night. I 100% prefer my cloth pads over my once used disposable ones. I often wonder why I let my fear of "that's nasty" to overshadow the experience I'd been missing out on.

 

I've traded in my disposable pads for reusable ones and I don't plan on looking back!

 





Welcome to Iya Jay!

Welcome to my blog/store!

I will be featuring my merchandise as well as blogposts regarding things you may want or need to know about the items posted on my here.

I am currently in the process of offering cloth sanitary pads as well as handmade body butters.

Be sure to bookmark this blog and invite your friends to visit often!