Soaking Method
Select a tub. Choose a large jar, container, bucket etc for your pads to be soaked in. Jars are particularly good as they have a lid and therefore won't spill. Large jars available cheaply from discount stores are a great option. You can hide it in your cupboard or under your bed if you don't want others to see it, or you can put it in a decorative cloth bag. Options when you are travelling include leak-proof plastic containers or leak-proof Ziploc style bags. Alternatively, if you are just out for the day or at work, most pads can be folded so the soiled part is in the middle. You may wish to rinse the pad in the sink, or simply place the pad in dry in a protective bag such as a Ziploc bag. You can also purchase reusable cloth "wet bags" similar to diaper bags from many cloth pad sellers. Ensure you soak the pad when you get home so as to prevent stains setting in. Soaking or rinsing soon after use is essential to prevent stains from blood, urine or discharge setting in.
Use cold water. Hot water sets in stains. When you remove your used pad, place it in the jar and fill with cold water. If the pad is heavily soiled, rinse it in the sink before putting it in the water. Optionally, you can add one of the following to the soaking water: a dash of lemon juice, a dash of white or apple cider vinegar, or 2-3 drops of lavender, tea-tree or eucalyptus oil (use good-quality essential oils, not cheap poor-quality versions). These all prevent musty bad smells, and are gentle but effective antibacterials/ antimicrobials. This is particularly important if you have a thrush (candida) infection. once you cure the infection, you must disinfect the pads by soaking as mentioned above. The sun is also very effective at killing germs- hang your pads out in the sunlight for the day if you're worried about germs. It is not recommended to use hospital grade disinfectant soaps such as Dettol as these can encourage "antibiotic resistant bacteria" to flourish.
Change the cold water if it appears dirty, soiled, begins to smell, or every couple of days. Changing the water too often can be a waste of water if you are environmentally conscious. By rinsing a heavily soiled pad before you put it in the tub, you can prevent the need to change the water before wash day.
Add the rinsed pads to the laundry on wash day (don't add the soaking water- pour that down the sink safely. Don't pour it on the garden as the water contains blood and body fluids as is therefore unsafe.) Usually, the pads can be safely added to your general laundry, and don't need to be on a separate load (that can use up extra water/ energy). Try to wash with dark colours, just in case. Washing does an excellent job of washing away stains and germs, so there is no real need to be concerned over germs going onto other clothes. If you are concerned, you can a dash of white vinegar to the Rinse compartment/ cycle of your machine- it is a natural and safe disinfectant. If there are stubborn stains on your pads, you can use anything from baking soda pastes, to sunlight, to commercial stain removal products to remove them. Dry hanging straight on the line so they'll sit nicely in your underwear and won't crinkle and be uncomfortable. If you don't want other people to see them drying, you can purchase a small clothes horse or clothes hanger and hide it in an unused corner of the house or your bedroom. You can iron pads that are completely made of natural materials such as cotton/ flannel, but never iron pads that contain synthetic (eg microfibre) or waterproofing (eg PUL) materials as they will melt. Never iron over buttons or press studs as they will melt.
Rinsing Method
Remove your used pad.
Put it in the sink and turn on the cold water.
Rinse it and wring it gently until the blood is removed or the water is running clear. You can put a little hand soap on the pad to help get the blood out.
Hang to dry or place in soaking tub.
Wipe sink area with a rag or paper towel to make sure it is clean.
Wash pads in the washing machine and dryer with your other laundry.
Shower Method
Lay down the pads on the floor of the shower with the dirty side facing up.
Allow the pads to soak up the water while you take a shower.
Wring them out when you are done with your shower.
Leave them out to dry or add to your soaking tub.
When you are ready to do your next load of laundry, toss the pads in the laundry basket and wash them with your clothes. This method is more discreet and might be preferable to those who live in dorms or share a bathroom and don't want to rinse out their pads in front of other people.
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