Pad FAQs
How many pads will I need?
Here's a rough guide for the 'average' woman (if there is such a thing) with a five-day cycle of two heavy days, two medium days, and a light day.
- 5 Shields
- 2 Lights
- 4-6 Regulars
- 2 Super-nights
Work out the types and amounts of disposable pads you would use and what level of absorbency you need; that will help you to decide. Of course, since changing to reusable pads is still quite an investment, you might like to order a pad or two first to get an idea of how many you'll need in total.
How absorbent are they?
Our pads are of similar absorbency to disposable pads (liners, regular, super and night-time). But if you usually wait until you've bled through to the plastic layer in your disposable pads you'll need to change your cloth pads a little more often or choose a thicker pad.
Value for money?
As a rough guide, using Moon Pads costs around one-quarter that of using disposables over five years.
Can I use them right away?
No. Wash them first. We recommend washing your pads TWICE
in hot soapy water using something like washing-up liquid to remove any dressing on the fabric and to ensure the inner layers are nice and absorbent. You don't need to dry them between these first two washes.
How do I wash Moon Pads?
Cold water is the key. After using each pad put it in cold water to soak. An ice-cream container with a lid makes a good soaking bucket; if you
don't have one go and buy some ice cream, eat it, and away you go. Then when you've collected a few, toss them into a cold wash with your other laundry. Putting them into a lingerie bag helps to keep them together. Dry them on the line if possible.
Over 90% of
women find that just the cold water soak removes all stains, but depending on your body chemistry you might end up with some marks. Don't panic. Experiment with adding washing soda, lemon juice, milk,
salt
or a commercial pre-wash product to the soak water. DO NOT use chlorine bleaches.Of course, since the pad fabric is quite colourful, stains are no big deal.
How long do Moon Pads last?
Each pad has a life expectancy of at least five years; some customers report that theirs are still going strong after 10 years. Trials have shown that cloth pads can be used more than 200 times. That's a lot of disposable pads that won't be going into landfill or the ocean.
Where do they come from? Not from sweat-shops, I hope!
Moon Pads are hand-made in beautiful Tasmania, Australia. No-one sweats at all while making them (it’s quite cold here). They’re sewn with care and sent with love :) Enjoy using them and tell us what you think.
Cloth menstrual pads? Eeeeeeeeww! Aren't they unhygienic and disgusting?
Well no, they're not – although that's still a common response. When you
think about it, they're the same as what you already use except
you soak, wash and reuse them for years rather than throwing them into
landfill.
Your period is a normal function. It's only big businesses that tells us we need 'hygiene' or 'sanitary' products that come covered in plastic and are bleached super-white.
Cloth pads don't smell (commercial pads contain super-absorbent
chemicals which cause the yucky smell when they come into contact with your
period).
All that being said, if you can't cope with the idea of cloth pads that's OK. We're all different. Some women don't like any kind of pads. That's why we also sell menstrual cups as an alternative to tampons.