Here’s something that I didn’t know for a lot of years—that there are reusable options for pads, including reusable cloth pantyliners.
Reusable pantyliners are made from cloth and other natural materials. Instead of having a sticky backing, they have snaps on the wings to keep them attached to your underwear.
Check out our 10 quick facts about reusable cloth pantyliners for details about why you might consider making the switch.
Or, maybe you just want to buy some? Check out our recommendations here: Top 5 Reusable Cloth Pantyliners.
Reusable Cloth Pantyliners from GladRags
#1: They’re Great for the Environment
Pantyliners are made at least partly from non-biodegradable plastic. That stuff will still be hanging around the landfill in hundreds of years from now.
Reusable Cloth Pantyliners can be used for 5-10 years. Of course, the length of time they last depends on how much you use them, how well you care for them, and the quality of the product to start with.
#2: Save Money with Reusables
Pantyliners are not especially expensive, but if you use them every single month for years and decades, it can add up.
Although reusable cloth pantyliners cost a bit more up-front, they will save you tons of money down the road.
#3: Reduce your Exposure to Pesticides
Some brands of non-organic pantyliners contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals in them. They come from the pesticides used to grow the cotton, as well as from the manufacturing process. Bleaching in particular is quite toxic.
By making the switch to reusable pantyliners, you’re saying no to toxins. Just be sure to wash them before using them.
#4: They’re Easy to Use
Cloth pantyliners clip to your underwear with snaps. It’s that easy! Really.
#5: Not so Difficult to Care For
One reason that people don’t make the switch to reusable cloth pads is because they think they’re difficult to care for.
In reality, if you don’t care about staining, it’s kind of the easiest thing imaginable. You just take them off when soiled and throw them in with your regular laundry.
If you care about staining, you can soak them in cold water first.
Check out this article for more details: Cloth Pad Care and Cleaning.
How to Clean Cloth Menstrual Pads
#6: You can Make your Own
If you’re handy with the sewing machine, you can even make your own reusable cloth pantyliners. They’re actually quite easy to make. Just take a look over on Pinterest for patterns and fabric recommendations.
How to Make your Own Reusable Cloth Pantyliners
#7: There are Lots of Different Options
For reusable cloth pantyliners, there are lots of different design and style options. Long, short, organic, non-organic, etc.
#8: Not only for Periods
Are reusable cloth pantyliners only for periods? Not at all! People use them for a number of things including vaginal discharge, and light incontinence.
That said, if you find yourself wearing pantyliners every single day, go to your doctor. There’s probably a solution to the discharge, or incontinence problems you’re having.
#9: You’ll Feel Good Wearing Them
I always hated using disposable pads and pantyliners. It just seemed like so much plastic that was going into the landfill.
The second I switched to reusables, I felt good.
#10: You Shouldn’t Wear Them ALL the Time
Your vagina likes to breathe. This means doing things like:
- Wearing cotton underwear and loose PJ’s
- Avoiding tight clothes for long periods of time
- Not using pantyliners every single day
Even though reusable pantyliners are better for you in terms of exposure to toxic chemicals, they still aren’t great to wear every single day. They can keep moisture and bacteria next to your skin, which can lead to things like yeast infections and BV.
If you find yourself wearing them a lot, see your doctor. There’s probably a solution to your problem.
Reusable Cloth Pantyliners: Have your Say
What are your thoughts about reusable pantyliners? Leave a comment below and let us know.
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