Q. Which fabric choice is right for me: dyed or undyed Öko-Pads?

A. You can now choose between two types of fabric in contact with the skin:
- Undyed (natural): is the best choice if you are prone to irritation or allergies.
- Dyed (purple): is the perfect fabric to hide or reduce stains.

Q. The purple fabric on my pad is discoloured. Is this normal?

A. For our dyed Öko-Pads, some discolouration from vaginal discharge is possible. This is a normal occurrence due to the naturally acidic pH of vaginal discharge.

Q. What’s the best way to take care of my Öko-Pads?

A. There are many methods for taking care of Öko-Pads. You can consult our Product Care Guide. Many tips and techniques are described; from the management of used pads to the wash day! A good care extend the useful life of your pads while maximizing their effectiveness.

Q. What do I do if my pads are stained?

Sodium percarbonate is an excellent stain fighter. You can consult our Product Care Guide for more information. Note that heat can set stains, so avoid hot water that can clot blood on textiles and make sure there’s no blood remaining on your Öko-Pads before putting them in the dryer. You can also choose our new, dyed Öko-Pads designed to reduce the appearance of stains.

Otherwise, even if stains remain, they won’t impact the function of your pads, it’s just esthetics!

Q. Do I need to wash my Öko-Pads during my cycle?

A. If you don’t want to wash your pads during your period, just make sure you have enough pads for your entire cycle. If you don’t mind doing pad laundry during your cycle, don’t worry, Öko-Pads can go in the dryer, so they’ll be ready when you need them.

Q. How do I make sure my pad stays put?

A. The fabric backing on our pads is cotton, which, unlike PUL (sometimes used by other brands) is not slippery. If you still feel like your pad is moving, we recommend wearing snug-fitting cotton underwear with your Öko-Pads and avoiding slippery fabric like satin or nylon.

On heavy flow days, use long Öko-Pads with two sets of wings for better stability. Tip: you can even wear a second pair of undies on top of the first to keep the pad in place; this works great overnight!

Q. My Öko-Pads are leaking, what do I do?

A. Leaks are rare with Öko-Pads, but if you’re experiencing leaks, here are some troubleshooting tips:

- Prep your pads! Wash your pads before use as they become more absorbent with each wash.

- Choose the right absorbency for your flow.

- Make sure you change your pad frequently enough.

- Make sure your pad is in the right position and choose underwear that keeps your pad in place.

- Notice if your flow is more liquid than usual and if this may be a cause of leaks.

- Lastly, using our interlabial pads can be a great way to avoid leaks, especially if you have a heavy flow.

If you have leaks despite these tips, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Q. Do Öko-Pads smell?

A. Menstrual fluids do not on their own have an unpleasant odour, the odour comes from bacterial proliferation. Using Öko-Pads can help manage unpleasant odours thanks to the antibacterial properties of hemp fibre.

Q. How do I use Öko-Pads when I’m out of the house?

A. We have two types of storage pouches to carry your pads:
- Individual Storage Pouch: discreet, small pouch with a “To Wash” tag. When you tuck a used pad into a pouch, pull out the tag. That way you’ll always know which pouches contain clean pads and which ones need to be washed. You’ll love it!
- Dual Pocket Mini: Designed with two waterproof sections to hygienically store clean and used pads separately. Large enough to carry several pads at once, or even a pair of extra undies, just in case!

Bring fresh pads with you in your chosen pouch. Once you’re home, simply remove the pads and wash as usual.

Q. How many pads do I need for my cycle?

A. It can be tricky to figure out how many pads to buy when you switch to reusable.

Consider:

- Your flow: light, regular, heavy?

- How often do you change your disposable pad during the day?

- Do you want to wash your pads during your cycle?

Here’s a sample calculation:

Maxime normally uses 3 disposable pads per day and 1 overnight. The first 2 days of her period are regular, the next 2 are lighter and the last day she experiences light spotting. Maxime doesn’t want to wash her pads during her cycle.

Here’s how we would calculate her needs:

(3 pads per day x 2 days of regular flow) + (3 pads per day x 2 days of light) + ( 2 pads per day x 1 day of spotting) + 4 nights =

6 regular pads (regular flow), 6 liners (light flow), 2 mini (spotting) and 4 long (heavy flow or overnight) for a full cycle. This is just an example.

You don’t have to go 100% reusable right away. You can start with a few washable pads in your kit and add more as you go.

Q. Are Öko-Pads suitable for light bladder leaks?

A. Our regular and long pads can work well for light bladder leaks.

Q. Are Öko-Pads suitable for post-partum?

A. Long Öko-Pads are not specifically designed for post-partum use. However, several bloggers (including Maman loup's Den) have testing them following delivery and have been satisfied with their absorbency and size. Wash your pads at least 2 times in advance to make sure they are absorbent enough for your post-partum flow.

Q. I washed my Öko-Pads before use but the texture seems fluffy. Is that normal?

Update:
New Öko-Pads design: Öko-Pads are now made with cotton fabric against the skin, so no more worrying about the texture of hemp fleece!

A. If you have old-style Öko-Pads with hemp-fleece on top: the texture of Öko-Pads’ hemp fleece can be a bit “fluffy” after the first few washes. This is totally normal. Washing and drying the hemp fleece opens the textile fibres and increases absorbency. As a natural fibre, it is subject to variation from one batch to another. If, after several washes, the texture hasn’t improved and it bothers you, contact us.

Q. What is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of my Öko-Pads when they are no longer usable?

A. After many years of loyal service, it’s possible your Öko-Pads are at the end of their useful life.

Reusing and upcycling is the most eco-friendly solution: many clients get quite creative about reusing Öko-Pads that are past their prime. Old pads can be used over and over to remove nail polish, or as a little cleaning cloth for nooks and crannies (taking advantage of hemp’s super absorbency). If you sew, you can use our pretty prints in your next project! (And share it with us, we want to see it!)

If none of these options work for you, here’s how to dispose of your Öko-Pads:

Our pads are composed of:
- Hemp and organic cotton fleece
- Organic cotton with a waterproof polyurethane backing
- Brass snaps
- Organic cotton label
- Polyester thread

The only components that aren’t natural and compostable are the waterproof backing, the polyester thread, and the snaps (which are brass and can be recycled at metal recycling centres).

If you want to compost the remainder:

Rip the seams of the Öko Pads, remove thread and dispose. Remove the hemp top layer and cut into pieces to incorporate into your compost. For the backed cotton, it would be theoretically possible to bury it and let the cotton break down, leaving just the polyurethane layer to throw out. However, this layer will likely be degraded and difficult to pick out and throw away. The polyurethane layer and the polyester threads make up just 5% of an Öko-Pad.

Q. How do I store my Öko-Capsules?

A. Once you’ve opened your pouch, transfer the capsules to watertight container. As with all cleaning products, store in a cool, dry place, ideally out of direct light and especially out of the reach of children and pets.

Important: capsules activate immediately upon contact with water and start to release oxygen. Therefore, they must be stored in a dry place. This is also why you should not cover any container in which you are pre-soaking items using Öko-Capsules.

Q. How do you use Öko-Capsules?

A. We suggest two methods for stain-fighting and whitening treatments. Find instructions in the second step of our Product care guide.

Q. Can Öko-Capsules get rid of old, set-in stains on my pads?

A. This stain treatment is meant to prevent and reduce stains. Set-in stains can be difficult to remove, especially if the items have been machine dried (the heat cooks stainsi not the textile fibre). However, we have noticed a reduction in set-in stains after several treatments, with stains becoming lighter. Results will vary depening on the type of stain.

Q. Where are Öko-Capsules made?

A. Öko-Capsules are proudly made in Québec!

Q. What is the difference between treating a garment with sodium percarbonate as a bulk powder versus using Öko-Capsules?

A. Both methods are effective and approved by Öko.

Why choose Öko-Capsules:
- Less handling, ready to use, no powder to measure
- Compostable packaging
- Available in two versions: unscented and Neroli (orange tree blossom)

Q. Is the inner lining of the bags safe?

A. Yes! We use food-grade polyurethane.

Q. How long can I keep bread in a bread storage bag?

A. The bread will stay fresh at least 5 days (if there’s any left by then).

Q. Can I freeze bread in the bread storage bags?

A. Although our bags are not designed for this purpose, you can use them in the freezer. Because the bags are not completely airtight, we do not recommend freezing foods for longer than 1-2 weeks.

Q. How long does the product last?

A. Once dissolved in water, the product lasts as long as your standard cleaning product. Still, we suggest using it within 6 months to preserve the natural fragrances.

If the product is still in its original bag, it can last for several years if the package is stored in a dry place.

Q. How much water do you need?

A. One tablet of cleaning product can be dissolved in 750 ml of water.

One tablet of hand soap can be dissolved in 500 ml of water.

Q. How am I supposed to use these tablets correctly?

A. Start by closing your spray nozzle (set it to OFF).
Place a tablet in a bottle of water (see the amount required on your product packaging).
Wait for the tablet to dissolve completely.
When ready to use the product, open the spray head (ON). Each time you clean, shake the bottle lightly to ensure that the concentrate is evenly distributed throughout the cleaner.

Finished your first tablet? Congratulations! You've saved a plastic bottle. Now, remember to rinse the bottle before adding a second tablet..

Q. Do I need to use warm or cold water?

A. Both work very well. The warmer the water, the faster the tablet will dissolve.

Q. Does the bottle need to be completely empty before adding a second tablet?

A. In order to guarantee a perfect concentration of the product, we recommend emptying the bottle before you add a new tablet.

Q. Do I have to shake the bottle to dissolve the tablet?

A. Normally, the tablet dissolves within a few seconds. If, however, the tablet is not completely dissolved or the product does not seem to be completely mixed, you can shake the bottle slightly. Make sure the spray bottle is turned off before shaking.

Q. Can I use any bottle I have lying around at home?

A. Certainly! The process is the same as if you were using our bottles.

Q. Do your products wash as well as the more toxic cleaning brands?

A. Ultimately, yes! However, we use natural products in our formulation, unlike most cleaning brands. Since there is no alcohol in our tablets, the water can sometimes take longer to evaporate. Therefore, we suggest that you wash your mirrors and windows with a microfiber towel and wipe them immediately with a dry cloth. One of our formulation processes polishes the cleaning area for a shiny finish.

Q. What ingredients do you use in your products?

A. Transparency is at the heart of our business. The list of ingredients can be found in every product description.

Q. Do you test your products on animals?

A.Of course not! Our products are vegan. In fact, we are Leaping Bunny approved.

Q. Why don’t you use essential oils in your products?

A. Some essential oils can be harmful to pregnant women or more vulnerable persons. This is why we prefer to use natural fragrances.

Q. Where are your products made?

A. We make our products in Quebec City, Canada.

For more informations, you can consult FAQ'S Kali Deodorant.

Q. What is considered an imperfect product?

A. Sometimes a product does not meet our quality standards. Products can be classified as imperfect because of a small defect such as:

- Stitching that has been repaired.

- A small stain.

- A small irregularity in shape or dimensions.

- Other small defects that don’t impact function.

In all of these cases, it’s just a matter of looks!

Q. Why can’t I add an imperfect product to my cart?

A. Imperfect products are only available as they are created during production. We can’t predict if and when we will have imperfect stock in our inventory. Checking our site regularly is the best way to find imperfect products. We update our inventory every week.

Q. I just placed an order, but I’d like to add something. Is this possible?

A. If your order has not been processed yet, you can still add items! Here’s how:

- Make sure your order has not been processed yet: send us an email or reply directly to your order confirmation email.

- If your order isn’t processed yet, here’s what to do:

Make another order with the items you want to add.

Use code AJOUT2020 (to remove the shipping fees since the items will be sent together).

Note in the comments that this order is to be combined with your previous order (include your order number starting with W). For example: “Please add to order W1234.”

Q. How long will it take to receive my order?

A. We know you’re excited to get your order! When your order is shipped, you will receive an email from our shipping partner, Parcel'z, with your tracking number. From the moment you place your order, you can calculate:

- Order processing at our workshop: 2 to 6 business days.

- Delivery time: this will depend on the destination. A package sent to Montréal arrives in 1 business day, but a package sent to Vancouver can take up to 6 business days.

If you haven’t received your order within a reasonable time, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Q. Can I use a coupon code on an order I’ve already placed?

A. Unfortunately not. As stated in our terms of sale, promotional codes are non-retroactive. Never miss a promo code by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter!

You can always return your order (unused products in their original packaging). If you wish to do so, contact us with your order number and a photo of your return. We will give you a reference number to include with your package. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.

Q. Can I pick up my order at the workshop?

A. New: It is now possible to pick up your order at our Boisbriand workshop during the service opening hours, from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3pm. Select the option ''Pick up at the workshop'' when you place your order. An email with all the details will be sent to you once your order is ready to be picked up.

Q. What fabrics are used to make Öko Creations products and why are they “green”?

A. The choice of our textiles is the fruit of research and experimentation. We search for textiles that have minimal impact on our planet and health, are of great quality, and, of course, please our customers! Therefore, we are constantly at the forefront of what supplies are available on the market.

Our research has brought us to the following textiles: hemp, organic cotton and recycled polyester. These are natural or minimally polluting fibres.

The choice of hemp is described in detail in the question below. We would like to add that since hemp cultivation is suitable to Canadian climates, we find it critical to promote its use.

We also use certified organic cotton, knowing that:

- Traditional cotton represents just 2.4% of cultivated lands, but 25% of the insecticides used worldwide.

- Traditional cotton cultivation causes the intoxication of 1 million people and the death of 22 000 people each year (mostly workers).

- Traditional cotton is the 3rd largest consumer of irrigated water in the world after rice and wheat, before fruits and vegetables, in a time of water scarcity. Organic cotton requires much less water than traditional cotton, although it remains more demanding than hemp.

- Child labour in the cultivation of traditional cotton is common.

- Multiple chemical treatments for preparing and finishing are used on traditional cotton fibres.

Sources:

Équiterre; Guide du vêtement responsable, 2009 / Environmental assesment of textiles, danish ministery, 2007 / Goldminc, Myriam et Aubert, Claude; Vêtement, la fibre écologique, Terre Vivante, 2001 / Cotton and the environment, organic trade association / Protégez-vous en partenariat avec ethiquette.ca; Guide acheter vert, 2008.

Q. Why is hemp ecological?

A. Hemp is cited everywhere as being the most “green” fibre there is. Why?

Naturally low polluting

Hemp constitutes one of the least polluting fibres in existence. The hemp plant requires no fertilizer or other treatments to grow. In fact, it grows faster than weeds, covering the ground in about 8 days and choking out weeds without the need for herbicides. Futhermore, hemp is seldom attacked by insects.

Soil regeneration

Hemp roots go deep into the ground, draining, aerating and regenerating the soil. By leaving the plant in place after a harvest, hemp will feed the ground by decomposing and returning a strong proportion of nutritive elements to the earth.

Durability

Hemp fibre is the most resistant in the vegetable world. Considered a first necessity good alongside such items as bread, in the 18th century, hemp was used for such things as ship sails, ropes, fishing nets, clothing and stockings. Textile hemp is extremely easy to wash and is not damaged by high temperatures.

Local Farming

Hemp adapts itself to all types of soil and almost all climates. Contrary to cotton and bamboo, it grows well in Québec and in the rest of Canada. Only legally farmable since 1998 in Canada, we are presently witnessing a renaissance of its farming and the emergence of a market for hemp products, notably food (hemp seeds and oil), cosmetic (hemp oil) and construction (hempcrete) products. In the field of textiles, small initiatives are taking place now to make Canada-grown hemp a possibility in the near future.

Versatility

Few products are as versatile as hemp! It can feed us, clothe us, house us… and it can even be transformed into paper, fabric, flour, construction materials, car components and soaps, and all this without dangerous chemicals!

Excellent yield

Hemp produces a much higher quantity of fibre per hectare than any other type of plant. For example, we can obtain 250% more hemp than cotton on a given surface, and 1.5 times more hemp than flax. On top of this, hemp farming gives 4 times more paper than trees.

Other qualities of hemp

- Very absorbent and hypoallergenic

- Blocks ultraviolet rays

- Has bactericidal and fungicidal properties

- Mixed with cotton, hemp becomes soft and silky

- Fibre can be transformed without chemical agents, by mechanical techniques and by retting (soaking of fibre in water)

Sources:

Le chanvre canadien, Agriculture et Agro-alimentaire Canada, 2011 / Habillez-moi de chanvre, Conseil national de recherches Canada, 2004 / Équiterre; Guide du vêtement responsable, 2009 / Goldminc, M et Aubert, C; Vêtement, la fibre écologique, Terre Vivante, 2001.

Q. Are Öko creations products certified organic or fair trade?

A. At the moment, completed Öko Creations products are not certified organic. However, our textiles are certified organic. These textiles are mainly certified by the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

Our products are also not certified Fair Trade, but they are all made in Canada and the well-being of our employees is very important to us. They are well paid and work in flexible and comfortable conditions. Our offices are spacious and filled with light. The atmosphere is warm.

Although not certified Fair Trade, our suppliers visit the textile manufacturing sites to ensure that working conditions are fair. The fact that the textiles are organic, and therefore do not contain harmful chemical products, is without a doubt beneficial to workers’ health!