Product Care Guide | Reusable Menstrual Pads
No need for magic spells under a full moon to take care of our reusable panty liners and pads. It’s much easier than you’d think! There are several techniques, and none require scrubbing!
Our product care guide outlines the steps and techniques to care for your eco-friendly, washable pads. These methods have been tested and approved by the magnificent team at Öko Creations. Our goal: make it as easy as possible for you!
Remember that there is a huge variety of pads on the market, all with different colours, shapes and fabrics. This guide is 100% safe for Öko-Pads. Using pads from other brands? No problem! It is highly likely that Öko’s suggested care methods will be suitable for other brands, but just check with them first: they’re the experts on their products!
3 Steps To Care for Reusable Pads
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the many care methods that exist for reusable pads. But never fear! Every method can be broken down into 3 basic steps:1- Store used pads
2- Stain Treatment (optional)
3- Wash day
Step 1: How to Store Used Pads
We’ve got better things to do than wash our pads, one by one, after each use, don’t we? Here are our methods for storing used pads before wash day.
The Soaking MethodThis is the preferred method for stain prevention and is designed specifically for Öko-Pads.Instructions: 1. Keep a container with cold or warm soapy water in the bathroom. |
The Rinsing MethodNo room for a bucket in your bathroom (or for 5 buckets because you’ve got a house full of menstruators)? This is the method for you!Instructions: 1. Rinse used pads in cold water to remove as much blood as possible. |
The Lazy MethodNo time to waste? Stains don’t bother you?Instructions: 1. Place used pads in a dry recipient. For example, an open container or a breathable wet bag. |
What do you do whenyou’re out of the house?It’s easy! Use a waterproof pouch, like our Duo Pocket Mini: store your used pads in it until you get home.
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Step 2: Stain Treatment (optional)
Why do a stain treatment?
- You want to prevent or reduce stains on your pads.
- Your pads seem less absorbent over time.
- Your pads have a bad odour after washing or when they’re wet.
- Your pads have started causing irritation without explanation.
Recommended Stain Treatment Products:
Besides being excellent stain fighters, these products also have bleaching, degreasing and disinfecting properties.
Öko-Capsules Specially designed for reusable pads! Pre-measured, no-fuss capsules! Available with or without fragrance, depending on your nose’s preference!
| Powdered Sodium Percarbonate An eco-friendly alternative to bleach. Comes as a powder. Measure and use! |
Choose from two approved methods:
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Step 3: Wash Day
Because there are so many different types of reusable pads on the market, we always suggest following each manufacturer’s recommendations with regards to what type of wash cycle (delicate, normal, etc.), the water temperature (cold, warm, hot) and any other directions.
As for Öko Pads, they can be added to a regular load of clothing, towels, etc., using cold or warm water. Wash them in large enough loads that will provide enough friction between items during the wash cycle to help them get clean. In other words, a small load of just pads will not be effective.
Pads that have been well rinsed or pre-soaked and wrung out (with most of the blood removed) should not stain white clothes.
Tips:- Add an extra rinse cycle if you have sensitive skin.
- Your Öko Pads will become more absorbent after a few washes.
Hang or Machine Dry!
Once again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to drying method: machine or air dry. There are also drying straps that allow you to save space by joining your pads together in a long line to save space.
For Öko Pads, you can machine or air dry them. We make a drying strap (also included with our Duo Pocket Mini) that works with Öko Pads.
Get Help From the SunDid you know that the sun is a good stain and bleach remover? Take advantage of sunny days to show off your reusables pads on the clothesline! |
Warning:- Always confirm the manufacturer’s instructions for washing each type of reusable pad.- Wash Öko Pads before using for the first time.- Do not use bleach or fabric softener. These products are skin irritants and can reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of your pads.- Do not use a detergent that contains fabric softener.- Do not wash your pads with items that have hook and loop (Velcro) closures.- Do not wash and dry Öko Pads at a high temperature, this can impact the lifespan of the inner waterproof membrane.- Do not use conventionnal stain remover (such as Oxyclean), their composition and/or method of use and/or dosage is not suitable for Öko-Pads.- Do not use Öko-Capsules or sodium percarbonate with leather, silk or wool blends.- Use soap that does not contain glycerine to avoid build up in your pads.- Hot water sets stains. Once stains are set, they will be difficult to remove. |