How Do You Take Care of Menstrual Cloths?

Proper care of menstrual cloths ensures their hygiene, longevity, and effectiveness. The key is a thorough and consistent cleaning routine.

Initial Rinse: Cold Water Soaking

The Most Important Step: Always start with a cold water rinse. Soaking in cold water first is essential for removing blood from all materials, including cloth pads.
Why Cold Water? Hot water will set blood stains, making them much more difficult to remove.
Soaking Procedure:
- Place the used menstrual cloth with the soiled side facing down in a container filled with cold water.
- Allow the cloth to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. This loosens the blood and prevents it from setting.

After the cold water soak, you can proceed with washing:

Hand Washing: Gently rub the cloth in cold or warm water with a mild detergent. Ensure all the blood is removed.
Machine Washing: You can machine wash your menstrual cloths with other laundry. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners as they can reduce the absorbency of the cloths.
Water Temperature: After the initial cold soak, you can use warm water for washing.
Optional Step: Some people like to add a small amount of vinegar or tea tree oil to the wash cycle for its disinfectant properties.

Sun Drying: The most effective method is to dry the menstrual cloths in direct sunlight. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and can help to remove any remaining stains.
Tumble Drying: Alternatively, you can tumble dry the cloths on a low heat setting. Avoid high heat as it can damage the material.
Air Drying: Air drying indoors is also an option, but it may take longer and doesn’t offer the same disinfecting benefits as sunlight.

Act Promptly: Try to rinse your menstrual cloths as soon as possible after use, especially if you're away from home.
Pre-soak On-the-Go: If you can’t rinse immediately, place used cloths in a wet bag or small container with water, until you have time to properly clean them.
Regular Washing: Wash your menstrual cloths regularly to prevent any build-up of stains or odors.
Check For Stains: Before drying, double-check that all stains have been removed. If stains persist, you can try stain removers but always test them in an inconspicuous area first.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don't use bleach or strong chemicals as these can damage the cloth and cause irritation.

Step	Description	Water Temperature	Duration
Pre-Soak	Soaking used cloths to remove blood. Facing the used side downward facilitates the soaking routine.	Cold	Minimum 30 mins
Washing	Washing cloths either by hand or machine	Cold or Warm	As needed
Drying	Drying cloths in sunlight, tumble dryer, or air dry.	N/A	As needed
Storage	Storing clean and dry cloths.	N/A	N/A

By following these steps, you can maintain your menstrual cloths for safe and effective use.