FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a RetroRags™ reusable cloth pad?
RetroRags™ reusable cloth menstrual pads go on top of your panties and snap around the yoke of the panty. When it's time to change your pad simply unsnap it, fold it up and put it in your travel wetbag or the container you use to store your used pads until wash time. Replace with a clean pad.
How should I clean a RetroRags™ reusable cloth pad?
RetroRags™ reusable cloth menstrual pads must be washed after each use. Most women find it best to launder daily or every other day. Some cloth pad retailers will insist that you soak your pads but we have not found that method to either decrease odor or decrease staining. What seems to work best for RetroRags™ cloth pads is to store them for a short time in a covered container or travel wet bag and to wash either daily (in ideal circumstances) or as soon as possible after use. We select fabrics that minimize the appearance of stains but if you really want pristine pads a bit of hydrogen peroxide applied on the top of the soiled pad before laundering usually removes any stains.
How often should I change a RetroRags™ reusable cloth pad?
It really depends upon your flow, but we recommend daily pads be changed every two hours (or more frequently if needed) and that overnight pads be used for no longer than eight hours.
Can people see the RetroRags™ cloth pads when I wear them?
If you wear very close-fitting clothing someone might be able to see the outline of a RetroRags™ reusable cloth pad, but they'd also be able to see the outline of a disposable pad as well in that case! RetroRags™ reusable cloth menstrual pads are quilted to make the layers thiner and our use of hemp/cotton fleece for the soaker layer rather than multiple layers of flannel makes them both trim and absorbant. Our 14" pads are thicker due to the double layer of hemp/cotton fleece and are designed for extremely heavy flow times like the postpartum period or overnight use. Wearing slightly looser clothing during the postpartum period will eliminate any concerns about people seeing your pads and will be more comfortable as well!
Will RetroRags™ reusable cloth pads leak?
RetroRags™ reusuable cloth pads are unique in their design and were designed to address this very issue! The impetus for their creation was a need for a reusable cloth pad that worked effectively for very heavy flow and overnight use. As a result they have two leak-resistant barriers. The first is a layer of polyurethane laminate fabric (PUL). This fabric is widely used in the cloth diaper industry as the leak-proof barrier in all-in-one diapers and diaper covers. The other leak-resistant layer is the fleece backing. It not only helps keep your pads from shifting in your panties, but it also provides additional protection against leakage.
Is odor a problem with RetroRags™ reusable cloth pads?
Since we recommend frequent changes most women will actually experience less odor than they might with disposable pads.
Can I use RetroRags™ reusable cloth pads when I'm away from home?
You sure can! They're designed to snap into tiny packets that are very portable. A zippered wet bag will allow you to safety store your used pads until you return home.
How many RetroRags™ reusable cloth pads will I need?
We recommend that you change your daytime pads every two hours and use your nighttime pads for no longer than eight hours. If you follow this advice you'd want to have a supply of eight daytime pads and one nighttime pad for each day of use. A supply of sixteen daytime pads and two nighttime pads would allow you to launder your pads every other day and still have ample supply to use.
Are RetroRags™ reusable cloth pad more expensive than using disposable pads?
They might seem more expensive initially but many women find that they save a great deal of money over time. In addition to not having to buy disposable pads or tampons you're also not spending money on gasoline or bus fare to go and buy the disposable pads. A two day supply of RetroRags™ reusable cloth menstrual pads (16 daytime pads and 2 nighttime pads) would cost $128. The average woman can spend as much as $84 a year in disposable menstrual products. Unlike disposable menstrual products, RetroRags™ reusable cloth menstrual pads will be used over and over again and will not need replacement for several years.
How do I know what size I should buy?
We recommend taking a look at the products you currently purchase and what level of absorbancy works best for you. Most women find our 10" pad works fine for their daytime flow. Larger women or women with very heavy flow may want to use our 12" pad for daytime use. Our 14" pad is the best choice for overnight use.
