(And How to Avoid Them)

Reusable pads are one of those things people either swear by or swear at, and honestly, most frustrations come from not being taught how to care for them properly. I’ve learned that reusable period products work beautifully when you treat them right and when you don’t, they can smell, stain, or lose absorbency, and suddenly you’re convinced they “don’t work.”

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make with reusable pads, and what to do instead.

1. Not Washing Before First Use

Some people use reusable pads straight out of the package, not realizing that new products often need prepping.

What to do instead:
Gently wash reusable pads before first use. This helps activate absorbency and removes any residue from manufacturing or storage. Think of it as welcoming them into your cycle properly.

2. Using Fabric Softener

Fabric softener may make clothes feel nice, but it coats fabrics and reduces absorbency which is exactly what you don’t want for period products. Plus most of them come scented and you don’t want that as it may lead to irritation. 

What to do instead:
Skip fabric softeners completely. Your pads don’t need to feel “fluffy.” They need to work.

3. Expecting Them to Work Like Disposable Pads

Reusable pads are different! and that’s not a bad thing. They may feel airier, absorb differently, or require a bit more care. Expecting them to behave exactly like disposables can lead to disappointment.

What to do instead:
Give yourself time to adjust. Learn what flow days they work best for you. Pair them with backups if needed. Period care is personal and depends on that month’s needs, not one-size-fits-all.

4. Letting Blood Dry Before Washing

Life happens. You get busy. You forget. But letting blood dry into reusable pads makes cleaning harder and can lead to lingering smells.

What to do instead:
If you can’t wash immediately, at least soak and rinse before setting them aside. Even a quick rinse helps prevent staining and odour buildup.

Reusable pads don’t need urgency, just intention.

5. Using Hot Water First

This is probably the biggest mistake and the most common. A lot of people instinctively reach for hot water to “wash away” period blood. The problem? Hot water sets blood stains into fabric, making them harder (sometimes impossible) to remove.

What to do instead:
Always rinse or soak reusable pads in cold water first, ideally for about 10 minutes after use. This helps lift the blood before it settles into the fibers.

Cold water first. Always.

6. Using Harsh or Scented Detergents

Strong detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, and heavily scented soaps may smell “clean,” but they can damage the absorbent layers of reusable pads and irritate your skin.

What to do instead:
Use a mild, preferably unscented soap or detergent. Gentle cleaning protects absorbency and keeps your pads safe for repeated use.

If it’s too harsh for your underwear, it’s too harsh for your pads.

7. Skipping the Sun

Many people air-dry reusable pads indoors without realizing they’re missing out on one of the best natural care tools available: sunlight.

What to do instead:
Sun-dry your reusable pads whenever possible. Sunlight helps:

• Kill bacteria
• Reduce odors
• Naturally brighten fabrics

It’s simple, effective, and free. (And no, sun-drying your pads is not shameful. Caring for your body never is.)

Ready to get on the reusable pad train? Purchase our reusable pads here. At Bloody Mary’s Box, menstrual comfort, confidence, and sustainability go hand in hand. 🩸✨