Taking care of your menstrual products is essential for your well-being and peace of mind. Therefore, the desire to clean after use prone ladies to unusual situations, like accidentally washing a period pad. So, how do you salvage such a situation?
If you accidentally put a period pad in the washing machine, start by cleaning out the gel-like (absorbent polymer) dirt from the washing machine to prevent blockage. Scrape out the dirt as much as you can.
To get rid of the remaining dirt, run a hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or bleach. That should be enough to clean out the machine thoroughly.
In this blog post, I will discuss alternatives to washing menstrual pads and the correct ways to dispose of your menstrual pad.
Is It Necessary to Wash Sanitary Pads?
No, it is not necessary to wash disposable sanitary pads. Disposable sanitary pads are designed for single use and should be disposed of in a proper manner after each use. Washing disposable pads is neither recommended nor hygienic.
On the other hand, if you are using reusable cloth pads, they do require washing. Reusable cloth pads can be washed and reused, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
After each use, rinse the cloth pad in cold water to remove excess blood, and then either hand wash it or machine wash it according to the recommended care instructions.
Proper washing and drying ensure that reusable cloth pads are clean, fresh, and ready for reuse.
What Will Happen if I Wash a Period Pad?
If a disposable pad is washed, it may break apart or disintegrate during the washing cycle.
This can result in small pieces of the pad dispersing throughout a load of laundry, potentially causing damage to the washing machine or other garments. Moreover, it may leave behind residue or absorbent material on your clothes, making them messy and difficult to clean.
On the other hand, washing a reusable cloth pad can affect its performance and longevity. Exposure to high temperatures, strong detergents, or harsh washing processes can cause the cloth pad to lose its shape, absorbency, or overall effectiveness.
Therefore, it is important to handle menstrual products properly and follow the recommended disposal or cleaning methods to maintain menstrual hygiene and prevent any unintended consequences.
3 Steps to Take When You Accidentally Wash a Pad in the Washing Machine
Discovering that you accidentally washed a pad in the washing machine can be unexpected and concerning. Here are three steps to take when faced with this situation:
1. Stop the washing machine
As soon as you realize that a pad has made its way into the washing machine, stop the cycle immediately. This will prevent further damage to the pad and minimize the chances of it sticking to other items or causing any issues with the machine.
2. Assess the situation
Carefully remove the pad from the washing machine and examine its condition. Check for any damages, such as tears or disintegration, which may affect its effectiveness.
If the pad appears intact and undamaged, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, it’s best to discard the pad and avoid using it.
3. Re-wash affected items and clean the machine
If the pad seems intact, rewash the items that came into contact with it separately. Run a cycle with cold water and detergent to ensure thorough cleaning.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to clean the washing machine afterward to eliminate any remaining residue.
Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to help remove any odors or traces of the pad.
How to Discard Menstrual Pads
Discarding menstrual pads is an important part of maintaining hygiene and managing your menstrual cycle. Here are the steps to properly discard menstrual pads:
1. Wrap it securely
After removing the used pad, fold it in half and wrap it securely in its wrapper or in toilet paper. This step helps contain any odors and prevents the pad from coming into contact with other items.
2. Dispose of in a trash bin
Place the wrapped pad in a designated trash bin with a lid. It’s important to use a bin with a secure closure to prevent any leakage or odors. Avoid flushing pads down the toilet as they can cause plumbing issues.
3. Consider discreet disposal options
If you prefer more discreet disposal, you can use scented disposal bags specifically designed for menstrual products. These bags provide an extra layer of odor control and can be easily sealed before placing them in the trash.
4. Maintain cleanliness
After disposing of the pad, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to maintain proper hygiene.
What to do with sanitary pads after use?
After using sanitary pads, wrap the used pad in its wrapper or toilet paper to contain any odors and prevent contact with other items. Then, dispose of the wrapped pad in a designated trash bin with a secure lid.
Can you wear the same pad after showering?
It is not advisable to wear the same pad after showering. Showering helps cleanse your body, and using a fresh pad after bathing ensures better hygiene and comfort. After showering, your body feels clean and refreshed, and wearing a new pad helps maintain that feeling throughout the day.Â
Conclusion
Washing a period pad, whether it is a disposable or reusable one, is not recommended. Washing a disposable pad can lead to it breaking apart, dispersing small pieces throughout the laundry, and potentially causing damage or leaving residue on clothes.
Similarly, washing a reusable cloth pad can affect its performance and longevity, diminishing its absorbency and shape.
It is crucial to handle menstrual products appropriately and follow the recommended disposal or cleaning methods to ensure menstrual hygiene and avoid any potential issues.
