Cloth pads: How long should they last?

[swd12422]

I thought I'd be saving lots of money and reducing waste by using cloth pads. Now I'm not so sure! Well, there is less waste than I had with disposables, but I'm still tossing pads and replacing them at least once or twice a year. Is it unreasonable for me to think they should last longer than this?

I prefer to use only natural fiber, so they are unbleached hemp with snaps. The snaps on the first batch I bought tore through the fabric after a few months, so now I have to use a safety pin to keep them on. I wrote to the company, and they said it was b/c the snaps were only on one layer of fabric and now they're on both layers, so it's more secure. So I ordered more. Not a year later, those snaps are starting to break. If I could sew, or knew someone with a snap press, it wouldn't be such a big deal, but I don't. I paid for a product that shouldn't need repair anyway, and due to the nature of said product, it's not exactly returnable.

Yes, I can still use a safety pin, but honestly, it's just not that easy to put on, and I really resent having to fiddle around with that while I have cramps!

Any recommendations for more durable pads? Or post that I am being unreasonable and this is how often you all replace your cloth... Either way...

Thanks!

[swd12422]

No one has anything to say on this? Does that mean my expectations are unreasonable?

[rhiandmoi]

I don't know, I've had mine for years, but they are my backup protection and for light or lazy days. I primarily use my DivaCup.

But if there is still room on the flap for another snap, it is pretty easy to add another snap. You don't need a professional strength snap press for a light duty snap like this just a plain pair of snap pliers.

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Gripper-...d_bxgy_k_img_b

ETA: if you don't use them reversibly, you could also add a small square of reinforcement to the back of the fabric and install the snap over that. The hemp fibers I think loosen up too much to hold the snap.

[swd12422]

See, this is how non-crafty I am! I had no idea such a thing existed. Thanks!!

[SubliminalDarkness]

It'll vary based on how big of a rotation of them you have and how you wash them.... I've had mine about a year and a half now, and only the most used ones are starting to show a bit of wear. No broken snaps or anything.

It sounds like you need to buy another brand. I use ones that are handmade on Etsy and Hyenacart.

[ALittleBitCrunchy]

I've had some for 5 years and they still work, I just found a different style I liked more about 3 years ago and use them primarily. So, 3 years and 5 years for me, and they are all in fabulous shape.

I do think use varies, though. I only have periods 4-6 times a year so 5 years is only 30 periods, max, and I have enough to only use each pad once during a cycle so it's 30 uses so far. Looking at them, though, I expect to get many more years of use.

[gmvh]

Mine are cotton, with metal snaps. I've had the bulk of them for six years and have used them every twenty-eight days and they're still in great shape, minus a few stains! We had some hemp fitted diapers and they definitely wore out a lot faster than our cotton prefolds but that's been about my only personal experience with hemp. Sounds like what you've got is wearing out faster than one would expect for such a product. Can you do cotton?

[swd12422]

I'd try cotton, if it means they'll last!

To all: Feel free to spam me with recommendations if you have natural fiber pads you love! Thanks!

[Llyra]

I would expect a lifespan about equal to a cloth diaper with snaps, which to me means I'd expect them to last a long, long time-- much longer than a year, especially considering diapers are used constantly, and you only use your pads for one week out of the month, or even less. I have fitted snap diapers made of natural cotton that have lasted for almost five years of constant use, so I'd expect the same from a pad, I think.

I think you may need to look for another brand. FWIW, my pads are made by Mother of Eden, and have lasted about four years without showing too much wear. But those have are microfiber, not natural fibers, so that may be a factor.

[Meiri]

I still have some of my original ones from over 15 years ago. Most of them don't snap or anything like that though, they're rectangles that I fold to fit into my unders. I mostly use them only at home. I made my newer ones out of flannel several years ago, and they're holding up well too. I guess I haven't used the snapping ones enough to wear them out? or maybe cotton flannel is a tougher fabric than hemp?

[Blueone]

Maybe look for a different brand. I use PIMP (Party in my Pants) and they are very durable and have lasted awhile. About the only thing I noticed was that the flannel might start to pill after repeated use if I don't use a good rotation.

[Stella_luna]

I bought a big batch of Glad Rags in 1996 and every one of them is still in working order (and I use them exclusively--no Diva Cup or anything else).

http://www.gladrags.com/

[mk12]

I've been using my LunaPads for a couple years - organic cotton - with my own fleece cotton liners, and they look like they will hold up for many more years to come. I think they should last much longer than yours have been lasting.

[Chamomile Girl]

I use Glad Rags too, and I have had some of them for 17 yrs. No problems with snaps etc...

ETA: 17 yrs...man I'm old...

[rainbowmoon]

I like cotton flannel pads. I stay away from hemp in pads,diapers,etc as I find it's not as durable as cotton.

[Naturalyst]

I've not had to replace any in more than five years. I use ImseVimse - an unbleached cotton all-in-one pad.

[Meiri]

I just remembered something regarding hemp that happened to DH. At an event we were at, someone was selling hemp twine, claiming that it was very strong and nigh on unbreakable. DH picked up the ball they were using as a sample, pulled on the string with both hands, and promptly broke it. Then he did it again, to make sure it wasn't just an anomaly.

I stick with cotton.

[swd12422]

Funny, in all the "research" I did when figuring out pads for me and diapers for DS, I never once came across anything that said hemp fibers are not as strong as cotton! Only that hemp is more absorbent and has anti-microbial properties, which I like for stink control in the diapers. Maybe I'll try some cotton next!

[Dillpicklechip]

I have organic cotton Luna Pads. I've been using them for about 3 years, I always put them in the dryer, and they're still in tip-top shape.

[Rani]

I have had mine for over 8 years as well...but they are fleece. I would love to get more but I don't think the mom that used to sell them is around anymore...they have covers and then inserts with snaps....