Cloth Pads, how many and cleaning routine

[Teenytoona]

Just got my PPAF last night, yay! I have some brand new cloth pads that I've just started using and am very excited about it. (my keeper is mysteriously missing).

How many cloth pads do you have? Enough to take you through an entire period, or do you wash a time or two? What's your flow like and how many (roughly) do you use per type of day?

Also what's your washing style? I've still not decided about this, so just wanted to get your feedback.

TIA!!!

[morganeldi]

Originally Posted by Teenytoona

Just got my PPAF last night, yay! I have some brand new cloth pads that I've just started using and am very excited about it. (my keeper is mysteriously missing).

How many cloth pads do you have? Enough to take you through an entire period, or do you wash a time or two? What's your flow like and how many (roughly) do you use per type of day?

Also what's your washing style? I've still not decided about this, so just wanted to get your feedback.

TIA!!!

I have 12 and that takes me through an entire cycle..I usually use only 10 but I have the extra 2 just so I never have to wash more than once. I have a light/regular flow that lasts about 4 days. I use 3-4 on days 1-3 including nights and then 1 the last 1/2 days.

Then I just throw them into a medium sized zippered wetbag (sometimes I rinse them out first if I have time) and wash them at the end of my cycle. I just do a rinse, then use the same detergent as my diapers and then dry. That's it. I wash the wetbag with them and then store them in the wetbag until the next cycle.

So simple, so comfortable and I love not having to buy stuff.

[chrissy18966]

I'm just starting out with mama cloth. I can't wait for my 1st batch that I bought from another mama to arrive any day now I was thinking of buying the Diva Cup too b/c I don't always like wearing pads. Hopefully that wont be the situation with the cloth. I'm curious how everyone does it too. I think I would like to have about 10 panty liners b/c I use them everyday (after having a baby I tend to drip pee when I stand up after going pee...ahh the joys), 3 over nights, & 10 regulars for daytime. That is what I think would be good for me. I heard we should store them in a wet pail. What do you think about really having to do that? Some of the ones I bought are light.

[oneKnight]

I have 12 total. 2 beefy overnighters for the first/heaviest days or nights, 3 regular AIO style and 3 insert style regular pads, and 4 pantyliners. I also use a MoonCup some days, so you might need a few more regular sized pads to last a whole cycle without washing.

I rinse the pad either in the sink or shower, and hang it up to dry till wash day. I do not worry about stains, but line drying actually takes care of most of them without me even doing anything. If I leave one in the car accidentally, I soak the dried on blood in cold water with a little bit of hydrogen peroxide, then rinse and wash as usual. Don't overdo the H2O2 because it's hard on the fabric, but it really breaks up dried on stuff.

I definately prefer the AIO (all in one) style for regular-weight pads. I detest folding and stuffing the inserts!

[KBinSATX]

I don't know how many I have because I just keep the 'second quality' ones for myself! LOL.
I used to just wash them with my regular clothes and that worked out fine. I've also washed them with the diapers before.
Seems like people develop their own routine. Here are the instructions I give out but they are also based on the materials I use in my pads. Perhaps the person that made your pads has her own suggestions?