Quick Answer
Use baking soda as a pre-soak or paste to lift stains and neutralize odors from your organic cotton reusable pads. It's a gentle, eco-friendly addition to your regular wash routine.
Why Baking Soda Works for Cloth Pads
Baking soda is a mild alkali that helps break down organic residues and balance pH, making it effective at tackling the protein-based stains and odors that can build up on reusable pads. Unlike harsh chemical stain removers, it's gentle on organic cotton fibers and safe for the waterproof PUL layer found in many pads, so it won't compromise their performance over time.
However, baking soda is not a substitute for a proper wash. It works best as a pre-treatment or booster, not a standalone cleaner. Always follow up with your regular detergent wash to ensure your pads are fully clean and hygienic.
Step-by-Step Baking Soda Cleaning Process
- Rinse in Cold Water: Immediately after use, rinse the pad in cold water to remove excess blood. Avoid hot water, which can set protein stains. Checkpoint: If stains remain after rinsing, proceed to the soak step.
- Pre-Soak in Baking Soda Solution: Dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda in a basin of cold water and soak the pad for 30 minutes to several hours. This helps lift stains and neutralize odors. Checkpoint: Do not soak for more than 12 hours to prevent fiber damage.
- Make a Paste for Stubborn Stains: For set-in stains, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply directly to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing. Checkpoint: Test on a small area first if your pad has printed fabric to avoid any color change.
- Wash as Usual: Wash the pads in your machine or by hand using your regular detergent. You can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle as a booster. Checkpoint: Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the absorbent fibers and reduce performance.
- Dry Thoroughly: Air dry pads in sunlight if possible, as UV rays help bleach stains naturally. If using a dryer, use a low heat setting to protect the PUL layer. Checkpoint: Ensure pads are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Pads That Benefit from Baking Soda Care
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Black Jersey Maxi Pad - Organic Cotton Reusable Period Pad Incontinence Pad: This black jersey maxi pad features four inner layers of thick organic cotton fleece and a hidden waterproof PUL layer. The thick absorbent core benefits from baking soda's stain-lifting power, while the PUL layer stays safe with this gentle treatment.
Black Jersey Maxi Pad - Organic Cotton Reusable Period Pad Incontinence Pad
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Butterflies Slim Mega Pad - Organic Cotton Reusable Period Pad Incontinence Pad: One of the thickest pads we make, with four inner layers of organic cotton fleece and a waterproof PUL layer. Its extra thickness means more absorbent material to keep fresh, making baking soda an effective deodorizer between deep washes.
Butterflies Slim Mega Pad - Organic Cotton Reusable Period Pad Incontinence Pad