With increasing plastic pollution and the presence of chemicals in sanitary pads,? That’s why people want to switch to reusable sanitary pads. Reusable sanitary pads reduce waste and cost per menstrual cycle. If you want to switch to sustainable, eco-friendly, and affordable period products, then continue to read; till the end, we will discuss the best reusable sanitary pads in India and how to wash and care for them.
Environmental impact of disposable sanitary pads
According to the Times of India and Down to Earth, a lot of waste is generated through sanitary pads. 12.3 billion sanitary pads weighing 1,13,000 tons of waste are generated every year.
According to the National Library of Medicine, average women use 11,400 pads in their lifetime. Disposable sanitary pads take hundreds of years to biodegrade. That is a lot of waste generated during a lifetime. Switching to sustainable menstrual products can save a lot of waste from going into landfills.
Benefits of using reusable sanitary pads
- Best reusable sanitary pads are made of cloth like cotton, hemp, or bamboo and do not contain any harmful chemicals. They are safe to use when they are used in the right way.
- Reusable sanitary pads are a one-time investment; they have higher upfront costs. Since they are reusable, they are worth the cost in the long run.
- Reusable pads are less damaging to the environment than disposable pads.
- They do not cause rashes or infections when used in the right way.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Sanitary Pads
1. Material and comfort
Organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp are the best absorbent materials for reusable sanitary pads. When buying online, look for these materials because they are safe to use.
2. Absorbency levels.
Reusable cloth pads come with different absorbency levels, usually in regular, large, or overnight pads.
3. Size
Reusable pads come in different sizes; you need to choose according to you’re needs based on flow and for day and night use.
The best reusable cotton sanitary pads in India
| No. | Brand | Material | Best Buy |
| 1 | Superbottoms | 100% cotton fabric absorbent layer | Best Buy |
| 2 | Avni | 100% organic cotton | Best Buy |
| 3 | Bumpadum | Organic cotton | Best Buy |
| 4 | Eco femme | GOTS-certified organic cotton | Best Buy |
The best reusable sanitary pads in India
1. Superbottoms
Superbottoms is the #1 sustainable reusable diaper brand for babies. Their products are eco-friendly and sustainable. They use GOTS-certified organic cotton for making diapers and cloth sanitary pads. They are one of the best reusable sanitary pads making brand in India.
Have rash-free and stress-free periods with Superbottoms. Reusable cloth pads comprise a super-dry-feeling layer on top and a 100% cotton fabric absorbent layer in between. The waterproof bottom layer is made of PUL fabric.
This cloth pad consists of four layers that absorb blood effectively for 6–8 hours. The pads have plastic buttons on the wings, which must be snapped below the pantie.
Sanitary pads can be washed and reused up to 120 times. Sanitary pads come with a waterproof bag, making them easy to use while traveling. You can choose the combos according to your needs; they have regular and overnight pads.
2. Avni
At Avni, they make sustainable menstrual care products. They use organic and non-toxic materials for making reusable sanitary pads. All their products are tested for biocompatibility, anti-microbial, and toxicity.
Avni sanitary pads come in two types: one is 100% organic cotton, and the other is a blend of synthetic and cotton fabric.
1. Lush reusable cloth sanitary pads
Top layer: 100% organic cotton.
Middle layer: multiple layers of cotton absorbent layers.
Bottom layer: a cotton layer with waterproof lamination.
Two vertical metal buttons at the wings
2. Fluff reusable cloth sanitary pads.
Top layer: uniquely engineered 100% polyester fabric.
Middle layer: polyester absorbent layers.
Bottom layer: waterproof lamination.
There are two vertical metal buttons on the wings.
3. Bumpadum
Bumpadum is a Bengaluru-based company that makes reusable cloth diapers for babies, reusable cloth pads for women, and accessories. Their mission is to promote sustainable products.
Bhoomi cloth pads are made up of organic cotton. Soft and comfortable, you can use it for up to 4 hours.
Top layer: Cotton velour fabric
Middle layer: 3–5 layers of organic cotton.
Bottom layer: waterproof laminated fabric.
4. Eco femme
Eco Femme is a women-led organization; its mission is to give life to sustainable menstrual practices. They make organic cloth sanitary pads, give menstrual health education, and run impactful social projects.
The Eco Femme pads and pantyliners are made up of GOTS-certified organic cotton. They come in different sizes.
Top Layer: Cotton fabric
Middle layer: consists of several cotton layers.
Bottom layer: laminated with PUL fabric.
They last up to 75 washes and are free from chemicals and fragrance.
5. Sirona
Sirona is an online store for women’s hygiene, menstrual products, and intimate products.
Sirona reusable sanitary pads are NITRA-tested for material safety and are breathable and absorbent for up to 6 hours. The sanitary pack comes with 3 regular pads and 1 overnight pad that can last up to 1 year.
6. Pee-safe
Pee Safe is a solution for all women’s hygiene problems. They make women’s and men’s hygiene, period care, intimate care, and many more products.
Pee-safe reusable sanitary pads are made of a soft, breathable fabric that is comfortable and safe to use. These pads are SITRA-tested for antibacterial activity and NITRA-tested for absorbency. It can last up to 60 washes.
One pack contains three regular pads and one overnight pad.
My experience with reusable cloth pads.
In the beginning, I used disposable sanitary pads, but later I faced many problems with their safety and the hassles of disposing of them. A combination of plastic and cotton is used to make disposable menstrual pads, which often contain chemicals and are not breathable
After many years of using disposables, I realized it generated a lot of waste, and it takes hundreds of years to decompose, causing threats to our ecosystem. When I realized the harmful effects of disposable pads, I switched to a menstrual cup.
However, using a menstrual cup requires a learning curve. While using a menstrual cup, it will leak if not inserted properly. I am using a menstrual cup and reusable pads to avoid stains. They are soft, comfortable, and easy to use. If you are not comfortable with the menstrual cup you can use the reusable pad. I have gathered six best reusable sanitary pads in India so u can choose any one you like and have a happy period experience.
Reusable vs. Disposable
Comparing Reusable vs. Disposable
A. Environmental impact
By using disposable sanitary pads, we are posing a threat to our nature. These pads take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Handling this sanitary waste is a difficult job for sanitation workers and makes them sick.
By switching to sustainable menstrual products, you can save waste from going to landfills. You can also use menstrual cups, menstrual disks, reusable period pads, and panties.
B. Cost-effectiveness.
You may feel that the cost is higher, but in the long run, you can save a lot of money and save the environment and your health.
C. Health considerations
According to Hindustan times Disposable sanitary pads can cause rashes, itchiness, and fungal infections.
How to clean Reusable Cloth Sanitary Pads
Washing and maintenance tips
Washing is an important aspect of sanitary pads. If you wash and dry them well under the sun, you will have a great experience with cloth pads.
How to wash a cloth pad, step by step.
- Run tap water on the pad until you see clean water coming out.
- Soak them for 10–15 minutes with mild detergent.
- Wash them with cold water.
- Dry them under the sun in a ventilated area.
Storage recommendations
Store washed cloth pads in a clean and dry area, and they are ready to use for the next cycle.
Common Concerns
Are reusable sanitary pads safe to use?
According to a research paper from the National Library of Medicine cloth sanitary pads are hygienic, safe, eco-friendly, and economical when properly washed and used.
Common misconceptions about reusable sanitary pads
- Cloth sanitary pads are unhygienic, but when used properly, they are safe to use.
- They are too expensive. In the long run, you can save a lot of money.
- Washing them is difficult. No, it is very easy to wash them.
The common concern you may face during the use of reusable sanitary pads.
If you are used to disposable sanitary pads, you might face a little challenge using reusable pads. After using them, you need to wash and dry them in the sun or in a well-ventilated area. You may feel washing them is a difficult job, but believe me, it takes little effort to save yourself from the dangerous chemicals present in disposable sanitary pads.
How do I use reusable sanitary pads while traveling?
Just wrap them up and store them in the wet bag. It will always retain its odor and stain. You can wash them when you get home.
What are the benefits of reusable sanitary pads?
- Reusable sanitary pads are cheap in the long run.
- They are eco-friendly and cause less damage when compared to the environment.
- Reusable pads do not irritate the skin, and they are soft and gentle on the skin.
- Reusable sanitary pads are a one-time investment, and they can last many washes, so there is no tension in buying them every month.
Are reusable sanitary pads better for the environment?
Yes, reusable sanitary pads are environmentally friendly because they are made of cloth and last for many washes. They are designed to be used many times, which causes less damage to the environment compared to disposable pads.
What are the reusable sanitary pads made of?
Reusable sanitary pads are made of cotton materials, and some are made of polyester. Most fabrics used depend on brands. Look for cotton fabric when considering cloth sanitary pads.
Top layer: The top layer is made of cotton or polyester material.
Middle layer: The middle layer consists of many cotton absorbent layers.
Base layer: The base layer is made up of PUL fabric and is leakproof.
The bottom line.
Before considering the best pads for periods, remember that your and the planet’s safety is important. Disposable pads are not safe for the skin or the planet; they are made of plastic and contain harmful chemicals that cause rashes and infections. Disposable pads take hundreds of years to biodegrade, which causes damage to our ecosystem.
Choosing sustainable menstrual products like menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads is safe for you and the planet.
Making a simple switch to reusable sanitary pads can make a big difference for you and the planet. It is safe for you and reduces the amount of plastic going into landfills.
Am Jeenath is an engineer in biotech with a diploma in clinical research. I am the mother of a son. And I love helping people live sustainably. I educate people on sustainable living and share sustainability tips, ideas, brands, and DIYs.