I read a couple of discussions on "family cloths" so I think this topic is also allowed, but please let me know or delete this if it isn't!

I'm interested cloth pads- does anyone have any recommendations on the best method for cleaning etc? I bought a couple from Etsy to try them out and the seller suggested spraying with hydrogen peroxide, but I've read SO many different methods it gets confusing. Also what is the most cost effective place to buy them? Making my own isn't really an option and at $5-10 each it seems like a big initial investment. 

Juana, this is an old thread where some of your questions came up - BB oughta really love this one, lol....Liz

 http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/4801.aspx?PageIndex=1

Hydrogen peroxide get's the blood out of the item and is used by health professionals to get blood out of their uniforms. If you are going to use bleach on them, you might want to run the rinse cycle twice to make sure you get all the bleach out.

Juana:

Also what is the most cost effective place to buy them? Making my own isn't really an option and at $5-10 each it seems like a big initial investment. 

Oldest DD bought some from Naturally Cozy - she said they were expensive, but she only bought a couple to use as patterns to make her own.  You might want to check it out. 

She has purchased several kinds - one brand has an insert that fits into the part that snaps around the crotch of panties, effectively "doubling" the coverage for heavy flow days.  She just soaks them in water, then Biz, before washing & it works fine for her.

They are pricey, but they last a long, long time.  DD says they are a lot more comfortable, too.

A long time ago Hillbilly Housewife had patterns on their website

I've used these for years. I simply soak them in cold water right after use, and then launder normally. Even if a tiny stain is still visible, big deal--who's ever going to see it? Most of mine are over 15 years old now and, aside from being a bit faded, they're perfectly usable.

http://lunapads.com/      There is also the diva cups too if you aren't that into pads.   I guess you have to break down cost per wearing over the long term.  You can use flannel diaper liners too.    I don't think they are that expensive to make but not my thing. just waiting for the whole business to be done and over with!! 

bleach and vinegar rinses would help with stains..I guess it no different then washing cloth diapers.

 Nothing wrong with cloth at least you can was it and comes out clean and they can be made I think its hillybillyhousewife.com that you can get a pattern on this and get this its made of cloth cheaper in the long run and you can throw them in the washer.

 Link is to Homemade Sanitary Pads from the Hillbilly Housewife website: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm

 

 

Martha i am waiting for it to be done and over with too! i think i have a few years ahead of me though.......drat.

When I had babies I used old washcloths for baby wipes. i rinsed in the flush of a toilet, and soaked in mild bleach solution until laundered.