Cloth pads

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

I have some questions for those of you who use cloth pads. Is there any odor problem?
You know what I mean- the odor of drying menstrual blood. Do you get that throughout the day when you wear cloth pads? How often do you need to change a pad? And how often/much do they leak?

The testimonials from people on this board have en so great, I'm thinking of trying some to supplement my Keeper. (I'm going to buy my Keeper today, YAY!) I'd appreciate any comments any of you have about cloth pads.

Comments

[jungle-girl.livejournal.com]

It all depends on how is your flow. I used to have really heavy 7 days long periods when I had an IUD. I always used cloth pads and never had a problem leaking or other. I usually changed in the morning and at night, sometimes one more change during the day. And I never thought it smelled, but if this is a concern I think it's easily solved by changing more often. I absolutelly love my cloth pads and everything that came along when I started using them. :)

[sweetalyssm.livejournal.com]

It's been a long time since I wore pads, but I think everybody has to deal with odor with them at some point. I read once, that reusable pads should be boiled after washing to kill any remaining odor-causing bacteria.

[cassiopia.livejournal.com]

I have never had an odor with my cloth pads. I've read that the odor you find with plastic pads comes from the lack of air flow/ventilation. Not an issue with cloth.

Depending on my flow, I change my pad in the morning, once during the day, and again at night. If me flow is light I'll change it just in the morning and at night. The only time I've leaked is on a heavy day when I've tried to skip the mid-day change or been delayed in doing it.

Also, boiling is not needed for cleaning your pads. Simply soak in cold water then throw them in the wash with your towels. Remember to change the water daily if you can't wash them right away.

[eebomb.livejournal.com]

I do notice some odor when my flow is heavy but it's not a bad odor, just a saltly earthy smell. This usually is noticable only towards the end of my period when I am changing less.
Usually once or twice a day changing depending on flow is sufficient. I usually have some leaking with heavy flow onto my undies but I don't really care as it doesn't cause any problems.

I absolutely love using cloth and I'm sure I could avoid the above mentioned situations if they bothered me.