Switching to reusable cloth pads can feel like a bigger decision than it needs to be. Once you understand the basics, sizing, absorbency, materials and how they fit into your routine, it's a genuinely simple habit to build. This guide covers everything a beginner actually needs to know before their first order.

Why people switch to cloth pads

Most people come to cloth pads for one of two reasons: they want a reusable, zero waste alternative to disposable pads, or they've found disposables uncomfortable or irritating and want a softer, breathable option instead. Both are completely valid starting points, and neither requires you to be an experienced "eco" shopper. Cloth pads are simply pads that you wash and reuse instead of throwing away.

Understanding the three sizes

Eco Period's cloth pads come in three sizes, and knowing which one suits which day makes the whole system click into place.

Liners are the smallest size, designed for light flow, spotting, or as backup alongside period underwear. Regular pads suit typical daytime flow and absorb up to 30ml. Overnight or Large pads are built for heavier flow and overnight wear, with extra length and absorbency to match.

Most beginners start with a mixed pack that includes a few of each size, so you can work out which sizes you actually reach for most before committing to a full set of one.

Bamboo charcoal or organic cotton, which topper is right for you

Our cloth pads come with a choice of topper fabric. The bamboo charcoal "stay dry" topper has been part of our range for years and is designed to pull moisture away from the surface, so it feels drier against your skin. The newer organic cotton topper is a softer, more natural option for anyone who prefers cotton directly against their skin. Neither is more absorbent than the other, the core layer underneath does the absorbing either way, the topper is about feel and preference.

If you're not sure which you'll prefer, the mixed pack variant lets you try both before deciding which topper you reach for.

How absorbency actually works

Each cloth pad has a core layer that holds the fluid, with the topper fabric sitting between that core and your skin. Absorbency is about the core, not the pattern or colour on top, so don't let the print influence your size choice, let your flow on any given day guide you instead.

A simple rule of thumb: if a pad starts to feel wet, it's time to change it, regardless of how many hours have passed. That's a far more reliable guide than a fixed schedule.

How many do you actually need?

This depends on your cycle length and how often you're able to wash. As a general starting point, most people find having around 5 pads per size comfortable for a full cycle without needing to wash mid cycle, though this varies with flow and washing frequency. Our Eco Pad Cycle Starter Pack (9 pads across all three sizes, plus a wet bag) is a genuinely good way to trial all three sizes together before deciding where you need more coverage. For a fuller rotation across an entire cycle, the Eco Pad Cycle Pack (15 pads plus a wet bag) gives more breathing room between washes.

What about washing?

Washing cloth pads is simpler than most beginners expect, a quick rinse after use, then a normal machine wash with your regular laundry. We've got a full, dedicated washing guide if you want the exact step by step, this guide is here to help you choose and understand your pads, not just care for them.

Using cloth pads alongside other reusables

Cloth pads don't have to be your only period product. A lot of our customers pair Liners with period underwear for extra confidence on heavier days, or use Overnight pads specifically for sleep while relying on period underwear during the day. There's no rule that says you need to go all in on one product type, mixing and matching based on what suits each day is completely normal.

Getting started without overthinking it

If you're ready to try cloth pads for the first time, the simplest starting point is a mixed pack or the Cycle Starter Pack, so you can find your preferred size and topper before settling into a routine. From there, it's just a matter of building the small habit of rinsing and washing, which most people find becomes second nature within the first cycle or two.