Using Poppy Pads
Poppy Pads have an all-in-one design just like disposables. Place the pad inside your underwear (label side down) and snap the wings around your knickers. There are 2 snap fasteners to choose from to allow for different sized underwear.
Soak
Simply soak your pads in cold water for at least a couple of hours then rinse and squeeze out excess water prior to washing them (most of the content is thus removed). Don’t use hot water as hot tends to set stains. A bonus is you’ll have some great plant food and your plants will thrive on the added nutrients!
Wash
Your pads can be hand washed or machine washed along with your other laundry. A cold wash is good for energy efficiency but, the pads are fine to be washed in warm water up to 60 degrees. Don’t use any fabric softeners as these coat the fabrics and make them less absorbent.
Dry
Pads can be tumble or line dried. Line dried is preferable, sunshine is a natural sanitizer. The absorbent core of the pads is very porous so has good drying abilities and will dry well on the line.
Sanitising your pads
Regular washing keeps your pads sanitary and hygienic. As long as you have soaked, rinsed and squeezed pads before washing to remove most of the contents, the machine will do the rest. However, if you regularly hand wash or cold wash we suggest machine washing on a hot (60 degree) wash once in while to refresh your pads and to ensure no build -ups. Sunshine is a natural sanitizer too but if liked, you could add e.g. tea tree oil, white vinegar, commercial pre-soak solutions, a mild disinfectant etc to your soak water for extra surety. Don’t use any bleaching agents as these will reduce the life of your pads.
About Poppy Pads
Fabrics used in the manufacture of Poppy Pads have been pre-washed to increase their softness and efficiency, and to allow for natural shrinkage and colour fastness. If your pads are organic cotton they will need washing before using them. The fabric has a rice water starch which has enabled weavers to span the looms - this will quickly wash out. The hemp/cotton used for the absorbent core becomes more absorbent still over time and with use tending to’ wear-in rather than wear-out’.
When out and about /avoiding staining
As your pads are cloth they do have the potential to stain. However, you can minimise this by not letting the pads dry out. To store a wet pad fold the ends of the pad in over the wet area. Bring the wings up over that and snap them over the fold. This will help keep your pad moist. Store in a leakproof bag (until you get home and can put your pads to soak). For those days when your pads have unavoidably dried out or if you can see an area that looks as if it might stain you could apply e.g. some stain removing soap, salt etc. and give a little scrub with some added water before washing.
If you have any further questions – please don’t hesitate to ask !