The best washable sanitary towels in the UK 2023

Washable sanitary napkins have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Concerned about your comfort, your health, and our planet, you too want to switch to reusable pads. And we completely understand. That's why we've put together this detailed guide to choosing the best washable sanitary napkin for you.

Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy

The best washable sanitary napkin in 2021

Teamoy offers you this set of 10 washable sanitary pads. Made of bamboo fiber, they assure you comfort and softness during all your period.

19,19 £ on Amazon

Spend your period comfortably with Teamoy pads. They are made of 4 layers, the first one in contact with the skin is made of bamboo fiber, then you have an intermediate part made of two layers of ultra-absorbent microfiber. The outer layer in waterproof PUL avoids any risk of leakage.

These sanitary pads are machine washable up to 60° with a mild detergent. But they also have a dark color on the length to better hide the blood stains. This pack of 10 washable sanitary napkins is made up of 3 pieces of small size, 4 pieces of medium size and 3 pieces for the night size. As a bonus, you get a nice storage bag.

Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal 2
8/10

The best cheapest

Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal

The best entry-level washable sanitary napkin

For women with normal flow, this pack of 10 washable bamboo charcoal pads is ideal. It prevents all leaks thanks to its two ultra-absorbent microfiber layers and its waterproof outer layer.

13,92 £ on Amazon

Quality and your comfort are the priority of these washable sanitary pads. Thanks to two layers of absorbent microfiber and a waterproof outer layer, it effectively protects you from leaks that could soil your clothes. The fabric in contact with the skin is made of bamboo fiber, guaranteeing a lot of softness. While the wings are equipped with a snap fastener to put the towel in place safely.

These are medium pads, so perfectly suited to women with a light to medium flow. In addition to a storage pocket, you have 10 washable pads in the set, enough to pass the period serenely. The washing can be done in the machine.

Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy 3
8/10

The best high-end

Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy

The best premium sanitary napkin

If you're looking for washable panty liners, choose these organic cotton ones from Natissy. They are thin and soft, perfect for everyday use.

36,78 £ on Amazon

To better protect your feminine underwear from stains, you'll need these Natissy washable panty liners. Made of organic cotton, they promise softness every day. They are perfect for absorbing vaginal or urinary discharge. And you can use them as well to preserve your panties at the approach and towards the end of your period.

Because of their thinness, these washable panty liners are not suitable for absorbing all the flow of your period. However, you can wear them very well if you choose sanitary tampons or menstrual cups during this period. Very resistant, they support easily a washing in machine until 95°. As a bonus, they come in a biodegradable packaging made of corn and potato starch.

6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily 4
8/10

The best alternative

6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily

A great alternative

For maximum softness, these Eco Lily washable pads have been designed with a top layer of fleece and bamboo fiber. Ultra absorbent, they are suitable for all types of flow.

18,39 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best washable sanitary napkin

Any specific needs?

The best washable sanitary napkin in 2021

The best entry-level washable sanitary napkin

The best premium sanitary napkin

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best washable sanitary towels

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy 5
9/10
Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal 6
8/10
Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy 7
8/10
6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy
Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal
Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy
6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily
Teamoy offers you this set of 10 washable sanitary pads. Made of bamboo fiber, they assure you comfort and softness during all your period.
For women with normal flow, this pack of 10 washable bamboo charcoal pads is ideal. It prevents all leaks thanks to its two ultra-absorbent microfiber layers and its waterproof outer layer.
If you're looking for washable panty liners, choose these organic cotton ones from Natissy. They are thin and soft, perfect for everyday use.
For maximum softness, these Eco Lily washable pads have been designed with a top layer of fleece and bamboo fiber. Ultra absorbent, they are suitable for all types of flow.
Absorbent capacity
Materials
Bamboo fiber + microfiber + PUL
Bamboo fiber + microfiber + waterproof issue
Cotton + Cotton + 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane
Fleece and bamboo fiber + microfiber + PUL
Number of towels
10
10
7
6
Colors
Floral patterns and dark medium
Patterned and dark medium
Fruit motifs and white wings
Patterned and dark medium
Washing
Hand or machine wash at 60° maximum
Hand or machine washable
Hand or machine wash up to 95°.
Hand or machine washable

Help us improve this table:
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Buying guide - washable sanitary napkin

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How to choose your washable sanitary napkin

The criteria for choosing a washable sanitary protection are not necessarily the same as those for a disposable pad. To help you, here are the points to consider before buying.

#1 - Manufacturing materials

The washable sanitary napkin generally has three layers with different properties depending on their function. The most important is the one that will be in direct contact with your mucous membranes. For this layer, choose towels made of natural and soft fabrics such as cotton or bamboo fiber. These will not attack your skin or create a feeling of discomfort. The second layer is made of absorbent materials. Again, look for ones that absorb flow well to prevent accidental leakage. And finally, you have the waterproof layer, usually a synthetic fabric, which also ensures that blood does not stain your clothes. To ensure the quality of the pad's fabrics, also check that it is Oeko-tex standard 100 or GOTS certified.

#2 - The amount of your menstrual flow

Every woman is different at the time of her period. There are those with a very heavy flow, those with a medium flow and there are also women with a light flow. For the first category, the washable sanitary napkin should be wide and thick to better absorb all the blood. If, on the other hand, you have a light flow, a smaller pad will be more than enough to get through your period with peace of mind. Note that the amount of blood in your period also depends on the time of your cycle. In most cases, there is a light flow at the beginning and end of the period, and a little more blood towards the middle. So you'll need to adjust the size of the pads depending on the case.

#3 - The towel fastening system

While disposable pads attach to the panties via a sticky surface, washable pads have buttons, scratch or snaps on the wings. The best alternative so far is to use snaps for their convenience and ease of use. In any case, make sure they hold well so that the towel does not slip when you move. Note that these snaps are also used to fold the towels (clean or dirty) to slip them discreetly into your purse or to store them.

#4 - Easy to wash

Switching from disposable to washable towels is always difficult for some women because of the maintenance step. To avoid this inconvenience, choose models that you can simply run through the machine without them wearing out quickly. Some washable sanitary pads can withstand temperatures of up to 40° or even 60° without losing their absorbent and waterproof properties. You will then refrain from having to wash them by hand if ever you are a bit put off.

#5 - Colors and patterns

With washable sanitary pads, you have the choice between solid colors and shimmering patterned pads. The latter are great for camouflaging stains that mark the pad over time. That said, a solid color pad, or even a white one, allows you to better control the progress of your cycle. It all depends on your habits and needs.

How do you care for your washable sanitary napkins?

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Taking care of your washable sanitary napkins ensures their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some care tips to help you use them better every day.

How to wash the reusable towel

To ensure your towel is clean the next time you use it, start with a pre-wash phase. Every night or morning, rinse your towels with clear water, to get as much blood out as possible. Then let them soak in a basin of water (change frequently) until you have time to wash them.

When machine washing, choose a gentle program no higher than 40° to avoid "cooking the blood," or the towel losing its waterproof or absorbent properties. Also, avoid aggressive products such as fabric softeners. Normally, the best washable sanitary napkin is already very soft. You can, however, add white vinegar to the rinse water to soften it if that seems essential.

For manual washing, thoroughly soap your towels with a Marseille soap, then gently scrub and rinse with clear, cold water.

How to dry your sanitary napkins

If possible, avoid the dryer to avoid damaging your pad. Instead, air dry. This should take a maximum of two days. After that, you can reuse them or store them neatly with the rest of your lingerie. Note that towels do not need to be ironed. Either way, it's not recommended.

The different types of washable sanitary towels

The washable sanitary napkin comes in different formats depending on the brand. But as a general rule, there are three types of reusable pads.

Daytime washable sanitary napkin

The daytime pad can be recognized by its size adapted to light to medium flows. It has a length of 20 to 25 cm depending on the brand. As its name suggests, it is used during the day, in your daily life, whether you are at home, at the office or shopping. Depending on the amount of flow you have, you can wear it for 4 to 8 hours at a time. So you don't have to change it frequently if you're out and about, for example.

The washable night-time sanitary napkin

Much larger and more absorbent, the night pad is for when you have a heavy flow. Up to 35 cm long on average, it can also be used to return from a diaper, in case of light incontinence, and of course for the night. This sanitary napkin acquires its capacity in particular thanks to additional inserts. Moreover, it can be worn much longer, sometimes up to 12 hours in a row for some brands. However, its dimensions mean that it can create some discomfort and even be visible on some tight-fitting garments.

The washable panty liner

This is the smallest type of pad, just about ten centimeters long, and the thinnest. Given its smaller absorbent capacity, it is indicated for light discharge throughout the cycle, but also for the beginning and end of the menstrual period. Some women also opt for the washable panty liner during their period, but as a complement to another protection such as the tampon or the menstrual cup, or in the case of women who have opted for the free instinctive flow. It is indeed intended to prevent the brief from being stained.

Washable sanitary napkin or disposable sanitary napkin?

Between the washable towel and the disposable model, the choice remains delicate. Let's see what the advantages and disadvantages of these two extreme options are.

The washable sanitary napkin

The main advantage of the washable sanitary napkin is that it is environmentally friendly. Indeed, it is reusable, for several years provided that you maintain it very well. It also has the reputation of being healthier. It respects the female body, especially thanks to its organic and hypoallergenic fabrics. Its only drawback is certainly the maintenance which requires time: to wash and to dry the towels before being able to be reused.

The disposable sanitary napkin

The disposable sanitary napkin is still very popular with women because of its ease of use. You put it in place over your panties and throw it away in a bin once it's used up. Unlike the washable model, it won't take up space in your closet, as you don't have to store them or even wash them. However, you will have to buy new ones every time, which is a big expense in the long run! In addition, these disposable pads are far from being environmentally friendly, as they take centuries to fully degrade in nature.

Verdict

If you're a conservationist and a long-term investor, the washable sanitary napkin is definitely for you. If maintenance is an issue, you can wash your reusable pads with your underwear. Unless you wear disposable underwear, which is certainly not the case...

Six good reasons to switch to washable sanitary napkins

Still hesitating to buy washable sanitary pads? Here are a few advantages of this intimate protection that will convince you to use it from now on:

1- It's healthy

The washable sanitary napkin respects your female body. The best models are made from natural and hypoallergenic materials. This means you won't suffer from irritation, itching or any other discomfort that could be harmful to your health.

2- It is comfortable

Since it is made of soft fabrics, the reusable towel is very comfortable on the skin. It doesn't create any wetness in your underwear, nor does it create any unpleasant odours that may bother you. The washable sanitary napkin is just soft and comfortable.

3- It's environmentally friendly

Because it is reusable, the washable pad does not destroy our planet. You can use it after each wash or just put it away, unlike the traditional sanitary napkin which often ends up in nature to pollute the earth and the oceans with its components (sometimes toxic) for many years before degrading.

4- It is economical

Opting for a reusable solution is also a sustainable investment. Of course, a washable towel is more expensive than a disposable towel. But if you do a little math, the latter will be more expensive because you'll be condemned to buy a new one every month until menopause.

5- It's pretty

The reusable sanitary napkin is not only available in different formats adapted to each need. They are also available in a variety of shimmering colours, plain or patterned with flowers, geometrics, polka dots, etc. You can choose them according to your favourite colours.

6- It is easy to use

You place it on your panties and fasten it with the snaps on the wings. And that's it! Also, for the maintenance, contrary to what some people think, the blood leaves very easily in the wash.

The best brands of washable sanitary towels

In our opinion, the best brands of washable sanitary towels in 2022 are :

Teamoy
Natissy
Eco Lily
Plim
DansMaCulotte

Teamoy is a brand offering washable sanitary pads suitable for all women. Made of natural materials, they are soft, healthy for the body and very absorbent. In addition, the brand offers a storage bag for its products.

The quality is always there with the brand Natissy. This one indeed proposes reusable intimate protections made of organic cotton. Its models are also suitable for all women: panty liners, day pads, night pads, etc. You will find an intimate protection adapted to your needs among those that Natissy designs and sells.

This brand specializes in the manufacture of washable sanitary napkins for the good of the planet and your wallet. They want to contribute to the preservation of the environment through their ecological products.

A pioneer in the design of washable protection, the brand is a reference in its field. Concerned about women's well-being, it designs intimate protection made of GOT certified organic cotton. Thanks to this label, Plim is a dazzling success.

This is another leading brand in the design of reusable underwear and intimate protection for women. In addition to washable sanitary pads and panty liners, they also make menstrual panties and swimsuits. All of which makes women's daily lives easier.

What is the price for a washable sanitary napkin

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
1.5 £ to 2.5 £
Mid-range
2.5 £ to 5 £
High-end
more than 5 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Carry spare sanitary towels

As a precaution, always carry a clean towel with you to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. Maybe you only plan to go out for a short time, but it's better to be cautious.

Store your dirty towel in a plastic bag

If this storage is not provided by the vendor, also carry a plastic pouch to store the dirty sanitary napkin. Fold the pad over and secure it with the snaps. Put it in the plastic bag. And then you can slip it discreetly into a pocket at the bottom of your purse.

Get different sizes of sanitary napkins

Menstrual flow depends not only on each woman, but also on the period. At the beginning and end of your period, you have a light flow, and in between a more or less abundant flow. To deal with all situations, have pads in different sizes, both for light and heavy flows. Also, get washable sanitary pads for daytime use and others designed specifically for nighttime use.

Effectively remove an embedded stain from your sanitary napkin

Use one tablespoon of percarbonate of soda dissolved in one liter of water. Let the towel soak in this mixture for about an hour. Then scrub until the stains are completely gone.

Practice good intimate hygiene during your period

To get through your menstrual period with peace of mind, practice good hygiene. Not only should you wash your private parts well (once or twice a day) and wear clean underwear, but you should also respect the wearing time of your sanitary napkin. For washable models, this can be up to 12 hours, but it also depends on the amount of flow. Don't hesitate to change your pad at the slightest sensation of discomfort.

FAQ

How long does a washable sanitary napkin last?

A washable sanitary napkin lasts up to five years on average. However, its life span also depends on how well it is cared for. Take care of your washable sanitary napkin by, for example, following the washing and use instructions. This way, it will last for years before you need to buy new ones.

When should I wash my reusable sanitary napkin?

You can either wash the reusable pad after each use or put them in the washing machine after your menstrual period. In the second case, you should be sure to soak the pads in a basin of water and change them at least once a day to prevent blood from becoming deeply embedded in the tissue.

How many washable sanitary towels should I get?

You should have at least two daytime sanitary pads and two nighttime washable pads so that you can alternate between washes. But for better convenience, try to have more. You may well opt for washable sanitary pads sold in packs of 7 or 10.

Should I use another pad with my washable sanitary napkin?

Frankly, there is no need to use any other protection, as the reusable sanitary napkin is sufficient to protect you during your period. However, if you still have doubts, you can combine the use of a washable pad with a menstrual cup or tampon. In this case, a panty liner is more than enough.

Does the washable sanitary napkin protect against the risk of toxic shock syndrome?

The washable sanitary napkin is reliable enough to avoid toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome usually occurs because blood from menstruation remains inside the vagina and promotes infection. However, with a sanitary napkin, it flows naturally outside the female body, and the risk becomes minimal. It all depends on your personal hygiene.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , leblogbio.fr
  2. , sante.journaldesfemmes.fr
  3. , lapetiteokara.fr
  4. , we-are-girlz.com
  5. , consommonssainement.com
  6. , fr.wikipedia.org
  7. , blog.lilinappy.fr
  8. , ecoetmoi.fr
  9. , lescollectionsbonzay.com
  10. , petitfantome.be
  11. , mamanetbebenature.fr
  12. , francebleu.fr
  13. , passeportsante.net
  14. , dansmaculotte.com
  15. , hannahpad.fr
  16. , sante-au-naturel.info
  17. , greenweez.com
  18. , lilinappy.fr
  19. , littlejaya.com
  20. , imsevimse.fr
  21. , marcia-creations.fr
  22. , leblogbio.fr
  23. , hannahpad.fr
  24. , amazon.co.uk
  25. , cdiscount.com
  26. , bbies.fr
  27. , mes-menstruelles.com
  28. , mondialtissus.fr
  29. , marieclaire.fr
  30. , lesdemoizelles.com
  31. , amazon.co.uk
  32. , fr.wikipedia.org
  33. , etsy.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy 9
Lot of 10 reusable sanitary napkins in bamboo fiber Teamoy
Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal 10
Pack of 10 medium washable sanitary napkins made of bamboo charcoal
Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy 11
Set of 7 washable organic cotton panty liners Natissy
6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily 12
6 serviettes hygiéniques lavables pour flux abondant Eco Lily

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