Disposable vs. Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads: A Price Comparison
I recently had someone message me, shocked at the price of a single reusable cloth menstrual pad. If you’re used to mass-produced, low-cost products (often made in sweatshops with questionable materials), the price difference might seem drastic. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
At Caring For, I personally handle everything—from designing and testing products, to manufacturing, marketing, customer service, and shipping. Each pad is carefully crafted using natural and organic materials for a healthier, more sustainable period experience. And yes, that quality and craftsmanship deserve fair compensation.
But let’s break it down in numbers—because when you look at the long-term cost, reusable cloth pads are actually the more affordable choice.
📌 The Cost of Disposable Pads
Let’s compare with a popular brand:
Always Radiant Feminine Pads (Size 2 Heavy Flow, 36 count) – $10.33 on Amazon.
💡 These pads are about 11.5 inches long, but the absorbency does not extend fully to the ends, meaning they absorb about the same as Caring For's 10” Moderate Cloth Pad.
🩸 If you have a heavy flow, you might change pads 7+ times a day, including overnight. Let’s round down and say you use 5 pads per day for a 5–7 day period.
- A 36-pack lasts about 7 days, changing 5 times a day.
- If you menstruate every month for 45 years, this would cost $5,578.20 (not including overnight changes or increased pad use due to shifting, bunching, or odor).
This is just for one person, using one brand and one size of disposables. If you need more absorbency or frequent changes, your costs go up even more.
📌 The Cost of Reusable Cloth Pads
Now, let’s compare reusable cloth pads.
💡 A single cloth pad can be washed 100+ times. With proper care, a stash of 40 pads could last 4,000 washes.
Let’s break it down:
- If you wash each pad once per cycle, a 40-pad stash could last 27 years (assuming 100 washes per pad).
- If they only last 50 washes per pad due to normal wear and tear, you’d still get 10+ years out of your stash.
💰 Cost of Cloth Pads:
- A Cloth Pad Starter Stash Bundle (10 pads) costs $189.39.
- A 40-pad stash (4 bundles) costs $757.56—enough to last 10 years.
- Over 45 years, you’d replace your stash about every 10 years, totaling $3,409.02.
That’s a savings of over $2,000 compared to disposable pads!
💡 Other Factors to Consider
✅ Health & Comfort – Caring For’s cloth pads are made with natural, organic materials—no chemicals, fragrances, or synthetic gels. Disposable pads often contain plastic, dioxins, and bleach, which can irritate the skin.
✅ Environmental Impact – One person can throw away up to 16,000 disposable pads or tampons in their lifetime. Cloth pads help reduce waste and promote sustainable menstrual care.
✅ Durability & Reliability – Disposable pads can lose their stickiness, bunch up, or cause discomfort. Cloth pads stay in place and provide consistent absorbency with a breathable, natural feel.
✅ Odor Control – Many people change disposables more frequently to avoid odor buildup. Cloth pads breathe naturally and don’t trap bacteria or scents like plastic-based disposables do.
💸 Why Do Some Cloth Pads Cost Less?
You can find cheaper cloth pads on Amazon, Wish, or big-box retailers. But keep in mind:
🚫 Lower-cost pads are often made with synthetic materials instead of organic cotton or bamboo.
🚫 The stitching and design may be low-quality, leading to leaks and early breakdown.
🚫 Mass-produced “China cheapies” often come from sweatshops where workers are underpaid.
At Caring For, every pad is handmade with 28+ years of sewing and design experience, using only high-quality, safe materials.
💡 The Final Verdict: Cloth Pads Win in the Long Run
If you’re only looking at the upfront cost, disposable pads seem cheaper. But when you consider:
✔ Long-term savings
✔ Better health benefits
✔ Eco-friendly impact
✔ Higher comfort and durability
Reusable cloth pads are clearly the smarter choice.
So, are you ready to make the switch? Shop high-quality, organic cloth pads at HERE today! 🌿✨