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Our Products
How To
The GladRags Experience
Cleaning
Design and Materials
Which GladRags to Buy
About the Cost
Safety Concerns
Post-Partum, Vulvodynia, Allergies, Incontinence
Night Pad
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Our Products
What is the complete GladRags Product line?
GladRags Day Pads: These pads are perfect for day use and are composed of a holder and 2 inserts. Depending on your flow, you can use one or both of the inserts. The GladRags Day Pad with both inserts is the equivalent of an average disposable maxi pad.
GladRags Night Pads : These larger pads provide added protection to be worn while sleeping. The night pads consist of a holder and 2 inserts, both lined with absorbent terry cloth. The GladRags Night Pad with inserts acts the equivalent of a super or overnight disposable maxi pad.
GladRags Pantyliner : The new GladRags Pantyliner rounds out our line of pad products. Worn without any extra inserts, the pantyliner is a simple soft cotton pad with wings. This product is great for light days or to be worn with a menstrual cup or sea sponge tampon. The GladRags Pantyliner is worn in the same way as mini pads and disposable pantyliners.
Menstrual Cups: Often people who have used tampons in the past are looking for a reusable product that is not a cloth pad. The Keeper line of menstrual cups, the Keeper Cup and the Moon Cup, are perfect for this purpose. They insert into the vagina and act to catch the flow rather than absorb it. The cups are emptied with same frequency as one would change a disposable tampon.
Sea Sponge Tampons : These tampons act in the same way as disposable bleached cotton tampons do, by absorbing blood flow. However, these tampons are made of natural sea sponges, are not treated by harsh chemicals, and can be used for many cycles.
How To
How do I use a GladRag?
One GladRag consists of 1 holder and 2 inserts. To assemble, slip the inserts inside the holder, like a letter inside an envelope; then turn the GladRag over (so the smooth side goes against your body and the tag side against your underwear) and snap the "wings" of the holder around the crotch of the underwear. The inserts don't slip out, because they're tucked snuggly inside the holder, only the fabric of the holder actually touches your body. When changing your GladRag, unsnap the holder and remove both the holder and inserts.
How often do I change my GladRag?
You should change your GladRag about as often as you would a disposable pad or tampon: every 2 to 6 hours, or as needed. You will quickly learn upon using them when it's time to change your GladRag.
The GladRags Experience
Are GladRags comfortable?
Yes! All cotton GladRags are soft and breathable, which is so much better than plastic pads that can chafe and irritate your skin. Most of our customers are surprised to find GladRags are as comfortable as they are.
Our customer Nicole had this to say about trying GladRags:
“I just wanted to send you a line of appreciation. I love Glad Rags. I just started to use them. I cannot believe I waited this long! I am sold!! I am a lifer now. They are so comfortable and easy on my skin. I love how they feel like regular clothing. It is like nothing is there.”
Can people see GladRags when I wear them?
Because GladRags are thicker, some fear that they can be seen through clothing. GladRags are thicker because we only use highly absorbent breathable cotton as opposed to using chemicals or gels as absorbing agents, which are often used in the thinner disposable pads. It has been our experience, however, that GladRags don't show through your clothing. To further support our scientific findings, we have never had a customer return a GladRag because they could be seen through clothing. For comfort and also to make the fear of visibility a non-issue, we suggest wearing clothes that are a little looser.
Why would I want to use reusable pads?
For so many reasons! Let's see, where to start...GladRags are comfortable, pro-environment, healthy and economical.
Comfort
If you are raw and irritated at the end of your period, please know that it does not have to be that way! All cotton GladRags are soft and breathable, which is so much better than plastic pads that can chafe and irritate your skin. Most of our customers are surprised to find GladRags are as comfortable as they are.
Environment
Using a product one time is not enough! Think of all the tampons and pads you use each time you menstruate. Then think about how many times you will menstruate in your lifetime.
If you menstruate 340 times in your lifetime, using 20 disposables per period, that amounts to 6800 pads or tampons thrown away. Now consider all the women using disposables in the world. If 500 million women use disposables throughout their lifetime, that number totals 3.4 trillion pads or tampons disposed of. Not only is landfill space taken up, but these materials cannot be reused and are no longer part of the resources available to us.
A disposable is used once - a GladRag is used 100+ times.
Then, of course, there's all that packaging, (wrappers, boxes, applicators) that are also thrown away, all the garbage bags used, all the diesel fuel used to truck those products to the stores week in and week out.
Using reusables for even a portion of your cycle makes a difference!
Save Money
When compared to the amount of money spent on disposables, it only takes 1 1/2 to 2 years to make up the cost of your GladRags. They are made to last 5+ years. Many women tell us they still use the same pads they bought when we started in 1993!
Body Image/Positive Image
Many of our customers report a more positive attitude about menstruation and their bodies after switching to GladRags. Sure, it's a different thing—at first. Changing our routines always takes a little time. Ironically, as many of our customers have noted, it's this very thing that helps foster a greater appreciation about what it means to be a woman and just what our cycles have to tell us. Using GladRags is something to feel great about.
Our customer Heidi has this to say:
“I also think that my husband likes GladRags. He's noticed that my periods aren't as stressful for me and therefore, aren't as stressful for him. I can actually admit I look forward to my moon blood; it's very cleansing and comforting to experience my cycle each month. And really, GladRags is a part of that. I can actually sleep easier wearing them and can forget I'm wearing them during the day. I've never been able to say that of any disposable napkin!
Anyway...thanks for such a great product. It's really made a positive difference in my life. :)”
Will GladRags leak?
GladRags are designed to be comfortable and efficient. The flaps that snap around your underwear act as wings to protect the sides of your panties from getting stained and there is no stitching where your flow can pool. Your flow will just naturally go toward the absorbing inserts, which have a layer of cotton terry cloth inside. GladRags can leak if left unchanged for too long, just as disposable pads will if they become too saturated.
Who uses GladRags?
Women all over the world are using GladRags...no specific stereotypes can be (or should be) applied here. Students, businesswomen, filmmakers, mothers, artists, travelers, and Peace Corps workers are just a few that come to mind. Everyday women use GladRags—the woman next to you on the street, at school, or at work might very well be using them right now.
Is odor a problem with GladRags?
If you change your pads often enough, odor should not be a problem. The Carry Bag is also very effective in transporting used pads and keeping odors locked away.
What if I don't like GladRags?
When you purchase GladRags, we ask that you wash just one and try it out. If you do not like it, please send back the remaining unused/unwashed pads and we will refund the entire product cost, if returned within 90 days of the purchase date..
Are GladRags easy to travel with?
Yes. We offer a carrying bag that helps you travel during the day. The Carry Bag holds 4 day pads. Throughout the day you can place your used GladRags in the interior water resistant bag until you reach a place where you can rinse them out and wash them.
If you are traveling for a longer period of time, we recommend soaking and washing them at the end of the day and hanging them out/laying them out to dry completely if you do not have access to a dryer. If you can rinse them (but cannot wash them right away) make sure they can air dry, then wash them when you can. However, please do not rinse out or clean your GladRags in public restrooms.
Our customer Lydia found her own solution:
“Sometimes I don't have access to the water I would need to rinse my GladRags out or soak them. I just let them dry out as is and soak them for several hours with soapy water when I get the chance. My GladRags come out good as new!”
Can you convince me that using GladRags isn't gross?
If you currently think using GladRags seems gross, let us just say that many GladRags users were once in this exact spot. In fact, even some GladRags employees once thought reusables were gross. We are just like you. You don't have to fit a certain stereotype to consider using reusables.
We know what you are thinking (we've heard it a bazillion times), "GladRags are for those hippie-earth-loving-crunchy types right?" The truth is GladRags are for EVERY woman. GladRags are sold to women in every state in the US and beyond. While we of course adore our hippie-earth-loving-crunchy-types, we also love our business-woman-mother-of-2 types and our college-student-working-at-the-dive-bar types too. What all of these women have in common is the willingness to give reusables a try. We've never had any customer return GladRags because using them was gross. The "gross factor", as we call it, is an idea, not a fact.
But, if it's facts you are after, note these:
- GladRags are FDA accepted (nothing is ever "approved").
- To our knowledge GladRags have never been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
- Tampons and disposable pads are not sterile, they are simply over-packaged.
- No one else handles your pads but you. We often forget someone else has to handle disposables after we've used public restrooms and thrown them away.
If you want to read more about one woman's path to GladRags, please read Sara's essay, What's Gross?. Sara started working for GladRags in 2003, shortly after that she made the official, full-time switch to GladRags and to a new perspective.
 Cleaning
How should I clean my GladRags?
It's simple: just pre-soak in cold water, then machine wash and dry.
Here are the specifics:
Remove the inserts from the holder. Soak or pre-rinse the GladRags in cold water. Wash your pads in cold or warm water. Despite what your mother might have told you about getting laundry extra clean, avoid using hot water to wash your GladRags. Heat will seal in the iron from your blood leaving a stain and is hard on the fabric.
If you're leaving them to soak, change the water daily. You can pour the soak water over houseplants; it's a great fertilizer because menstrual blood is meant to be nutrient rich. This is when your unenlightened friends will think you've gone over the edge.
Dry them thoroughly with your other laundry.
Wash your GladRags before your initial use. The pads may shrink a bit in the first washing. The color pads won't stain much. The undyed pads will stain a bit. If you want to use additional laundry boosters, we recommend the Biokleen's Oxygen Bleach. Natural enzyme stain removers are also great. Try Biokleen's Bac-Out.
GladRags can also be safely hand washed and dried, but it's not necessary to do so.
Please note: Chlorine bleach is NOT recommended or needed. The bleach will shorten the life of your pads and put toxins into our environment and close to a very absorbent part of your body.
How do I get the stains out?
The best way to prevent stains is to soak or rinse GladRags immediately in cold water so the stains do not set. The color pads, however, don't stain very much.
If you want to use additional laundry boosters, we recommend the Biokleen's Oxygen Bleach. Natural enzyme stain removers are also great. Try Biokleen's Bac-Out.
The following products have also been suggested by GladRags users: borax, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or drying your GladRags in the sun. Also, keep in mind that stains do not mean the pads are dirty.
Where can I get a soaking container?
Look for a container at your local department store, thrift store or garage sale. Look for anything rustproof that will hold water and a few GladRags. Lids are optional. Ceramic pitchers, teapots or flour canisters, and large-mouthed glass pasta jars are a few examples, but you might have a better idea. Remember, if you are soaking your GladRags for more than a day, be sure to change the soak water at least once a day.
Can I use fabric softener on my GladRags?
We don't recommend it for 2 reasons.
- Fabric softener is generally a collection of harsh chemicals (defeating the purpose of having an all-natural menstrual product).
- Using fabric softener actually makes GladRags less absorbent.
We find GladRags remain soft without fabric softener. You may, however, try Bi-O-Kleen's Oxygen Bleach, which softens your fabric naturally.
Can I use chlorine bleach on my GladRags?
We do not recommend bleach for 2 reasons.
- Bleach is hard on the fabric and can deteriorate around the snap.
- Bleach is an extremely harmful chemical - both to our bodies and the environment. Please use an oxygen bleach or natural antibacterial substance.
Design and Materials
What is the difference between regular cotton and organic cotton?
Organic cotton means that no pesticides or herbicides were used to grow the cotton, so the soil and water were not polluted, nor did farm workers breathe in any harmful chemicals as they worked with the cotton. By purchasing organic cotton GladRags, you are supporting healthy agriculture. By supporting organic farming you encourage its further development and greater recognition for this desperately needed form of agriculture.
How absorbent are GladRags?
You will find GladRags to be very absorbent. We found terry cloth to be the best naturally absorbing weave around, so all GladRags inserts have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two outer layers of cotton flannel. The daytime holders are made of two layers of cotton flannel, and the inserts slip between each layer, like a letter inside an envelope. Each GladRags pad comes with 1 holder and 2 inserts, and you can opt to use as many as 3 inserts with a holder for your heavier days.
The nighttime holders are wider at each end and longer than the daytime holder, and also constructed a bit differently: the holders also have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two layers of flannel, lending the nighttime GladRags even more absorbency for your sleeping comfort.
On nylon or water resistant backing:
Since we make GladRags as natural and breathable as possible, there is no plastic or nylon insert in GladRags. And we find it is not necessary because GladRags are so absorbent! Also, just as disposable pads will leak or spill over if you leave them on too long, so will GladRags, as they become saturated. You will become familiar with just how long you can go before changing your pad. You should change your GladRags about as often as you would change disposables (every 2 to 6 hours, or as needed).
And a little-known secret about our organic GladRags: the organic cotton fabric actually becomes more absorbent as you wash it. Because the cotton fibers and the fabric are minimally processed before they reach you, the fabric still contains many of the cotton's natural oils. As you wash the GladRags, the oils gradually wash out, which opens up the cotton fibers more and more to absorb your menstrual fluid.
How is the undyed organic fabric bleached?
Undyed organic cotton GladRags are whitened with hydrogen peroxideóno chlorine is used in this process.
Where are GladRags made?
Portland, Oregon, USA.
What kinds of dyes are used in your organic color pads?
The dyes used by our organic cotton mill are certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an eco-label specific to textiles that was founded in 1993 by the Austrian Textile Research Institute. Oeko-Tex is recognized as the most important eco-label in the world. Among the substances that they check for are ph, formaldehyde, heavy metals, pesticides, chlorinated organic carriers, emission of volatiles and biocidal finishes.
The dye for the conventional cotton color pads is "run of the mill," and is the same dye that is used to color the cotton in conventional t-shirts and towels, etc. If you are currently suffering from any irritation, we suggest using the undyed organic pads.
How long will GladRags last?
GladRags are made to last at least 5 years. Many women still use the same pads they bought from us when we started in 1993!
How do I customize my GladRags?
GladRags are meant to be as versatile as our customers are. You can customize your GladRags according to your menstrual flow by using more or fewer inserts inside the holder. On heavy flow days, use both inserts that come with the GladRag, or add a third (you can purchase extra inserts and extra holders in the GladRags Extras section of our website). On light days use only one insert, or even just the holder alone as a panty liner.
Please note: the GladRags holders are used to keep the inserts in place, and it is not recommended to use a GladRags insert on its own, as it will not stay in place.
Why do I change the whole GladRag, instead of just the inserts?
The versatile 3-part design of GladRags, serves several purposes:
All together the layers make a thick, absorbent pad that separates into 3 components for thorough washing and faster drying.
The inserts allow you to customize the pad for your flow. Use one insert and it's a mini pad, use two and it's a maxi, and the holder alone works as a panty liner. If you have an especially heavy flow you can order an extra insert and use three inserts in the holder: GladRags are so absorbent we actually sell more extra holders because many women find they only need one insert much of the time!
What kind of fabric are GladRags made from?
All of our GladRags are made from cotton flannel and cotton terry cloth.
Organic Cotton Pads
Our most absorbent pads, organic undyed GladRags are made with unbleached heavyweight cotton flannel and terry cloth. Our organic color GladRags are made with undyed organic terry and a heavyweight flannel that is colored with low-impact eco dyes, in a process that uses far less water and chemicals than conventional dying. All of our organic fabric is certified by the grower.
We are committed to offering the most fully organic product we can. The organic terry cloth is costly, but we haven't found an organic cotton fabric that compares to its superior absorption. We want to make the best product we can for you.
Regular Cotton Pads
Our regular cotton GladRags are made from regular cotton terry cloth and a lighter-weight cotton flannel. It is similar to the fabric that might be used for flannel pajamas. It is a slightly lighter weight flannel than the organic GladRags but still very absorbent and effective.
What to Get
How many do I need?
Menstrual cycles vary greatly from woman to woman. Most women use 6 to 12 day pads and 1 to 3 night pads. It all depends on your flow and how often you do laundry. Change your GladRags as often as you would change a disposable, and remember - a pad consists of the holder and 2 inserts, and so you must change the whole thing, not just the inserts.
With all of our pads you will experience the comfort and breathability of cotton. The soft flannel conforms to your body without the twisting and bunching up that can happen with disposables. And because there is no plastic backing you will have less chafing and irritation. One of our customers reports they're much cooler too (she's from Phoenix, she would know).
Use the chart below to figure out how many GladRags to buy. Our chart should only be used as a guide. You may find your flow and needs are slightly different than what we recommend. We suggest experimenting to better determine your GladRags needs. Or, you may wish to reward yourself with one of our comprehensive Deluxe Kits. You get 12 day pads, 3 night pads and a carry bag. Most women find this covers them for the duration of their period. We also sell small and large organic undyed day pads for those that seek an alternative to our regular sized day pad.
To Use This Chart:
- Note how many days and nights your flow is light, medium and heavy.
- Note the number of pads we suggest for each type of day to cover you throughout your period.
About the Cost
Do GladRags cost more than disposables?
No, they're actually much cheaper. Think of this: it would be tremendously expensive (not to mention wasteful!) to continuously re-stock our kitchens with disposable paper plates, so we buy ceramic or porcelain plates that we can use indefinitely. We make an initial investment into something reusable that will last a long time. It's the same with GladRags:
GladRags are designed to last 5 years or more, and we often hear from women still using the GladRags they bought when we started in 1993.
I know using GladRags saves money in the long run but it's expensive to get started. What should I buy with a limited budget?
You could start with an intro kit which includes 3 day pads and 1 night pad and just wash these pads more frequently. Another option is to supplement GladRags with your current products and add to your collection over time as your budget allows. Also, watch for specials that we offer on the website from time to time - we've got some great deals. To stay informed, be sure to sign up for our free email newsletter (you can save 15%, just by signing up!).
Do you have specials?
Yes. We frequently run specials on the different GladRags and other items we sell. The best way to stay in touch is to sign up for our free email newsletter, which will keep you informed about what's new and what's on sale.
Safety Concerns
Are GladRags as safe as disposables?
We've all had that time when we weren't quite ready for our period or a pad leaked and some blood got on our underwear. More often than not, you probably applied a little stain remover on it and initiated it as a new addition to your collection of "period underwear". You didn't think they were now dangerous to your health because you got some blood on them and you probably did not throw them away. GladRags are like the underwear, but on a grander scale. Our culture holds onto a myth that menstrual blood is dirty because it comes out of the same general area as our digestive waste products, but it's not true.
Menstrual fluid should not be considered a dirty waste product! It is actually very nutrient-rich and life-giving (it's meant to sustain an egg, after all). And in all of the stories, books, and literature out there, have you ever heard of a plague or epidemic spreading as a result of menstrual blood? No, of course not, even though women have always been hands on with their blood. Can you imagine what would have happened if women throughout history just "threw" their version of GladRags out after one use? We believe that it is safer to launder reusable pads than throw disposables in the landfill.
Additionally, less pollution is created and fewer chemicals are used each time you use a reusable pad versus a disposable one. It's also worth noting the vagina's ability to "take care of itself" and keep itself clean and balanced, and that disposable pads and tampons are not sterile products, although the over-packaging and whiteness of these products leads you to believe they are. In fact, they are often laden with harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin in one of the most porous parts of your body.
Can I get toxic shock syndrome when using GladRags?
There is always a "chance" of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with any menstrual product. GladRags are one of your safer options because blood is flowing out of the vaginal canal, where the development of TSS is most likely to occur. TSS is caused by usually harmless bacteria found on our skin or in parts of our body. If they get into the bloodstream, through a cut or tear, they release a toxin. While the risk is still minimal, tampons create a more ideal opportunity for the growth of these bacteria. Couple that with the fact that tampons can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing the vagina's natural moisture which can lead to miniscule tears and increase the chance of TSS.
To learn more please read:
For more TSS info, please click here.
Are GladRags FDA approved?
GladRags are FDA accepted for market (nothing is FDA approved).
Post-Partum, Vulvodynia, Allergies, Incontinence
Do GladRags work for women with vulvodynia, vaginitis or allergies?
Yes! We've sold many GladRags to women dealing with these conditions who find the pads helpful during their cycles. Many women have noticed that tampons and disposable pads can be a source of vaginal irritation, and most are unaware that disposable products are highly processed and may contain chemicals to "keep you dry" or cover up odor. Dioxin, a carcinogenic by-product of the chemical bleaching process in disposables, is less of a risk today, though we feel concern is warranted. In the past, dioxin has been linked to causing both cancer and endometriosis.
Vaginal irritation, allergies, burning, itching, frequent yeast infections, can all be the result of, or exacerbated by, disposables.
Please visit our vulvodynia page for more info.
Do GladRags work for light incontinence?
Yes! A number of our customers have told us they use GladRags for light incontinence. Again, they help prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe, which is important for people who are wearing them everyday. And just the same as with menstrual use, the number and style of GladRags you use will depend on how heavy your leakage is.
GladRags are not designed for full incontinence.
Mary from Delaware notes her success at using GladRags for stress incontinence:
“Just sending a note to let you know how much I love your product! I don't really need any pads because they last SOOOOOO long...in fact I no longer need them "monthly". Yes, they have seen me through to menopause (and some occasional stress incontinence). I find the day holders alone are sufficient enough to make me feel secure every day... Keep up the good work... God bless.”
Are GladRags good for post-partum?
Yes - the night pads are especially great for post-partum. While many new moms find they need a large amount of GladRags or pads to carry them through post-partum, any amount of reusable pads would be helpful. They are softer and kinder than plastic on your skin. Some women place their inserts in the freezer after dipping them in witch hazel. The cool inserts sooth and help your tender parts heal.
Our customer, Mary, had this to say about GladRags:
“Thought I'd let you know that I love my GladRags. I've had them for at least 10 years and they're still going strong! I've used them post-partum after having our three children, and not just in the conventional way. I made a tea of healing herbs and put some on my liners and popped them in the freezer...they were a welcome bottom-soother after delivery!”
Night Pad
Why is the night pad so big?
This pad is longer and wider to provide more coverage while you are lying down. In addition to the terry cloth in the inserts, the night pad holder has a layer of terry cloth throughout so you get extra protection. It's wonderful to go to bed and rest assured that you're covered. The night pad can be used as a post-partum pad and some of our customers with larger bodies or heavier flows use it during the day.
Why does the night pad cost so much more?
Terry cloth, the absorbent part of GladRags, is one of the more costly aspects of the design. But nothing else seems to match its ability to absorb. The night pad was designed to maximize coverage, making for a restful night. We put a layer of terry cloth in the holder, so you get extra absorption.
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