Do they smell? Do they stain? How do you wash them? What about work, heavy flow, cups, cramps, and overnight wear? Let's answer it all.

 Hi lovelies!

Over the past few weeks, my business has reached thousandssss +++ people around the world, and my inbox and comments have absolutely exploded!

First of all, welcome if you're new here. ❤️

I've noticed that many of you are asking the exact same questions, which tells me they're great questions. So instead of replying one by one, I thought I'd answer them all in one place.

"Do they smell?"

Actually, no. Linen is naturally breathable, antibacterial, antifungal, and odor resistant. Unlike plastic disposable pads that trap heat and moisture, linen allows airflow. One of the most common things customers tell me is that they notice less odor after switching.

"What about bacteria or infections?"

Once a reusable pad has been properly washed and completely dried, it's clean and ready to use again, just like your underwear, towels, baby clothes, or cloth diapers. We wash bodily fluids out of fabrics every single day. Period blood is no different.

"How do you wash them?"

It's much easier than most people imagine, and there isn't just one right way to do it.

If I'm out and about, I simply fold the used pad, snap the wings together, and place it inside a pad pouch or wet bag until I get home.

Once I'm home, I unsnap the pad so it opens completely. From there, you have a few options. Some women simply toss their pads straight into the washing machine. Others like to use their washer's pre-rinse cycle first, give the pad a quick hand rinse under cold water, or soak it in a bucket of cold water with a little salt. All of these methods help remove blood and minimize staining before the main wash.

When it's time to wash, I simply add them to my regular laundry. Blood is completely water soluble, so always use cool or cold water. Hot water can set protein stains like blood, while cool water helps lift them away. A little salt can also help with protein-based stains.

Many of my customers report their pads stay stain free for years. If a stain does happen, it's only cosmetic. A stain does not mean the pad is dirty, just like a stain on a favourite T-shirt doesn't mean it isn't clean.

Every order I send includes detailed care instructions, so you'll have everything you need to keep your pads looking and performing their best for years to come.

"Won't my washing machine be full of blood?"

No. Blood dissolves into the wash water just like sweat, breast milk, urine, food stains, mud, or anything else you wash from clothing. By the end of the wash cycle, both your laundry and your washing machine are clean.

"What if I have a heavy flow?"

Just like disposables, you simply change your pad when it becomes saturated or feels wet. Heavy bleeders usually choose my larger sizes, such as the 15-inch Maxi or 17-inch Long Maxi.

Many women with heavier flows also pair their pads with one of my interlabial pads, which I call Petals. Petals sit comfortably between the labia/perineum/vaginal opening and help slow down and channel the blood into the pad. This is especially helpful for gushes or very fast flows, where blood can sometimes run across the surface of any pad before it has a chance to absorb.

Once the blood enters the pad, it doesn't simply pool in the middle. The specialized absorbent core is designed to wick and distribute fluid throughout the entire core, making use of all the absorbent fibers rather than just one small area. Even though you can't see this happening from the surface, it's exactly what's happening inside the pad.

By helping channel the flow into the absorbent core more quickly, Petals give the fibers more time to absorb and distribute the blood. Many women find this helps reduce runoff and side leaks, especially overnight, during heavy gushes, or on their heaviest days.

"Do I change it every time I use the bathroom?"

No. Going to the bathroom doesn't mean your pad needs changing. You only change it when it feels wet or has reached its absorbency. It's exactly the same concept as disposable pads.

"What if I work an 8-hour shift or I'm at school?"

Bring a spare pad and a small wet bag or pad pouch. When it's time to change, simply fold the used pad, snap the wings together, place it inside the pouch, and put on a fresh one. There's no rinsing or washing required until you get home.

"Will it feel soggy?"

Linen absorbs moisture very differently than plastic topped disposable pads. It's breathable, moisture wicking, and remains surprisingly comfortable. Once any pad, reusable or disposable, becomes saturated, it's simply time for a fresh one.

"Where does the blood go?"

The blood passes through the soft 100% undyed European linen topper into the highly absorbent core beneath it, where it's evenly distributed instead of pooling in one spot. Beneath that absorbent core is a whisper thin leak resistant layer that prevents moisture from reaching your underwear while still keeping the pad soft and flexible.

"What is the absorbent core made from?"

The absorbent core is a specialized blend of highly absorbent fibers designed to rapidly absorb and evenly distribute fluid while remaining thin and comfortable. It's either Zorb® or a hospital-grade absorbent core, similar in performance to Zorb®, but is not the same branded material. It is completely enclosed inside the pad and never comes into contact with your skin. The only fabric touching your body is my 100% undyed European linen.

If you have severe allergies to synthetic fibers, please reach out before ordering so we can discuss whether my products are suitable for your specific needs.

"I get rashes from disposable pads."

You're definitely not alone. Many women experience irritation, dryness, itching, heat rash, and chafing from the plastic topsheets, fragrances, adhesives, and chemicals used in disposable products. The only fabric touching your skin in my pads is natural linen, which is breathable, temperature regulating, and incredibly gentle on sensitive skin.

"Would you recommend these over menstrual cups?"

Personally, yes. I simply prefer not to keep anything inserted and lodged inside my body for hours at a time. In my most humble opinion, just because something has become popular, doesn't make it good for us... that being said,

I enjoy the breathability and comfort of linen against my skin, and many of my customers feel the same.

This isn't medical advice, and everyone should do their own research and choose what feels right for their own body. I will say, however, that the pelvic floor physiotherapists I've personally spoken with have shared that they regularly treat women with pelvic floor concerns that they believe were associated with menstrual cup use. Hearing that reinforced my personal decision to stick with external menstrual products.

Many women love menstrual cups, and that's absolutely their choice. My goal isn't to tell anyone what they should use, but simply to offer another option that many women find comfortable, breathable, and gentle.

"Do reusable pads reduce cramps?"

I can't promise they will because every woman is different. However, one of the most common testimonials I receive is women telling me they've experienced less to no cramping, less to no irritation, less to no odor, and even shorter and lighter periods after switching to linen.

"Can I wear them overnight?"

Absolutely. That's exactly why I make my 15-inch Maxi and 17-inch Long Maxi pads. Many women comfortably wear one throughout the night without needing to wake up to change, provided they're wearing the correct size for their flow.

For extra protection, many women pair their overnight pad with one of my interlabial pads, which I call Petals. Petals are small, soft pieces of linen with absorbent cores that sit comfortably between the labia/perineum/vaginal opening. Rather than absorbing your flow on their own, they help guide the blood directly into the pad.

This can be especially helpful for heavy flows, gushes, side sleepers, or anyone whose flow tends to run toward the front, back, or sides before it has a chance to absorb. By channelling the flow into the absorbent core, Petals help reduce runoff and spills, giving many women extra confidence overnight.

"How many pads do I need?"

For most women, 8 to 12 pads create a comfortable rotation for an entire cycle. That said, many women gradually build a larger collection over time. The more pads you have in rotation, the less frequently each one is worn and washed, helping extend their lifespan.

With proper care, it's not uncommon for reusable pads to last for many years. I have customers who are still happily using pads they purchased years ago. A larger collection simply means each individual pad gets more rest between uses, so they tend to wear out much more slowly.

One last thing...

Since my recent videos have reached people all over the world, I've been completely blown away by the number of new followers and orders. Thank you so much for being here!

The downside is that my inventory is disappearing much faster than I ever anticipated. I've already begun my next production run, and I'm already sourcing more linen once again.

I work with a wonderful friend who also happens to manufacture my beautiful organic linen. Every time there's an unexpected influx of orders and I simply can't keep up on my own, she's often there to help with the manpower and keep everything moving. That's one of the blessings of being a small business with trusted relationships.

Even so, production takes time, and if demand continues at this pace...I'll do my best!

So if you've been thinking about trying linen reusable pads, or you've had your eye on a particular print or size, I wouldn't wait too long. Once something sells out, I can't guarantee when it will be back in stock.

I'd hate for you to miss out.

Thank you again for supporting my little Canadian business. It truly means the world to me.

With love,

Cathrine Rose

White Rose Linen

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