Deciding to use washable absorbent products requires a commitment on your part and only using washable products is unlikely to be acceptable.
Many people choose to use a mixed approach, for example:
Important considerations
There are several important considerations when deciding whether washable absorbent products are for you:
-
Access to reliable washing and drying facilities is important. You may find that you have a local laundry service that will wash continence products, but most people will need to launder their own.
-
Think about how many products you will need and how often you will need to wash them for a steady supply.
-
Discreetness may be an issue when products are hung out to dry on a washing line or placed on a radiator.
-
Think about how used products will be stored until laundered. For example, they could be soaked in a bucket until they are washed, or each could be pre-washed on a quick wash setting and set aside until you are ready to do a full wash.
Washing reusable products
-
As for all products, you should follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Washable absorbent pads and pants are generally laundered the same way as normal washing – but for some products it is not advisable to add fabric softener as this can reduce absorbency.
-
Washable products can be laundered with other items in a family wash. However, you may find this unacceptable and the additional laundry too much of a burden.
-
Modern washing machines usually adjust the water to the load size so you don’t waste water with small loads. However, you are likely to use the same amount of electricity.
-
Tumble-drying of washable products can be expensive. This is especially true for large body worn pads and bed pads.
-
Washable products can be air dried. However, this can take a long time, especially if they have a ‘built in’ plastic backing.
-
Laundry of washable products is usually no harder than doing normal household washing. However, bed pads can be heavy work and you might find this is too much for you physically.
You can read more about laundering washable products here.
Advantages of washable absorbent products
-
You don’t have to worry about always having a supply of disposable products.
-
You need fewer products and less storage space.
-
Some pant designs look similar to normal underwear. Some bed and chair pads are available in colours / designs intended to co-ordinate with furnishings.
-
They can be cost effective when used repeatedly - the more times they are used, the more cost-effective they become!
-
There is no need to worry about disposal of products. This can be a challenge when away from home and / or if you need to dispose of large quantities of products.
-
Reusability means a reduction in landfill. However, the environmental benefit of this may be offset by the energy required for the additional laundry! 1
Disadvantages of washable absorbent products
-
Some designs are bulky and not discreet.
-
Absorbency performance can be poor especially for heavier leakage and leakage that comes in gushes or floods.
-
Individual items are relatively expensive to buy; capital outlay is high and mistakes can be costly.
-
Used products have to be transported home for laundering.
-
Skin sprays and ointments may stain washables.
-
Use of washable bed pads as the sole product requires you to sleep naked below the waist.
-
Manufacturers generally recommend that washable products are unsuitable for bowel leakage although many people do put a disposable flushable liner inside the washable pad. This will contain solid waste which can be flushed away.
Tips from product users
Sharing tips is an important aspect of this website. Please click on Contact to leave your 'user tips'.