Cloth pads can be hand washed or machine washed. Soaking or rinsing soiled pads in cold water before hand/machine washing helps to remove as much blood as possible and prevent stains. However, if it is not convenient for you to soak your pads, you can also moisten the absorbent side of the soiled pad with a little cold water, fold in the top and bottom and snap the wings together, and store in a wet bag until washing day. Some people prefer to wash their pads on a daily basis, while others prefer to wash everything at once after the end of the cycle.Our favourite, fuss-free method is as follows:Get ready a small plastic basin or pail filled with cold water. When you come home, throw all the soiled pads into the pail and let them soak. Soaking gets most of the blood out and prevents any staining on your pretty, patterned pads. You can add disinfectant, baking soda, tea tree oil or soap to help with stain removal and to prevent odour. Cover the pail with a lid if it needs to be discreet.Every day when you come home, pour away the water and refill the pail with clean water. Continue adding your soiled pads into the pail.After your period is over, its time to wash the pads! By this time, most of the blood should have been removed by soaking. Throw them all into the washing machine with your regular laundry and wash as per normal. (Do not use fabric softener as it may affect the pads' absorbency.)