Oh, hey. I have kind of an embarrassing question to ask. I thought about just not asking it, but I really do need input. I’m preparing to make an expensive purchase and I think it’s better to get recommendations about these things. But…this involves feminine hygiene products. So if that kind of thing squigs you out, now’s the time to take a powder.
I cannot believe it was almost TWO YEARS AGO that I read these two posts by Jonniker talking about the, er, Diva Cup. And The Keeper. And The Moon Cup. Each of which, if you’re not familiar with the names, is a little cup that is inserted into the tampon region for the tampon purpose, but unlike a tampon it is reusable. You, ah, empty/rinse it out periodically during the day.
The comments on those posts were some of the funniest I’ve ever read. By the time the discussion was over (it took a long time to die down), I was definitely planning to buy one of those things. I totally get how some people are grossed out but I’m just NOT grossed out even a little bit (I did the Fertility Awareness Method for YEARS, and that involves checking your cervical fluid), so ANYWAY it seemed like a good match for me. But I was pregnant at the time (!) and then I was nursing, and I didn’t have much incentive to buy anything of the sort.
And now it has been two years. And I realized there is another reason I haven’t made this purchase: I HATE tampons. I use pads. I’m not saying I LOVE pads, but they don’t bother me either. So you know what makes more sense for me to try? Launderable pads.
You’re a little worried, aren’t you, that this means I’m going Environcrazy. Next I’ll be eschewing launderable pads in favor of LEAVES from the BACKYARD. Would it be reassuring if I mentioned that I use an entire flush of the toilet to dispose of a bug? It’s true. Also, I don’t turn my computer off at night because it’s too much trouble to push the on button in the morning.
In fact, I’m a little worried that the only reason I’m interested in this at all is that when I was searching for cloth napkins on Etsy I accidentally found a bunch of THE CUTEST reusable pads EVAR in this shop. I mean! Will you look at this?
Pink paisley, forthuhluvuhguh. And this!:
I WANT. I almost bought them without even investigating if they’re any GOOD. I mean, do they leak? Do they stain? Do they shrink? Do they fade? These are the questions a person should be asking herself, rather than “Are they cute?”
Anybody still reading? If so, and if you have experience with this sort of thing, can you tell me what to look for or where to buy? I know I could also theoretically make my own, but that would involve theoretical sewing abilities, and really I am MUCH better at shopping.
I don’t have any more problems with them than I do with regular pads. Yes, they leak sometimes, but some varieties come with some plasticky coating on one layer and that might solve that problem.
You will end up needing to carry around a plastic bag with you to put them in. They are bulkier than disposables, in general.
Blood does stain them, but depending on how much you want the pads to remain stainless, you can either soak them as soon as you’ve used them, then throw them in the washer with your regular cold wash (seriously, it does not cause any staining of your other clothes!).
Since I started using them I actually think I bleed less. And sometimes I still use disposables, for example on long trips where laundry facilities are not convenient. But I think these have saved me some good money.
The kind I use are from HagRag, but there are so many other kinds.
thank you swistle, for bringing this up! i have been thinking of making the same type of purchase for a while now, but didnt know anybody who uses it. I too am a pads person, as tampons get too messy when in a public bathroom.
Oh, Swistle, how can you hate tampons? This BLOWS ME AWAY! To each her own, but I just can’t stand that bulky feeling! It seems like these would be highly stainy? And then you have to like carry the used one around if you aren’t at home? That also kind of terrifies me. I had no idea such a thing existed!
I actually really like using a thin reusable pad as a pantyliner WITH the Keeper/Diva Cup/Instead of your choice. That way if you have a little bit of leakage it’s no problem, but you aren’t wasting a pad for a day if you don’t need it.
Anyway, I say just buy one (or one set or whatever) and see what you think. I like flannel, and yeah, it will probably stain but that never really bothered me all that much.
Oh, and you can use a ziplock bag for changing them when you are out and about. It is bulkier and more annoying to carry around, but it’s worth it to me for comfort. (Or you could use a designated container, like a cheapie tupperware thing that you only use for this, that way you wouldn’t have plastic bags to throw away EITHER.)
I was JUST reading about the Keeper in The Tightwad Gazette and remembering those posts from two (Two? Wow.) years ago. I’ll be interested to read what people say.
Also, SouleMama wrote about how much she likes cloth pads awhile ago and linked to directions about how to make them. Aaand…I forget how to link. *sigh*
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2005/08/feelin_thrifty.html
I have wanted so, so, so badly to make my own pads because a) so many reasons to love, and b) so much opportunity for cute. However, I’ve had to reconcile myself with the fact that, at this point in my life, I do not have the organizational grapes to pull off the whole “wash in a timely fashion” thing. I wish you the best in this awesome endeavor. There are a bunch of women over at Craftster who make their own, if you’re interested. Yay you!
I have never once thought of feminine hygiene products as “cute,” nor have I ever based a purchase of said products on looks. However, those are totally cute and if I used pads, I might be tempted to try them. Things holding me back are thus: 1. I’d be mad if I bought them because they were cute and they ended up stained/not cute anymore. 2. The ick factor of having to carry a used one somewhere on my person. 3. These seem like they’d be less absorbent and more “squishy.”
As a tampon kind of girl, I really need to investigate this Diva Cup thing to sort of counter-balance my use of disposable diapers on my kid.
Well this post is right up my alley because I have tried them all. Before kids I was tampons all the way, post kids things changed too much down under and I can’t stand them. I tried the Diva cup and just couldn’t get it to work for me (even after 3 conversations with their tech support, HA!) So I went to cloth pads (not sure the brand), those only work for me on my light days. So all that said I start out with the extra industrial pads and by the 3rd day I am on cloth. That’s what works for me :)
Oh, um, mo. I won’t be trying cloth pads… I am the opposite of you and really I can’t stand pads. But they do look cute!
I have cloth pads that my mom made me and I love them! I would suggest looking for some that are all cotton (many have a plastic layer but that just keeps smells in, in my experience) and have removable inserts. That way you can customize your pad to your flow. Mine are like Glad Rags.
I don’t really get the whole hating tampons thing being the type that hates pads myself. But good luck to you on this adventure…
I don’t know much about cloth pads, but I assume the work similar to cloth diapers. They might leak, but probably just as often as a ‘sposie fails.
I launder the diapers in cold water first (rinses any stains away) and then was in hot water (sanitizes). No staining. Curious how to store these while you’re waiting for cleaning …
Those ones from Etsy are indeed adorable. But, I mean, reusable pads? For reals? I don’t, uh… I mean, um… let’s just say they’re not for me. Of course, that’s what I said about cell phones and digital cameras and, like, VEGETABLES once upon a time….
I totally don’t get this phenomenon or buying something cute to BLEED on! However, to each her own and I wish you luck with this venture.
I try to be environmentally responsible when possible, but some things are just meant to be diposable. I mean, I’d hate to get pulled over by a cop and fumbling around to find my license, and that falls out of my purse. Or worse, a grocery checkout. Or Nicky empties out my purse and thinks its a funny hat. Yuck Yuck Yuck. I’m sure that I’m being a bit narrow-minded here, and I admire you all for giving them a whirl. I’ve honestly never heard of such a thing. But I suppose they had to use something of this sort before the invention of disposables, like in Bible times or something.
Yeh, I’m not going to try the cloth pads. But, interesting to read about. Another pad that has changed my life is Always infinity. They are more expensive, but there is no leakage, and they are great! (Superabsorbent!)I won’t go back to the others!Let me know how this all goes!:) Good luck!
OMG, I just made the switch last month and it all went well. Cloth pads AND the Diva Cup. Oxyclean was invented for just this reason- my pads are still looking quite unused, and they were SO comfy. I got three different brands to decide which I liked the best- Sckoon pads (soft, comfy, yet don’t like folding inserts)Sorella luna (a bit heavy duty, but fine for now and then) and Happy heiny’s- which are so soft and cute, I haven’t used them yet. I thought I would never be able to do it, but it’s quite easy. Here is a helpful link:
http://greenhome.huddler.com/wiki/how-to-switch-to-cloth-menstrual-pads
you people must not bleed much to be able to use pads alone. and i am sorry, but to take a used pad and put it in a plastic bag that is sealed alll day and then open that bag to wash it…i think not. old blood stinks. i can’t even imagine what that would smell like.
I started using or reusing pads last summer and I.LOVE.THEM. I buy from
http://www.allthingscloth.com/Home.html
I get the 9″ regular/heavy with minkee which is oh so soft on your girly bits.
They have multiple layers that have never ever leaked on me. I rinse at home, squirt with stain spray or some vinegar and toss in the wash with the next load.
And THAT’S more than you ever wanted to know about my menstrual product choices/habits.
Hmm. I’m not so much a pad girl myself. But I think those are cute. And I love my Diva Cup.
I hated pads so much that I stopped using them when I was 14, and have only went back for post-childbirth, but I hope you find what you’re looking for. I have considered the Diva cup in the past, maybe I’ll take another look at that option.
i’m ashamed to say i fall into the “mildly horrified” camp here. i haaaate pads in general – both the bulk, and that awful feeling of being able to FEEL the ick just… chilling. rubbing up against your girly bits. the day i finally figured out How Things Worked down there enough to use tampons was a good one indeed – i’m interested in switching to the divacup, but, uh, not so much to reusable pads that i’d (EEP HADN’T EVEN THOUGHT OF THAT UNTIL READING THE COMMENTS) have to carry around with me until i got home. however! am very very interested to hear how it goes! (really!)
If I didn’t so much love the Diva Cup, I’d definitely look into these. It’s so nice having the option NOT to use disposable. If you do decide on them, let us know… in the very circumspect, discreet way you’re so good at… how they do. :)
Okay, the timing is perfect for this post! I had wondered if I was the only person thinking about all the pads/tampons cluttering up landfills–obviously not. Reading the posts on Jonniker’s blog and these comments was informative! I just don’t know that I can deal with reusing something like that. But I think I could do the pads for than the diva cup!
Hummm I am actually considering this. Those you posted are really cute. I am not grossed out by carrying around a baggie for the dirty ones, dang I have had to hang on to a poopy diaper before (don’t ask….). My mom is a wiz with a sewing machine so I might look into this a bid more & whip some up with her. My lower regions change also after kids (dunno why, I had 2 c-sections) and now I have to use pads. Sometimes I get a rash from the plastic in them rubbing on my girly bits & thighs. I think it’s an awesome idea!!!
I like them, myself. I have some plain, organic cotton pads and I find them to be much more comfortable than disposables, despite the thickness. I also find that I have little to no cramping when I use them, too.
If I have to go somewhere for a long period of time, I will bring along a disposable as ‘backup’, but over all I have found these to work great.
I use Sorella Luna pads that you can buy at cottonbabies.com. And they do stain a bit, but I usually just spray them with Oxy Clean and let them sit a while. That takes care of most of it.
Yay for you!
I am still breastfeeding so my period didn’t come back yet.
I hate pads, but I hope to use my keeper again when the time comes.
Am I twelve?! I can’t stop giggling at the thought of you with leaves in the backyard. Seriously, hilarious!
I found this post fascinating and can’t believe people actually make/sell/use fabric pads…never heard of that. I also haven’t heard of the DivaCup either…I will check that out, but with working and having a public bathroom, can’t really see rinsing discretely….
My favorite part of this whole thing is that you stumbled upon it by searching for cloth napkins. 1950s meet 2009: someone makes these on Etsy and tags them, presumably among other things, as cloth napkins?!? Yay! It warms my heart. Go find your old copy of Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and order yourself some cute pads!
Hm. I’m squicked a bit. Not by the talk of pads and periods and whatevs, that’s just life… but I don’t think I could do the reuseable thing here. I like to just toss ‘n forget it. LOL. I can’t see carrying them around and putting them into the laundry. LOL.
But, interesting to find out reuseable pads exist. I’d heard of the tampon-style things, but never these!
Your post had me in stitches. (I’m with Jess, still stuck on you using leaves in the backyward! HA!)
In all my time with the seriously hippie types, I never heard of reusable pads (tried the Keeper for a month or two and EW, not for me, too heavy a bleeder I guess). But these pads ARE SO CUTE. OMG. And I love thought of nice soft fabric WITH NO ADHESIVE TO STICK TO MY NETHERS. What a concept…. Perhaps for light days, when I’m home…. (Maybe some of those who are seriously grossed out are the types who are away from home, and therefore instant laundry access, for 12 hours a day??).
I’ve been using cloth pads for a while, and I haven’t had anymore leakage problems with them than I did with the disposables. I haven’t really ever had to carry a dirty one around either because mine seem to work fine for a 3-4 hour trip away from home. I usually put on a disposable if I think I’ll be gone too long on a heavy day. I have a “special” (only used for this purpose) container in my bathroom that I fill with cold water during the certain time of the month, and I just toss them in there to soak until I can wash them; I haven’t had any problems with staining when I do that. (And my bathroom garbage can fits perfectly over that container so no child has any reason to get curious…) The cute patterns are really fun! And I actually like the feel of the flannel better than the disposables…it just…breathes better or something. The kind I have are about 3 layers of flannel, and then a layer of fleece for the…ummm…moisture resistant properties (I’ve never had anything leak through the fleece layer). It took me a while to cross over to the washable pads because I really thought it would be yucky (why I would think that after dealing with the bodily fluids of 4 children, I just don’t know), but it really hasn’t been bad. And the cute patterns are so fun! This site has a lot of good info along with pads you can buy: http://www.newmoonpads.com/pads.html.
I don’t really have any input because I’ve never tried cloth pads, but I just wanted to throw in that I too, am a tampon hater. And I feel all subversive about it. Like it’s a dirty little secret that, gee, I do NOT prefer tampons.
Hullo! I’m a long-time lurker and felt compelled to make an appearance to discuss this. I recently, in the last year, developed a horrible skin allergy due to tampons and maxi pads. I’m sure you can imagine how uncomfortable that sort of thing is. Anyway, this has pushed me to buy a Diva Cup and cloth maxis both. The Cup is a little leaky (I may not be using it right, though), so I have a pad on in case. The pads have never leaked on me,even on heavy-flow days without a Cup in. I don’t know if they stain, as I got dark colours.
There are lots of places on Etsy to buy them,as you’ve discovered,and they all look about the same to me. Or, you can Google patterns and make your own if you have the time and/or motivation.
I definitely recommend both products, but especially a nice cushy flannel pad, since that sounds more like your territory. Good luck!
-Izza
1. They are SO MUCH more comfortable than disposable pads. And I hate pads. I started using them after my first baby was born because the thought of having to wear a pad for several weeks in a row post-partum made me crazy.
2. They do stain, but it has never bothered me.
3. Get a cute little wet bag intended for cloth diapers or something so that you have something clean to put them in (at home or in your purse) that is not see-through should it fall out in a public place.
4. The ones you linked to look more like panty liners that I have, which are not good for heavy or regular flow days. I have Happy Heiny’s (evil apostrophe!) regular for normal days and the overnight/post-partum ones for, well, overnight and post-partum!
I hate tampons too!
And there it is. My contribution to this topic :)
Oh! Except! It’s totally freaky weird that you’re discussing this stuff today because just! yesterday! I was discussing the exact same topic with MYSELF.
To those that are sqeeved out – what do you think women used for millions of years before the sposie was invented? Also, gag, all those tampons and pads in our landfills FOREVER! Once I started thinking about it I couldn’t stop.
You are a crazy environut! I started using the Diva Cup and cloth pads when I started using cloth diapers because it occurred to me that the disposables are ALSO cluttering up the landfills, just like disposable diapers. It had honestly not occurred to me before. And when I first heard of them, I was squicked, but then I got over it. I will say that *I* think the cloth pads are more comfy at FIRST, but they do not stay dry on top like disposables with “dry weave” do. At least, not the kinds I use. I have some Ama’z Padz, but they are hard to come by because they are made by one woman, slowly, and she had a baby recently, so for some reason it has not been her priority to handstitch cloth pads for people. I also have some Glad rags and accidentally bought an enormous batch of…either Luna Pads or Sckoon. (I thought I was only buying one to try, but ended up with a monthly supply.) Unfortunately, I don’t really like them. I think when it becomes an issue, I might invest in some different ones when it becomes an issue after this new baby.
Also, for what it’s worth, GladRags come with a travel pouch that has a second pouch for the dirty ones. It is opaque, should it happen to fall out of your purse.
I totally checked Etsy for cloth napkins the other day and saw these too!! They are cute, but I’m just not sure….
I have a couple of reusable pads/pantyliners but I HATE pads. I use them ocassionally, but I LOVE my diva cup. Love it. I would not go back for anything!
Also, I imagine this is kind of like what I do with cloth diapers. I use them at home, but if we’re going to be out for a long time or we travel, I use disposables. I don’t see why you couldn’t do the same with pads, if you feel weird about carrying them around, used.
I just didn’t have room in my diaper bag for so many cloth diapers.
I totally just made a quilt for a friend’s baby out of the fabric from that first pad. Weird.
I’m firmly in the tampon camp for outside the home. But could see a reusable pad for light nights. I don’t currently, but it does make sense.
I abhor tampons. Yet I didn’t know anything like this existed. See, when I’m not coming here for the laughs, Swistle is always sure to provide new knowledge. I hope I won’t have to use any of these products for awhile, but when I do again, I will be looking into these. I’ll wait for your report.
Do you know where Jonniker’s follow up cup review is? I skimmed through a few entries over the next few months, but couldn’t find it.
I use cloth pads. I think the brand was Glad Rags, but it’s been so long since we bought them I’m not sure. They do stain but some of mine are a burgundy color and stains don’t show on those. They don’t leak, shrink or fade. I would definitely get the kind with snaps. (I have some with and some without) as the ones without tend to shift about a bit.
I highly recommend cloth pads – they’re so much more comfortable and breathable than disposable. I avoid the carrying used pads around issue by using the Diva Cup in combination with a pantyliner (or pad on heavy days) as a backup. That way, I rarely need to change pads during the day. I’m a fan of Lunapads (www.lunapads.com). They also sell the Diva Cup. As for what to do while you’re waiting for laundry day, I rinse after use and then wash them all together in hot water. Slightly less ick factor that way.
Linda: Here’s one and here’s one and here’s one and here’s one and here’s one and JEEZ Jonniker!
Thanks! I love how the 2nd one you linked to was all “A final note . . .” :)
I wonder if something like this would be good for me, who since having children has had to double up tampon/pad or tampon/liner. I might not wear them on their own, but as a 2nd line of defense, maybe.
I love these: http://www.homesteademporium.com/
I’m still nursing and haven’t actually used them since the whole post-partum bleeding period, since my period hasn’t returned yet, but they are oh so soft and pretty. They are made of bamboo velour and just feel so nice :)
http://macyfron.com
LOVE the coffee idea, frankly quite scared of this one, BUT totally fascinated and excited for updates!!!! You rock always! :) ~Jenny in MD
they’re pretty, I’ll give you that!
I’m a diva cup girl. I like not having to worry about anything for the whole day, especially if we are at the beach.
AAAAAAAHHHH. After your napkin post, I went straight to Etsy and looked up “cloth napkins” and saw the same adorable/practical things, and I thought, “Ooooh, I should tell Swistle!” But then I thought, you know, that might be overstepping some sort of Boundary, so I didn’t.
I’m not sure WHY I thought that, because who am I, to exhibit BOUNDARIES in a COMMENT BOX?
I’m still loving my Diva, by the way, and I am eternally grateful to Jonniker for bringing it up. Because that is why I made the leap. It is way more comfortable than tampons because it is, you know, bendy. Very bendy!
But, yeah, I think these are awesome, and it seems like it’s worth a sample purchase. I’d probably go with darkish colors. Man! They seem so much more cheerful and comforting than the disposable kind.
they are awesome!!! i use them in conjunction with a diva cup (on questionable days) and they are so very comfortable and fabulous. mine have not shrunk or stained (if they stain the tip is to hang them on the line in the sun- i have not had to try that yet) i love the diva cup because it’s super easy to forget about! it is the best thing to ever happen to my period.
I’m picturing a bunch of festively printed panty liners hanging from a clothes line in my back yard, and the neighbor dog snatching it and running off, and the neighbor being, like, “hey – what the heck are these things?!” A comical visual, to say the least
I used to like pads. Then I found the Diva cup and became a convert. Whatever works for you!
I made my own with my serger and have used them for years, though not on long trips, etc. I’ll say this: They Breath A lot Better than Plastic Products, if you follow. I keep a plastic tub hidden to soak them in. If you’re not squeamish, there’s something kind of nice and ritualistic about having them all neat and folded and ready for next month.
I read this post this morning, and I’ve been waiting all day to come back and comment on it. I wanted to see what other people had to say and read all their comments. I use a Diva Cup type thingie, and I like it. I only use light days or pantiliner type pads, and I have been thinking that cloth pads might be just the thing for me. I definitely need a liner when I wear the cup, because I occassionally leak a bit.
I am happy now to have so many links and insights to cloth pads. I feel like I did when I found lots and lots of cloth diaper resaources. This is great. I will be curious as to how the switch goes for you.
I see that you recently bought 1 million pads. :-) Who did you wind up buying from? Did you decide to try a few from everybody? With so many people offering brand suggestions, I’m curious which ones you chose!
Lisa- I bought from a bunch of different Etsy sellers, and got different types and sizes to try. I’m hoping they work out, because the Etsy ones seemed like they were well-priced compared to some of the others, and also, er, because the Etsy ones tended to be cuter! I’ll do a report in a month or two on my research.
I’m dying to hear your review. I mean, I kinda don’t want to know, but most of me wants to know how it works for you.
I use these : http://www.mom-and-me-creations.com/ClothMom.html
I have some that are 4+ years old and are good as new. They are easy to wash. They do not stain. They are very very comfortable. I love them and will NEVER go back to wearing diapers or jabbing God only knows what up my lady parts.
I hope you love them as much as I do.
Hi, I use cloth pads. I also make and sell them on Etsy. :) I’d like to answer some questions for you, though you’ve already had some great answers here.
Do they leak?
They can, if you’re not wearing the right absorbency for your flow. Some pad makers add a waterproof layer in their pads to prevent this, but I find this makes them as hot and uncomfortable as disposables. An alternative is to use a synthetic fleece on the back which is water-resistant and offer a compromise on the leaking vs. comfort. Some people find no waterproof or water resistant layer is necessary. Practice will help you answer the question for yourself.
Do they stain?
They can, depending upon your cleaning method. Generally, rinsing a pad soon after use is enough to prevent staining, but if you can’t clean them right away, later soaking them and using a little vinegar and baking soda can do the trick. There are stain removers out there, some are more chemically hazardous than others. Again, you can follow a basic guideline and eventually you’ll develop your own routine.
Do they shrink?
Most makers pre-wash their fabrics prior to sewing to help prevent shrinkage. They still can, however, though not enough to affect the comfort of the pad. You can expect maybe 1% shrinkage.
Do they fade?
Different fabrics launder differently. But I don’t think there is a single fabric that will fade away before its use as a pad has been outlived. Certainly, cotton flannel will pill quickly and look a little more ragged sooner. Flat cottons last the longest. Knits, any knits, will fall apart sooner from the agitation of the wash.
You’re focused on the cute aspect… and really, that’s a fine reason to make the switch. Cloth pads make the whole menstrual experience easier and more fun because it’s gives you something to look forward to.
If you make the switch, I’d recommend trying different brands, different sizes, and different fabrics. There’s a lot of great variety out there and an infinite numbers of comfort levels.
I’d love to hear an update!!
you will LOVE reusable pads!!! im 18 ive been using them for about 4 months now….
1. to prevent staining, soak in freezing cold water, rinse over and over, then put hydrogen peroxide on them. that works very well. after that cold water wash with some color bleach, and your good to go (hot water sets stains)
2. do they leak?
depends…. if you dont change them, of course! if you have a very heavy flow, probably. (i have a really heavy flow so i’ve done better with using the pads i’ve bought online for light days, and making my own for heavy days, using washcloths with fabric stiched around them….
3. if your worried about stains, buy dark colors….
4. washing them IS kinda gross at first, i got dizzy seeing all my blood up close and personal, but before long, it becomes a ritual.
you can even water your plants (non flowering plants) with the bloody water, the plants will THRIVE!!
well good luck with your switch and congrats!!
the pads are adorable and just think of the pros:
1. save $
2. become more comfortable with your period.
3. cuter pads
4. no more “crunching” noise from pads
5. no more embarassing ripping opening packages of pads in public washroom
6. no more getting caught at 11pm when the store is closed with no pads!
7. environmentally better
8.healthier for you…
and finally, some women say they lighten/shorten your period!
from personal experience my period has gone from 8 to 5 days since switching!!!
cute colors!
Hm… I look forward to an update. Sounds like something I might want to try. And as for stain removal… Hospitals have been using ice water and salt to remove blood stains for years. It works on fresh stains. For older stains, well, oxyclean and boiling water are good, and Zout is amazing. I had a sheet with some stubborn bloodstains on it that I’d been trying to get out for over a year. The Zout took most of it out.