5 Simple Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Washable Bed Pads Fresh and Absorbent

Bed pads came as a welcome relief for caregivers tending to incontinent patients. Although they resemble your regular mattress covers, these products feature special incontinence pads that absorb urinary discharge and prevent the bedding underneath from getting soiled.  

Bed pads were originally known as chux pads. The name “chux” is a corrupted version of ‘chuck,’ implying these incontinence products could simply be chucked into the trash after the first usage.  

However, bed pads now come in reusable options too.  

Reusable bed pads can provide weeks or months of incontinence protection, making them more cost-efficient than their single-use counterparts. All you need is to implement a proper maintenance plan.  

In this post, we examine the five simple strategies for keeping your reusable bed pads fresh and absorbent, despite undergoing multiple wash cycles. 

1. Understand What Your Bed Pad Is Made From  

Washable bed pads feature three principal layers, each made from specific materials.  

The top layer typically includes soft fabrics like cotton or cotton/polyester blends. Both materials retain their robustness considerably well, with cotton being the softer and more absorbent option.  

A bed pad’s middle layer comprises its absorbency core.  

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are the most preferred material here, thanks to their remarkable moisture-wicking properties. SAPs can soak up 1000+ times their mass in fluids.  

Finally, a bed pad’s bottom layer is typically constructed from waterproof plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane. Both materials are low-maintenance and can withstand frequent washes.  

For enhanced breathability, you may consider polyurethane laminate (PUL) for a bed pad’s bottom layer. PUL promotes free air flow through the rest of the pad’s fabrics, minimizing skin issues like diaper rash. 

2. Only Use When Required  

Are bed pads ideal for everyday use?  

Well, the answer largely depends on your incontinence level.  

You may not need to use your bed pad daily if you suffer from mild or moderate overnight incontinence. But if you experience heavy urinary leakage at night, then these products will constitute an essential component of your bedding.  

Get a professional medical examination to determine your incontinence level.  

Another good practice is to remove bed pads every morning and replace them with regular mattress covers. That’s particularly important if you prefer to lounge on the bed for most of the day, either to catch up on the news or turn a few pages of your favorite novel.  

Using a bed pad only when required extends its longevity. It also minimizes contact with non-urinary bodily fluids like sweat, which could cause a build-up of nasty smells. 

3. Wash With Mild Detergent  

Each bed pad comes with explicit warnings on the chemicals to avoid during routine washes.  

Especially shun bleach, as it can weaken a pad’s fabrics and cause them to fray. Bleach may also damage the absorbency core and degrade the plastic backing, shrinking the bed pad’s durability further.  

Insist on mild detergents instead.  

Cold water is fine. If you prefer warmer water to dislodge stubborn stains, keep the temperature within 86 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30 – 40 degrees Celsius).  

Very hot water can delaminate your bed pad’s waterproof backing, reducing its absorbency. After washing your bed pad clean, consider air drying it.  

Air-drying is preferable to other drying methods as it’s gentler on fabrics. It also conserves energy, reduces costs, and protects your bed pad’s delicate materials from ultraviolet (UV) damage. 

4. Rinse With Vinegar for Odor Removal  

Many bed pads include in-built odor-neutralizing technologies, from activated charcoal to artificial fragrances. However, most of the integrated odor-masking solutions tend to wear off with time.  

To keep your bed pad smelling fresh throughout its lifespan, consider rinsing it with white vinegar.  

White vinegar contains acetic acid, which readily neutralizes the alkaline-based smells in urine. It also possesses incredible antibacterial properties, keeping disease-causing bacteria off your skin.  

After routine bed pad cleaning, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Proceed to rinse the pad and air-dry it to lock vinegar into its fabrics.  

As vinegar is also a natural softener, it eliminates the need for potentially harmful fabric softeners. 

5. Practice Proper Storage  

You probably won’t be storing your bed pads for long if you suffer from heavy incontinence.  

But if it comes down to it, such as when vacationing, store the pad in a cool and dry place.  

Regularly check the relative humidity levels in your bed pad’s storage room. Besides causing unsightly stains, excess moisture can damage the pad’s delicate fabrics.  

Don’t store bed pads in direct sunlight, either. Ten minutes of the midday sun every day might be all it takes for UV damage to occur.  

Experts also discourage stacking multiple pads directly onto each other. If you must, insert a breathable fabric between them to prevent moisture ingress.  

Remember to only store a bed pad after washing it. Moreover, clean the storage room frequently to minimize dirt accumulation.  

The Bottom Line 

Bed pads don’t come cheap. So, after finding a quality product, you require a robust maintenance plan to extend its longevity.  

Implementing the above pointers will help preserve your bed pads’ absorbency and keep the fabric smelling fresh for months.  

Remember to always start with the right product. Some key considerations when shopping for a bed pad include maximum absorbency, custom fit, excellent comfort, and unparalleled odor-masking abilities.  

It’s also important to actively monitor your bed pads’ durability.  

While following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines can enhance a bed pad’s longevity, the product will need replacing sooner or later.