Conditioning and Aftercare 

Before use, your pads will need to be conditioned through multiple wash and dry cycles.  Due to its strength, hemp fabrics need more conditioning than plain cottons, flannels, and most other fabrics used for cloth pads today.  Don't be tempted to "baby" your new pads.  Hemp requires  a vigorous break-in.   We recommend you wash and dry at least five times on hot settings with vigorous agitation before you begin trying them out.  Throwing them in with the white load will help break the fabric in much faster than washing them alone.  Hand washing will NOT condition your pads so we do not recommend this when your pads are "new."  Hand washing after your pad has reached maximum absorbency is fine.  Line drying, however, will render a very stiff pad so drying in a dryer is still recommended.  You can test your pads for absorbency by pouring a small amount of liquid on the top of the pad.   If the liquid soaks in immediately, the pad is ready for use.  If the liquid sits on top of the pad for a few seconds, the pad needs more conditioning.  Hemp tends to reach it's peak around the 10th washing so keep this in mind when making a final determination if the pad is working for your needs.