With proper care, using reusable pads is easy and they will last you for years and years. For more on how you can wash your cloth pads, click here for a video from Uncle Mo. 

The first step is, yest, a rinse in cold running water. This helps prevents odor and staining of soiled pads between use and wash day. Rinse in cold water  until the water runs clear. Wring them out and store in a wet bag until wash day. Wash with cloth diapers or regular laundry in cold or warm water. Do not add bleach or fabric softeners. Hang to dry when possible, or tumble dry on low.