Tips

The Surprising Five: Uses for Sanitary Pads You Never Knew

As a product designed for women, sanitary pads can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations.

21 July, 2024

Sanitary pads are sterile and highly absorbent, making them ideal for dressing wounds. In fact, during wartime, medics have used them in place of gauze when supplies were scarce. They’ve even been utilized to dress gunshot wounds.

When engaging in physical activities with a high risk of impact and injury, such as rollerblading or soccer, you can also use sanitary pads to protect your knees and elbows.

Fire Escape Mask

If you find yourself trapped in a burning building filled with smoke, soak a sanitary pad in water, cover your mouth with it, and make your escape. You can also soak pads in water and stuff them into door cracks to temporarily block smoke from entering the room. Of course, this would require a significant number of pads.

Water Filter

If you’re ever stranded in the wilderness and your only water source is a stagnant pond, you can use sanitary pads as a rudimentary filter. While they won’t remove all impurities, they will reduce the amount of visible dirt and debris. After multiple filtrations, boiling the water will ensure it’s safe to drink.

To do this, cut off the bottom of a water bottle, replace the cap, and invert it. Cut off the sealed end of a sanitary pad and place it on the inverted bottle. Slowly pour the water through the pad to filter it.

Underarm and Foot Deodorizer

During the hot summer months, physical activity can lead to excessive sweating. Placing sanitary pads in your armpits and shoes will absorb perspiration and help control odors.

Seed Germination

The inner layer of sanitary pads absorbs water well and retains moisture, creating an ideal environment for seed germination. Simply wet a pad, cut off the top layer, and sprinkle seeds on it. Within 3-5 days, you’ll see seedlings emerging.

By Nhật Minh (According to Businessinsider/Thaitrick)

Frequently asked questions

Sanitary pads have a number of surprising alternative uses beyond their intended purpose. These include using them as a deodorizer, for example, placing a pad in your shoe to absorb odor and moisture. They can also be used as a cleaning tool, especially for absorbing liquid spills, and as a post-manicure aid to prevent smudging. Additionally, sanitary pads can be a handy gardening tool for protecting knees while working and can even be cut up and used as a pest repellent.

The absorbent nature of sanitary pads makes them effective for odor control. Place a pad in smelly shoes to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. You can also use them in musty drawers or closets to absorb excess moisture and freshen the air.

Sanitary pads are highly absorbent and can quickly soak up liquid spills. Keep a few pads in your car or at home for emergencies. They are particularly useful for absorbing leaks from car radiators, or for mopping up spills of water, juice, or even oil.

Post-manicure, freshly painted nails are vulnerable to smudging and damage. Placing a sanitary pad over the nail and securing it with tape can protect the nails from accidental knocks and smudges while they dry.

When working in the garden, especially on your knees, place a sanitary pad on the ground and rest your knees on it. This will provide a soft, cushioned surface and protect your knees from dirt and debris.

Yes, the pads can be cut into strips and placed in areas where pests like ants and cockroaches are a problem. The adhesive strip can be used to stick the pieces in place. Pests are attracted to the glue and will get stuck, helping to reduce their numbers.