Well, I’ve used Glad Rags (similar to your link) for years and I LOVE them. Washing them is totally not a big deal, and you can do it many different ways – I find the easiest is just to wrap them up after use (just like a pad, just put it in a bag rather than the trash), then just before doing laundry you rinse them and then toss them in the laundry with everything else. Hand washing/rinsing really isn’t grosser than muddy pants/shoes or washing dishes or pets or any number of other things (I’m trying to think of examples that people do!) – I guess it’s just how you think about it. Really it’s just some cloth that you throw in a sink/bowl and fill with water and soap. It all washes away and you wash your hands afterward. Anyway, after all this time I hardly think about that part. Yeah, it can be a little diaper-y, but less so than non-cloth pads, especially because on the lighter days you can just use one (or two) of the inserts (at least I can) – and that’s very absorptive and thin, and soft cloth just like underwear. I just wear a skirt or something looser on those days, and underwear that really hold them snug (like boy-cut shorts). I could definitely see the case for people who aren’t as into it using tampons/disposable pads for the heavy days then using cloth for the ‘stragglers’. That’s kindof best of both worlds. I’ve started to use tampons for ‘special occasions’, especially the first day or two – if I need to dress up or wear something fitted, a beach party, etc etc – and otherwise use these.
I was amazed recently on a few occasions when I needed to use ‘regular’ period things – someone handed me a disposable pad and it seemed HUGE! And crunchy squeeky plasticy awkward. And the big, invasive, non-natural tampons (like, ich! what am I putting inside myself!) with big applicators… I opted for the little organic cotton tampons, which are fine for me, but it definitely reminded me how much more comfortable the rags are. I guess I really take it for granted. I couldn’t believe how uncomfortable, how much waste, how expensive, and everything else most women are going through every month!
So I guess that answers your question, and maybe voices a little contrasting viewpoint to some of the other responses. :)