Can pads really go mouldy?
Your teen’s probably seen this on TikTok!
Quick summary
- Viral TikTok videos showing “mouldy pads” are almost always misunderstandings, lighting effects, harmless natural fibres, or damaged products
- Actual mould inside sealed pads is extremely rare, and simple checks (intact wrapper, dry storage) are enough to keep products safe to use
- Helping teens understand what’s normal versus fear-based misinformation can prevent unnecessary panic and keep them confident in their period care choices and luna can help with exactly that!
If your teen has come running to you asking whether their pads are mouldy (or saying they’ve seen a TikTok “proving” it), you’re probably a little bit worried for their health, or at least on the hunt to find out if there’s any truth to this claim.
Recently, videos claiming that unopened period pads are full of mould, maggots, or mysterious black dots have been circulating online, and they can look pretty convincing at first glance!
However, genuine mould inside sealed pads is extremely rare.
Most of these videos are either misunderstandings, fake footage, or pads that were damaged after they left the factory.
That said, there are a few situations where a pad might look strange, discoloured, or damaged, and knowing the difference can help reassure your teen and clear up any unnecessary panic!
What are the TikTok claims about mouldy pads?
Teens are seeing a mix of claims going around on social media, some from influencers, some from everyday users.
One claim comes from TikToker @livyforreal, who said:
“Always pads have had a recall – there’s been maggots and mould found in Always pads. They cause irritation and UTIs. Stop using them.”
Other viral claims going around include:
- The dots you see are bacteria
- Brands put chemicals in pads to cause infections
- Brown fibres mean the pad is contaminated
All these claims are extremely worrying, especially if you are a young teen online who often has been defaulting to pads as the preferred period product choice.
But, thankfully, there is no proof of these claims.
What’s actually going on in those viral videos?
Most of the “mould” people think they’re seeing is not mould at all.
Here are the real explanations:
- Shadows and lighting make tiny fibres look like mould: pads are made of layers of compressed fibres, which can look strange under LED ring lights and phone flash
- Natural fibres can contain darker threads: just like cotton balls or tissues, pads sometimes have small dark fibres mixed in – these are harmless and not a sign of contamination
- Manufacturing specks (cosmetic imperfections): small marks can appear during production, but they’re not hazardous and not biological growth
Sadly, some of these videos are straight-up staged to get a reaction.
See, fear-based content often spreads faster, so videos that say “pads are totally safe” get ignored, while videos that say “pads are FULL OF MOULD” go viral.
How to tell if a pad is safe to use
Most pads are completely fine to use. Here are the quick checks you and your teen can do:
- Check the wrapper: it should be sealed, dry, and not torn, if it’s damaged and therefore the pad has become mouldy or dirty, bin it (if it’s just got the usual wear and tear e.g. from a handbag it’s usually fine)
- Store pads somewhere dry: a drawer, waterproof zip bag, or cupboard is best, and you may want to avoid damp bathrooms
- When in doubt, throw it out: it’s better to replace one pad than stress about it
While it’s easy for dramatic TikTok videos to make “mouldy pads” seem like a major threat, the reality is far calmer: genuine mould inside sealed pads is incredibly rare, and most strange-looking fibres or marks are totally harmless.
By helping your teen understand what’s normal, what’s misinformation, and what simple checks to do, you can replace panic with confidence.
And if your teen needs on-going, reliable, shame-free support about periods, products, or any of the confusing stuff they see online, luna is here to guide them every step of the way.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
Sources:
NHS "Choosing period products" | Accessed 20.11.25
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/choosing-period-products/Find out about trends when your teen does
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