I never, ever thought I'd be remotely interested, but seeing as how I felt similarly about CD, I'm starting to look into going down this road as well.
What are the basics I need to know? (I literally JUST started researching...)
What was your reason for using it?
What brand do you use?
Can I wash them with my CDs?
What else should I be aware of?
Re: Cloth Feminine Pads
I loved mine for a very long time. I ended up making my own and used them for years (pre-baby). I rinsed them and threw them in with the baby's wipes as I wash wipes and CDs in two separate loads. Before baby I just washed with towels.
You may also want to check into cups. I have a Lunette that took a few days to master but I love it so much more than cloth pads on heavy days.
I've tried a few different brands of cloth pads and Lunapads were my favorite by far. I primarily use a Diva Cup, but use the pads as a back up or at the end of my period.
I don't do anything special with them. I use them, toss them in the laundry, and wash them. I probably have 15-20 of them and rarely use them all before more are clean so I could have gotten away with less.
I like wings with snaps and I don't like the ones I have lined with minky as it makes me sweat. I like best the flannel lined ones. I like 9-12" long ones. Some of each for different uses (day/night).