It's amazing how much better they are, isn't it?
I could never ever see myself washing pee pads, but old Lady has neuropathy in her hind legs so she doesn't lift them up that high anymore. She'd try to circle on the disposables and they got tangled in her legs. When she started going right next to the pad I broke down and bought Pooch Pads.
I had the same reaction as you did ....what took me so long!
I got over the "yuk" factor pretty fast. I presoak/wash them in 20 Mule Team Borax, then use bleach in the wash so the odor gets neutralized in the process. I have a really sensitive nose to odors and I can't smell anything after I've washed them so I'm sure no residue stays in the washer.
Wait until you see how much money you save, too!