KENYA  STANDARD                FDKS 29 25:2021 
Second  Edition 2022 
 
  
 
 
 
© KEBS 202 2 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Textiles — Reusable sanitary towels — 
Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended SAC Draft , February  2022 FDKS 29 25:2021 
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
Alpha Medical Manufacturers Limite d 
Association of Medical Engineers of Kenya (AMEK)  
Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK)  
Diverse Management Consultancy Ltd.  
Equra Health Kenya  
Jads Diagnostics EA Ltd.  
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)  
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Indus try (KNCCI)  
Medtronics Kenya  
Ministry of Health  
Nairobi County — Sub county Health Services, Kamukunji  
Physicist Society of Kenya  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry,  Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  
Suggestions for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya 
Bureau of Standards, are welcome.  
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2022 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of 
the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 
25 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be reproduced, 
stored in a  retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in 
writing from the Managing Director.  
 
 FDKS 2925:2021 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Textiles — Reusable sanitary towels — Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kenya Bureau of Standards, Popo Road, Off Momb asa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
  info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
 
 
FDKS 29 25:2021 
ii © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved   
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
4 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 2 
 4.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 
4.1.1  Absorbent filler  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  2 
    4.1.2  Covering (the layer with skin contact)  ................................ ................................ ........................  2 
4.1.3  Fastening mechanism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  2 
4.1.4  Description  ................................ ................................ .................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Sanitary towels shall be described in accordance to their absorbance capacity:  . Error! Bookmark not 
defined.  
a) panty liners;  ................................ ................................ ....................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
b) Light (for light flow);  ................................ ................................ ........  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
c) Regular / normal (for normal flow);  ................................ .................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
d) Super (for heavy flow)  ................................ ................................ .... Error! Bookmark not defined.  
4.1.5  Odour  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
The sanitary pads shall not contain any odour, either w hen dry or wet with clean water.  ......................  3 
4.1.6  The absorbent filler  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
5 Specific Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  3 
5.1 Materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 3 
5.2 Absorbency and ability to withstand pressure after absorption  ................................ .............  3 
5.3 Protective barrier  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  4 
5.6 pH value  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
5.7 Washing instruction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
6 Information for users  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
6.1  Drying instruction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  5 
6.2 Use and care instructions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 
7 Durability  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 6 
8 Tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
9 Microbiological requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
10 Packing and Marking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
10.2 Marking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
11 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  7 
11.1 Lots ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  7 
11.2 Scale of sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  7 
11.3 Number of tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  8 
Annex A (normative)  Method for determination of absorbe ncy capacity  ................................ ...............  9 
Annex B (normative)  Microbiological examination  ................................ ................................ ...............  14 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  17 
 FDKS 29 250:2021 
© KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  iii  
Foreword  
 
This K enya Standard  was prepared by the Hospital devices, Tools and Equipment Technical 
Committee under the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the 
procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards . 
 
Reusable sanitary towels rend er themselves affordable due to multiple usage times over the course of 
one year as well as reducing the burden of environmental pollution which is associated with 
disposable sanitary towels.  
 
This Kenya Standard provides requirements for reusable sanitary  towels/napkins aimed at ensuring 
that the products are fit for use by the target population and offer the desirable characteristics outlined 
above.  
 
This Second  edition cancels and replaces the first edition ( KS 2925 :2021), which has been technically 
revised. 
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:  
— Information on available Reusable sanitary towels  have been updated;  
— Normative reference  has more additions including ASTM WK67186, ASTM D4772 – 14 (2019), 
ISO   6330, ISO 20158 , ISO 3759 and ISO 5077  
— Clause 4.1.4 on description was moved to labeling clause  
— Clause 4.1.6.6 was inserted and an objective testing method added;  
— Volumes for testing the absorbency capacity were rationalized and are different;  
— Clause 5.5 on thickness , an objective test method was inserted;  
— Figures 1 and 2 were added to more effectively clarify the requirements;  
— Drying times were made to be recommendations rather requirements;  
— Annex A was made B and A on recommended fabrics for making re usable sa nitary towels inserted  
— Oxalated  sheep or goat blood was removed and only test fluid based on gum Arabic maintained.  
 
 
During the development of this standard  reference was made to the following standards  
 
ARS 1575:2019(E) , Textiles — Reusable sanitary to wels — Specification  
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from these sources.  
 
 
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
iv © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  Introduction  
 
The functions of sanitary napkins are to absorb and retain menstrual fluid, and isolate menstrual fluids 
from the body. A sanitary napkin , sanitary towel, sanitary pad, menstrual pad, or pad is an absorbent  
item worn in the underwear  by females who are menstruating , bleeding after giving birth , recovering 
from gynaecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage  or abortion , or in any other sit uation where it is 
necessary to absorb a flow of blood  from the vagina . Important and desired properties are: (i) high 
absorbency/no  leakage, especially no side leakage;  (ii) no chafing  (not abrasive, soft to the touch, to 
be friendly to skin ); (iii) comfo rtable to wear (thin body shape) ; (iv) good  fit to the body contour , stay in 
place ; (v) no unaesthetic appearance or colo ur; (vi) no odo ur; (vii) no noise ; (viii) no humidity that 
leads to skin rash ; (ix) a high level of hygiene ; and (x) to be easy to use  (Osada et al., 2001; Ajmeri et 
al., 2010; Kellie, 2016) . Menstrual pads are usually individually wrapped so they are easier and more 
discreet to carry in a purse or bag.  
 
Menstrual hygiene interventions are complex and involve a number of critical components, including 
access to knowledge, access to products, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WSH) services, 
and improve d social norms  (PSI, 2018) . Menstruation affects women’s participation in daily life around 
the world. During their lifetime, women experience about 480 menstrual cycles, albeit with great 
variation at the individual  level (Krenz et al., 2019) . Most of the menstrual periods are experienced  by 
women  in school and working ages and we expect that the influence of menstruation on work 
participation depends on the quality of the used methods of menstrual hygiene management (MHM).  
 
Globally women and girls have developed their own personal  strategies to cope with menstruation. 
These vary greatly from  country to country, and within countries, dependent on an  individual’s 
personal preferences, available resources, economic  status, local traditions and cultural beliefs and 
knowledge or  education. Due to these restrictions women often manage  menstruation with methods 
that could be unhygienic or inconvenient,  partic ularly in poorer settings , resorting to  use of inferior 
products like new or old cloth, cotton wool, toilet  paper, underwear alone, sponge, old pieces of 
mattresses, newspapers , leaves, ash , soil, feathers , or nothing  (Sumpter et al ., 2013; Kwame 
Ameade et al., 2015; Eijk et al., 2016; Loughnan et al., 2016) . Some of these inappropriate  blood 
soaking materials which may be contaminated by infective organisms are still being used by females 
especially those in rural or impoverished urban areas thereby exposing them to avoidable 
reproductive tract infections (RTIs)  (Garg et al., 2012; Sumpter et al., 2013) .  
 
Menstruation, unless adequately managed, can pose many challenges in both  the public and private 
domains of a woman’s life: for example at school, social  settings, or workplaces lacki ng adequate 
MHM facilities or materials  (Kwame Ameade et al., 2015; Sommer et al., 2016) . It can erode self -
confidence, physical comfort, and peace of mind to concentrate or  participate fully in everyday 
activities . A body of research has documented menstruating  girls’ experiences of shame, fear, and 
confusion across numerous country contexts  and the challenges girls face attempting to manage their 
menstruation with insufficient  information, a lack of social support, ongoing social and hygiene taboos, 
and a shortage of suitable  water, sanitation and waste disposal facilities in school environments . The 
accruing  evidence reveals the gender discriminatory nature of many school environments, with female  
students and teachers unable to manage their menstruation with safety, dignity, and privacy,  
negatively impacting their abilities to succeed and thriv e within the school environment.  Poor school 
attainment reduces girls’ economic potential over the life course, impacts population  health outcomes, 
and also extends to girls’ sexual and reproductive health outcomes,  self-esteem, and sense of 
agency.  In a K enyan study, some girls are said to  lose 24 learning weeks out of 108 weeks due to 
menses  (Wango, 20 11). 
 
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  1  
Textiles — Reusable sanitary towels — Specification  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This Final  Kenyan  Standard specifies  the requirements and test methods for reusable sanitary towels 
(including reusable panty liners) for external use.   
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
ASTM WK 67186 , New Guide for Odor Evaluation of Disposable Absorbent Hygiene Articles  
ASTM D4772 – 14, Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water 
Flow).  
ASTM D1777 - 96(2019 ), Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials  
ISO 139, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing  
 
ISO 3071, Textiles — Determination of pH of aqueous extract  
 
ISO 7211 -2, Textiles — Woven fabrics — Construction — Methods of analysis — Part 2: 
Determination of number of threads per un it length  
 
ISO 9073 -6, Textiles — Test methods for nonwovens — Part 6: Absorption  
ISO 10993 -10, Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 10: Tests for irritation and skin 
sensitization  
ISO 3071, Textiles — Determination of pH of aqueous extract  
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in 
colour  
ISO 6330 , Textiles — Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing  
ISO 20158, Textiles — Determination of water absorption time and water absor ption capacity of textile 
fabrics  
ISO 5077 , Textiles - Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying  
ISO 3759, Textiles - Preparation, marking and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests 
for determination of dimensional change.  
 
3 Terms and definitions  
 
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply.  
 
3.1 
Sanitary towel/sanitary pad/sanitary napkin/panty liner  
Feminine hygienic product made of fabric intended to absorb menstrual flow, daily vaginal discharge 
and pos t-delivery flow.  
 
3.2 
reusable sanitary pads  
washable hygienic sanitary towels with a porous upper layer and a protective barrier that delays or 
prevents potential leakage from the absorbent layer of the pad at the bottom  and may be used again 
by the same person after washing, rinsing and drying.  
 
3.3 
package  
small unit set of sanitary pads as declared by the manufacturer . 
 
 
 
 KENYA  STANDARD  FDKS 29 25:2021 
2 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  4 Requirements  
 
4.1  General  
 
4.1.1  Absorbent filler  
 
When visually examined, t he absorbent filler material shall be free from lum ps, oil spots, dirt , foreign 
materials and harmful materials.  
 
4.1.2  Covering (the layer with skin contact)  
 
4.1.2.1 The covering of the absorbent filler shall be of a suitable material with sufficient porosity to 
permit the assembled pad to meet the abso rbency requirements. The material u sed for the top layer 
shall be fluid transmitter made of organic topped cotton or bamboo velour, cotton  flannel, cotton 
jersey or cotton fleece poly jersey. The finish shall be so ft to the touch and should not shed any fi bres 
when rubbed dry or wet.   
 
4.1.2.2 The covering layer material  shall pass test when tested in accordance with ASTM D4772 – 14, 
Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow) . 
 
4.1.3  Fastening mechanism /Securing mechanis ms 
 
Those with wings/holders shall have a fastening mechanism of sufficient length in such a  manner as 
to form folds around the panty/brief for securing the sanitary pad when in use.  
 
The security strap shall have appropriate extended wing length, smooth, comfortable and  
align length from both sides.  
 
It should be made from sewing thread, Snap Button or press -stud (size less than 20 mm diameter) 
and flexible or smooth Velcro (the Velcro should be shift 6 mm from the edge)  
 
Figure 1. Illustration of f emale r eusable cloth menstrual pad  
 
 
 
 Fastening 
device  Wing Absorbent 
core FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  3 4.1.4  Odour  
 
The sanitary pads shall not contain any odour, either when dry or wet with clean water  when tested in 
accordance to ASTM WK67186 . 
 
 
 
4.1.5 Securing strap / Securing mechanisms  
 
Those with wings/holder s shall have a fastening mechanism of sufficient length in such a  manner as 
to form folds around the panty/brief for securing the sanitary pad when in use.  
 
The security strap shall have appropriate extended wing length, smooth, comfortable and  
align lengt h from both sides.  
 
It should be made from sewing thread, Snap Button or press -stud (size less than 20 mm diameter) a n 
d flexible and smooth Velcro (the Velcro should be shift 6 mm from the edge)  
 
4.1.6  The absorbent filler  
 
4.1.6.1  Absorbent filler shall  be made of one or a combination of recommended raw materials listed 
in Annex A and shall be neatly cut to the required size as per design.  
 
4.1.6.2  It shall be arranged to form a uniform thickness throughout without any wrinkles or distortion.  
 
4.1.6.3  It shall be placed in the covering in such a way that it will not cause lump formation with the 
effect of sudden pressure.  
 
4.1.6. 4 The covering fabric shall cover the filler completely enclosing the absorbent filler.  
 
4.1.6. 5 The reusable sanitary towels  shall have a very soft feel and when worn shall not chafe or give 
any discomfort feeling, and shall be free from all sorts of foreign matters.  
 
4.1.6. 6 The reusable sanitary pads shall not loose shape during the period of use.  
 
4.1.6. 7 The fabric of the t op layer used shall be of a uniform colour.  
 
4.1.6.8  When tested in accordance with KS ISO 20158:2018, the absorbent filler shall conform to the 
requirements in table 1.  
 
5 Specific Requirements  
 
5.1 Materials  
 
5.1.1 When tested in accordance with KS ISO 1 0993 -10, the materials used in the manufacture of 
reusable sanitary pads shall not cause irritation and skin sensitization.  
 
5.1.2 When tested in accordance to KS ISO 105-A02, the colour/fabric dye of the materials shall not 
come out during  washing.   
 
5.1.3 The pads shall not loose shape after washing when tested in accordance with clause 7.  
 
5.2 Absorbency and ability to withstand pressure after absorption  
 
The reusable sanitary towels shall absorb the testing fluid when dripped at the centre of the pad at  
different rates as specified in  Table 1 and shall not leak through at the bottom or sides, when tested in 
accordance with Annex B. 
 
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
4 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 1 — Absorbency capacity at different rates  
 
 
Product category  Absorbency  
Total v olume required to be 
absorbed  Volume required to be 
absorbed/minute  
Panty liners  1ml 0.5 ml 
Light  2 ml 1 ml 
Regular  4 ml 2 ml 
Heavy  8 ml 4 ml 
Extra heavy  10 ml 5 ml 
 
 
5.3 Protective barrier  
 
Reusable pads shall have a protective barrier that delays o r prevents potential leakage from the 
absorbent layer of the pad into the underwear, when tested in accordance with Clause 4.1.2 . 
 
 
5.4  Size and design   
 
External covers shall be removed and the towels stretched flat on a table. Measurements of length 
and width of the sanitary towel when taken using suitable, calibrated meter rule shall meet the 
requirements given in Table 2. 
 
Table 2 — Sizes  
 
Type Length in mm Width in mm Thickness in mm 
Regular 200 ± 20 70 ± 5 6 ± 2 
Large 240 ± 20 70 ± 5 6 ± 2 
Extra large 280 ± 20 70 ± 5 6 ± 2 
 
 
5.5 Thickness  
 
When tested in accordance with ASTM D1777 - 96(2019) , Standard Test Method for Thickness of 
Textile Materials , the material shall pass test.   
 
Note. For consistency, use of 10 N weight is recommended  for use to give pressure on the cloth stack before 
measurements are taken.  
 
5.6 pH value  
 
When tested in accordance with ISO 3071  the sanitary towels shall have a pH of aqueous extract of 
the absorbent material range of 6 - 8. 
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  5  
 
 
5.7 Information for users  
5.7.1  Washing instruction  
 
The user shall wash the sanitary pads by  leaving used pads to soak in cold water for 15 minutes . 
Thereafter, wash with suitable laundry soap or detergent while rubbing to remove stains. Finally,  the 
sanitary pad shall be  rinse d thoroughl y and aired to dry . (See figure 2 below)  
 
 
 
 
Figure 2. Illustration  of washing instruction  
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.7.2  Drying instruction  
 
Reusable sanitary pads shall be dried, either  outdoors or indoors , and only used when fully dry.  
 
NOTE. For cotton fabrics, recommended drying times sha ll be in accordance with  table 3 .  
 
 
Table 3 — Recommended drying time for reusable sanitary pads  
 
Condition  Maximum drying time 
Pads drying outdoors on a cloudy day 6 hours 
Pads drying indoors on a cloudy day 12 hours 
 
 
5.7.3  Use and care instructions  
 
There shall be use and care instructions included in or on every packet of sanitary towels. This shall 
be illustrated either on the primary packaging or provided as inserts inside the packaging.  They are;  FDKS 29 25:2021 
6 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved   
a) Instruction for use and  
 
b) Indication as to which side is absorbent  
 
5.7.4  For reuse, the Public Health shall issue , as medical education,  accurate instructions on what 
to look out for and how to report any issue that may arise out of reuse.  
 
 
5.7.5  Health recommendations  
 
The following recommendato ry information shall legibly and indelibly be provided;  
 
a) Do not share  
 
b) Should be completely dry before use  
 
c) Should be washed with clean water and detergents  
 
d) wash with boiled water after every cycle  
 
NOTE. For reuse, the Public Health may issue  instructions on what to look out for and how to report any issue 
that may arise out of reuse.  
 
6 Dimensional stability and appearance   
 
6.1 When tes ted in accordance to  ISO 6330  and ISO 5077  each pad shall be dimensionally stable  to 
endure repeated use of  a minimum of 9 times of wearing and washing , i.e. 3 menstrual cycles.  
 
6.2 A washing simulation of 3 washing cycles shall be done and mea surements taken after each 
wash to establish shape deformation  using ISO 15487 . If deformed, then the pads shall be de emed to 
have failed test.  
 
NOTE. Preparation, marking and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests for 
determination of dimensional change  shall be done in accordance with  ISO 3759 . 
 
7 Tests  
 
All tests shall be carried out and the product found to perform in accordance with prescribed 
requirements to be deemed as having passed test.  
 
 
8 Microbiological requirement s 
 
The microbiological limits shall be as defined below:  
 
8.1 When determined in accordance with Annex C.4, t he total viable bacteria count shall not 
exceed 1000 per gram of new reusable sanitary towel.  
 
8.2 When tested in accordance with Annex C.4.2, C.4.3, and C.4.4, the reusable sanitary towels 
shall be free from Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  
 
 
9 Packing  and Marking  
 
9.1 Packing  
Reusable sanitary towels shall be supplied in packages made of suitable materials which are sealed 
so as to protect them from moisture, soiling and contamination during storage and transportation.  
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  7 9.1.1 The reusable sa nitary towels shall be manufactured, stored and packed in packets with 
instruction , or leaflet under hygienic conditi ons to minimize contamination. (See clause 7.5).  
 
9.1.2 The packets shall be packed in a carton preferably with  a suitable lining on the  inside.  
 
 
 
9.2 Marking  
 
9.2.1 The following information shall appear legibly and indelibly on the outside of each package:  
 
a) Name of the product.  
 
b) Manufacturer ’s name, address and trade mark, if  any;  
 
c) Brand name (if any).  
 
d) The number of sanit ary towels contained.  
 
e) Size designation.  
 
f) Batch or code number.  
 
g) Washing, drying and care instructions  
 
h) Duration of use.  
 
9.2.2  Description  
 
Sanitary towels shall be described in accordance to their absorbance capacity:  
 
a) panty liners;  
 
b) Light (for light flow);  
 
c) Regular / normal (for normal flow);  
 
d) Super (for heavy flow)  
 
9.3 Additional marking  
 
The reusable sanitary towels may also be marked with certification  marks .  
 
10 Sampling  
 
10.1 Lots  
 
In any consignment all the containers o f sanitary towels of the same size and type belonging to one 
batch of manufacture or supply shall constitute a lot.  
or 
In any consignment, all packages belonging to one batch of manufacture or supply shall constitute a 
lot. 
 
10.2 Scale of sampling  
 
The sa mples shall be tested from each lot for ascertaining its conformity to the requirements of the 
specification.  Unless otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and the manufacturer, the number of 
pieces to be selected at random from the lot shall be in accor dance with a given table.  
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
8 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  10.3 Number of tests  
 
Each package selected as per Table 4 shall be inspected for packaging and marking requirements.  
Sanitary towels selected as per Table 4 shall be examined for requirements stipulated in Clause 5.  
 
 
Table 4 – Scale of sampling  
 
Number of packages in a lot  Number of packages to be selected  
Up to 250  6 
251 – 500 8 
501 – 1000  11 
1001 – 2500  15 
2501 – 5000  20 
5001 and above  30 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  9  
Annex A  
(informative)  
Recommendation for C ore Fabrics for u sed in Reusable Pad s 
 
The core fabric is what is at the centre  of the cloth pad. Its main job is to absorb the blood from the 
period. Some fabrics are much more absorbent than others, but this means they may also be thicker 
or less breathable. So it’s important to choose a m aterial that is right for the type of flow experience d 
during the  period.  
 
A.1 Zorb  
 
Zorb is a hypo -allergenic manmade material that is thin and highly absorbent. It’s used in many 
reusable products, such as pet beds, yoga towels, and nursing bras. It’s al so the most absorbent core 
fabric used in cloth pads.  
It’s perfect for those days where the flow is heavy, but it’s also susceptible to compression leaks – 
when liquid (in this case, the period blood) escapes when pressure  is put  on a fabric that is 
oversa turated.  
 
A.2 Bamboo and Hemp Fleece  
 
 
 
If preference is to avoid fibers that are completely synthetic in the pad but still benefit from a highly 
absorbent material, bamboo fleece is an excellent option. It’s also thin and one of the most absorbent 
fabric s available for cloth pad cores.  
 
Hemp fleece is also highly absorbent, but it has a reputation for getting stiff and uncomfortable when 
worn for a while. It also tends to gain an unpleasant odor after being washed a few times.  
 
A.3 Cotton Jersey  
This is t he same material used in your comfiest t -shirts. It makes for a great top, but it’s not the most 
absorbent material for reusable pads. Cotton Jersey would be best used in pads for days when flow is 
lighter.  
 
A.4 Recommendation for choosing the Right Pad C ore 
When searching for the right reusable pad, one may come across a fabric’s GSM. This stands for 
grams per square meter, and it will let you know how dense a material is. The higher the number, the 
denser – and more absorbent – the material is.  
 
A.5 Top per Fabric  FDKS 29 25:2021 
10 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  These are the fabrics that will be in contact with the skin for hours at a time, so it’s important to 
choose what topper fabric is most comfortable  for a wide range of people . This might take a bit of a 
trial and error on the manufacturer’s part  but it is an essential step. Alternatively, the regulator may 
choose to prescribe for the manufacturers the acceptable material needed to make sanitary towels.  
 
 
 
 
A.5.1 Cotton and Cotton Flannel  
Cotton i s breathable and comfortable, and thus a popular c hoice for a topper fabric with reusable 
pads.  Unfortunately, cotton does stain very easily. So one choose s a cotton topper, consider darker 
colors so that the stains won’t be as apparent after regular use.  
 
Cotton can also be tightly woven, which can slow the flow from reaching the core of your pad. So it’s 
best to avoid a cotton topper on heavier days.  
 
One way to avoid this issue is to use cotton flannel instead. Its weaving is much looser, so it tends to 
be m ore breathable and allow more  flow to reach the pad’s core. It’s a little less hardy than regular 
cotton.  
 
A.5.2 Minky  
 
Minky is a popular man -made fabric used as a topper in reusable pads. It’s soft and highly absorbent, 
which makes it perfect for those days when your flow is heavy. It also usually c omes in a lot of fun 
patterns and prints. The only downside is that it is a very warm fabric that can make some women feel 
sweaty and uncomfortable.  
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  11 A.5.3 Sports Jersey/Polyester  
Sports jersey fabric is made almost entirely of polyester. Although it is a synthetic material, it  can be 
an excellent option for heavier days. Polyester is specifically made to wick away moisture, so it’s great 
at allowing the flow to pass quickly to  the pad’s core. It also keeps your lady parts feeling dry and less 
sweaty.  
 
This solves the only medical issue cloth pads can cause: if a pad is wet and resting against the user’s 
vulva, it can irritate  the skin. Sports jersey fabric prevents this from happening . 
 
A.5.4 Cotton/Bamboo Velour  
 
 
 
Cotton and bamboo velour are velvety -looking fabrics that are great at catching moisture and keeping 
it from going anywhere you don’t want it to on your heavier days. It often comes in ma ny beautiful 
colors. It’s stretchy and soft, though it can make you feel a bit stuffy in your live in warmer climates.  
 
A.5.5 Suede  cloth  
 
Suede  cloth is another synthetic fabric that is partly composed of polyester. As the name suggests, its 
soft texture and unique appearance mimic suede. But, unlike suede, it quickly wicks away any 
moisture so that the flow reaches the pad’s core quickly and the topper feels dry.  
 
A.6 Backings  
After discussing all the options available to you for topper and core fabrics, choosing a backing may 
seem less important. But this is not necessarily true. The backing, or the part that rests against your 
underwear, is the last defense against pad leakage. It can also affect the overall comfort of your cloth 
pad. 
 
A.6.1 PUL: Polyure thane Laminate  
Polyurethane laminate (PUL) fabric is a sort of love -it or hate -it backing in cloth pads. At it’s most 
basic, PUL is laminated cloth. Some pads will place it between pieces of other fabric so that it is not 
visible. Others leave it on the ve ry bottom of the pad as its visible backing. When PUL fabric is used in 
this way, it can sometimes be slippery, causing it to slide or shift within the underwear.  
 
PUL fabric also tends to make cloth pads bulkier and less breathable. So, while they may hel p 
prevent your flow from escaping your pad, they can be uncomfortable for some.  
 
A.6.2 Cotton and Flannel  
If you’re really into unique prints and patterns on your pads, cotton and flannel are excellent choices! 
Unfortunately, they’re not very water resista nt or capable of keeping your flow from escaping. They’re FDKS 29 25:2021 
12 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved  best used with pads that are only being used as panty  liners, or when PUL fabric is included in the 
backing.  
 
 
 
A.6.3 Wool  
Wool has been used to help women handle their periods for centuries. While it may not be quite as 
waterproof as fleece, it is a strong backing option for those who want a more natural fabric. Its only 
downsides are that it sometimes shrinks in the wash and some women may find they are sensitive or 
allergic to the material.  
 
 
 
FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  13 Annex B  
(normative)  
Method for determination of absorbency capacity  
 
 
 
Test methods for determination of absorbency and ability to withstand pressure after absorption.  
 
B.1 Apparatus  
 
B.1.1 Flat level transparent surface.  
 
B.1.2 Burette.  
 
B.1.3 Metallic block, of mass 1 kg and dimensions 150 mm x 50 mm x 15 mm  
 
B.2 Testing fluid  
 
Test fluid shall be made as follows;   
 
B.2.1 Making the test fluid:  
 
B.2.1.1 To about 6L of boiling water in a 10L stainless steel of glass vessel add 4g of methyl paraben 
and s tir until dissolved.  
B.2.1.2 Add 740g of the gum Arabic or gum acacia and stir until all the gum is dissolved.  
B.2.1.3 Add water to make 8.05 L and allow the solution to stand for at least 24 hours.  
B.2.1.4 Filter through a layer of glass wool and  add 9g of methyl blue, 1470 ml of glycerine, and 840 
ml of water and stir.  
B.2.1.5 The total volume will be approximately 9.2 L. Mix thoroughly and allow to stand at least for 24 
hours. Shake before use.  
 
B.3 Procedure  
 
B.3.1 Sanitary towel must be washed wit h soap and dried fully before test . 
 
A.3.2 Lay the sanitary towel on a flat transparent surface so that underside of the sanitary towel can 
be observed.  
 
B.3.3 Using the burette drip at the rate of 15 ml per minute, 30 ml of the fluid maintained at a 
temp erature of 36.52 ºC -37.5 ºC on to the centre of sanitary towel from a height of approximately 1 
mm to 2 mm.   
 
B.3.4 After the towel has absorbed the full amount of fluid, keep a standard weight of 10N  for one 
minute on the portion where the fluid was abso rbed.  
 
B.4 Test report  
 
Observe the back and side of the sanitary towel for any fluid leakage.  
 
 
 
 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
14 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved   
Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Microbiological examination  
 
 
 
C.1 Apparatus and equipment  
 
Use apparatus and equipment complying with the relevant requirements for  microbiological testing.  
 
C.2 Media and reagents  
 
C.2.1 General  
 
Ensure compliance with the general requirements for the ingredients and for the preparation of media 
and reagents given for microbiological testing.  
 
C.2.2 Bacteriological peptone  
 
Peptone   10 g  
Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate  1 g  
Sodium chloride  5 g  
Monopotassium phosphate  1.5 g  
 
Dissolve the ingredients in distilled water and make up to 1 L. Adjust the pH value to be 7.0 ± 0.1 after 
sterilization. Dispense 300 mL volumes into flas ks of capacity 500 mL and sterilize by autoclaving at 
121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.2.3 Plate count agar  
 
Agar  15 g  
Glucose  1 g  
Tryptone  5 g  
Yeast extract  2.5 g  
 
Dissolve the ingredients in distilled water, made up to 1 litre, and adjust the pH value t o 7.2 ± 0.2. 
Dispense 15 mL volumes into bottles and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.2.4 Neutral red -bile salt peptone glucose medium  
 
Peptone  20 g  
Glucose  10 g  
Bile salts No.  3 1.5 g  
Sodium Chloride  5 g  
Neutral red  0.03 g  
Crystal violet  0.002 g  
 
Dissolve the ingredients in 400 mL of distilled water and make up to 500 mL boiling to aid solution.  
Adjust the pH value to 7.4 and filter to a clear solution. Dispense 10 mL volumes into bottles each  
containing a Durham tube and sterilize by auto -claving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.2.5 Fluid soybean -casein digest medium  
 
Pancreatic digest of casein  17 g  
Papaic digest of soybean meal  3 g  
Sodium chloride  5 g  
Dibasic potassium phosphate  2.5 g  
Dextrose  2.5 g  FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  15  
Dissolve the in gredients in distilled water and make up to 1 L, warming slightly to aid solution. Cool 
the solution to room temperature and adjust the pH value to be 7.3 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Filter to 
clarify (if necessary), dispense into suitable containers, and s terilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C 
for 20 min.  
 
C.2.6 Cetrimide agar medium  
 
Pancreatic digest of gelatin  20 g  
Magnessium chloride  1.4 g  
Potassium sulphate  10 g  
Agar  13.6 g  
Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (Cetrimide)  0.3 g  
Glycerin  10 mL   
 
Dissolve all the solid ingredients in distilled water, make up to 1 L, and then add the glycerin. Heat, 
agitating frequently, and boil for 1 min. Adjust the pH value to be 7.2 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Dispense 
into suitable containers and sterilize by  autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.2.7 Pseudomonas agar medium for detection of fluorescein  
 
Pancreatic digest of casein  10 g  
Peptic digest of animal tissue  10 g  
Anhydrous dibasic potassium phosphate  1.5 g  
Magnesium sulphate (MgSO 4.7H 2O)  1.5 g  
Glycerin  10 mL  
Agar  15 g 
 
Dissolve all the solid ingredients in distilled water, make up to 1 L, and then add the glycerin. Heat, 
agitating frequently, and boil for 1 min. Adjust the pH value to be 7.2 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Dispense 
into su itable containers and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.2.8 Pseudomonas agar medium for detection of pyocyanin  
 
Pancreatic digest of casein  20 g  
Anhydrous magnesium chloride  1.4 g  
Anhydrous potassium sulphate  10 g  
Agar  15 g  
Glycerin  10 mL  
 
Dissolve all the solid ingredients in distilled water, make up to 1 L, and then add the glycerin. Heat, 
agitating frequently, and boil for 1 min. Adjust the pH value to be 7.2 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Dispense 
into suitable containers a nd sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
 
C.3 Preparation of test suspension  
 
Transfer 300 mL of the sterile solution of bacteriological peptone ( B.2.2) to a sterile wide -mouthed jar 
of capacity not less than 1 L and not more than 2 L. The  jar shall have a mouth of diameter not less 
than 150 mm and not more than 250 mm, and is fitted with a hermetically closing glass or metal -and-
glass lid. Aseptically place the towel under test in the solution in the jar, fit the lid, agitate the contents 
of the jar for 2 min and then allow the jar to stand for 10 min. Repeat this agitating and standing 
procedure twice more. Aseptically remove about 100 ml of the test suspension for testing as 
described in C.4 below.  
 
C.4 Procedure  
 
C.4.1 Total viable bact erial count  
Into each of three sterile petri dishes aseptically pipette a 1 mL portion of the test suspension. To 
each dish add 15 mL of freshly melted plate count agar ( B.2.3) that has been cooled to 45 °C, and 
mix well. Incubate, count and calculate the total count.  FDKS 29 25:2021 
16 © KEBS 202 2 — All rights reserved   
C.4.2 Examination for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae  
 
Aseptically add 10 mL of the test suspension to a bottle that contains neutral red -bile salt peptone 
glucose medium ( B.2.4). Incubate the bottle for 24 h to 36 h at 37 °C ± 0.5 °C and  examine for the 
presence of Enterobacteriaceae as evidenced by the formation of acid and gas.  
 
C.4.3 Examination for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus  
 
Use the media, reagents and procedure described in TZS125:2007 to examine the test suspension 
(see B.3). As a control, pipette 0.1 mL of a 1: 1000 dilution of an 18 h to 24 h culture of 
Staphylococcus aureus SATCC Sta 10 into Staphylococcus medium and proceed as with the test 
suspension.  
 
C.4.4 Examination for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa  
 
C.4.4.1  Aseptically pipette 10 mL of the test suspension into 90 mL of fluid soybean -casein digest 
medium ( B.2.5) and mix well. Incubate for 24 h at 30 °C to 35 °C. By means of an inoculating loop 
transfer a portion from the 24 h incubated sample tube of flu id soybean -casein digest medium to the 
dry surface of petri dishes each containing approximately 20 mL of Cetrimide agar medium ( B.2.6). 
Incubate at 30 °C to 35 °C and examine after 24h, and again after 48 h incubation, for suspect 
colonies, bearing in min d that in general greenish fluorescent colonies are typical of Pseudomonas 
aureginosa and that in its presence a gram stain examined microscopically will reveal gram -negative 
slender rod -shaped cells.  
 
C.4.4.2  As a control, add 0.1 mL of a 1:1 000 dilutio n of an 18 h to 24 h culture of Pseudomonas 
aeruginosa SATCC Pse 11 mL to 100 mL of fluid soybean -casein digest medium ( B.2.5), and proceed 
as with the test suspension.  
 
C.4.4.3  If none of the colonies obtained from the test suspension conforms to the des cription given in 
B.4.1 and the control culture has been satisfactorily recovered, deem the test sample to be free  from 
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  
 
C.4.4.4  If colonies conforming to the description given in B.4.1 are found, streak representative 
suspect colo nies from the Cetrimide agar onto the surfaces of Pseudomonas agar medium for the 
detection of flourescein ( B.2.7) and Pseudomonas agar medium for the detection of pyocyanin ( B.2.8) 
to obtain isolated colonies. Cover and invert the petri dishes and incubat e at 30 °C – 35 °C for at least 
three days. Examine the streaked surfaces under ultraviolet light for suspect colonies, as described in 
Table B.1. 
 
Table B.1 — Description of colonies  
 
Medium Description of colonies  
Pseudomonas agar for the detection of fluorescein Generally, colourless to yellowish  
Yellowish fluorescence in ultra violet light 
Pseudomonas agar for the detection of pyocyanin Generally greenish.  
Blue fluorescence in ultraviolet light 
 FDKS 29 25:2021 
© KEBS  2022 — All rights reserved  17 Bibliography  
 
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 ARS 1575:2019  
© KEBS  2021 — All rights reserved