Bedikah Cloth
A bedikah cloth is a white pre-checked soft cotton cloth also known as a taharah cloth, or an ed. Prepared cloths of this type are generally sold in mikvaot (plural of mikveh); in Israel they are also available at some pharmacies and supermarkets. They can be prepared at home by cutting up well-washed old white underwear.
While a bedikah can be done with other items, they are less preferable. Surgical cotton or cotton balls often contain small colored threads which can be mistaken for stains. Furthermore, cotton absorbs blood deeply so that a genuine stain may not be visible on the surface. Gauze pads are rough and can scratch the vaginal lining, leading to stains from the abrasion.
