Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Hefsek with baby wipe?

21 February, 2024
Question:

If it’s the only thing available, can one use a white baby wipe to do a hefsek taharah?


Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us.

A white cloth is strongly preferred, if at all possible. Any clean, soft, white, absorbent fabric is acceptable; it does not need to be an “official” bedikah cloth.

A woman can generally plan in advance for a hefsek taharah by keeping a supply of cloths in her purse, backpack, etc. Additionally, one should change to white undergarments upon making the hefsek taharah. If necessary, a woman could use a clean, side area of a white undergarment to perform this bedikah.

If no white fabric is available, one can use a sturdy white tissue, doubled up, for a hefsek taharah or a bedikah. A bedikah performed with a tissue is valid so long as a woman is able to perform a thorough bedikah with the tissue remaining intact.

When there is no other option, a wipe can be used for a hefsek taharah or bedikah, as long as excess moisture is squeezed out. For halachic and health reasons, the wipe should be as dry as possible. Women with vaginal health issues should avoid using moist wipes for bedikot. A wipe can be rinsed and then wrung out to remove soaps and perfumes as well as moisture.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

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