THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT CLEANING METHODS ON THE MICROBIAL LOAD OF REUSABLE MENSTRUAL PADS

Abstract

Menstrual pads are essential hygiene products used to manage menstrual flow, ensuring comfort and dignity for menstruating individuals. Reusable menstrual pads are re-gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable ones. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of various cleaning methods on reducing the microbial load of reusable menstrual pads. A total of 26 samples from reusable menstrual pads were collected. The participants were directed to follow specific washing protocols as highlighted in recommendations by UNICEF (washing with water only, detergent only, bar soap only, detergent and disinfectant and detergent, disinfectant, and ironing). Samples (used reusable menstrual pads) were retrieved from participants to analyze any microbial presence on the pads themselves. Microbiological analysis was conducted to assess microbial growth on nutrient agar, chocolate agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar. Results obtained showed low microbial load in 53.8% of the samples analyzed. All reusable menstrual pads (RMPs) washed with water only (5) were positive for bacterial culture with count of > 100cfu/ml. Those washed with Viva detergent and May bar soap revealed microbial count of 50-100cfu/ml. RMPs washed with Viva detergent and Dettol disinfectant, dried and then ironed, showed no significant growth or very low microbial counts compared to other cleaning methods (p-values: mesophilic bacteria, p = 0.009; molds, p = 0.009; anaerobic bacteria, p = 0.026; and Staphylococcus spp., p = 0.001). The predominant isolates being Staphylococcus species (26.9%), Lactobacillus species (26.9%), Candida species (19.2%), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (23%). The study revealed that reusable menstrual pads cleaned with water only had the highest microbial loads, while those cleaned with a combination of detergent, disinfectant, and ironing showed minimal to no microbial contamination, demonstrating this method as the most effective for ensuring hygiene and safety.

Keywords: Bacterial burden, Cleaning methods, Disinfection, Fungal load, Menstrual hygiene Reusable menstrual pads,