Bomullstops

Bomullstops are small, single-use implements used for cleaning, applying substances, and sampling. They typically consist of a short stem, made of plastic or paper, with one or more cotton tips attached at the end. They are widely sold for household use and are also employed in medical and laboratory settings.

Variants include designs with a single cotton tip or tips on both ends, and stems made from plastic, paper, cardboard, or wood. The cotton tips are usually made from cotton fibers, although some products may incorporate rayon or other materials in the tip. Sterile versions are available for clinical use.

Manufacturing involves processing cotton fibers into a tuft that is affixed to the stem, followed by sterilization and packaging in sterile bundles or blister packs. In a medical context, sterile cotton swabs are designed to meet strict hygiene requirements and may be labeled for specific diagnostic or sampling applications.

Uses span household and professional contexts. In homes, bomullstops are used for applying ointments, removing makeup, cleaning small areas, or for craft tasks. In healthcare and laboratories, sterile cotton swabs collect samples from skin, mucous membranes, throats, wounds, or surfaces, and are used to apply antiseptics, reagents, or coatings in diagnostic and research procedures.

Safety and environmental considerations include caution against inserting bomullstops into the ear canal, as this can cause injury or push wax deeper. They should be used with care around children. Because many stems are plastic, disposal can contribute to plastic waste; paper-stem or biodegradable variants offer reduction in environmental impact, though local disposal guidelines vary. Users should follow product instructions and applicable regulations.

See also: cotton balls, cotton wool, sterile swabs.