The present invention relates to a self-sampling kit and method for the universal sampling of at least one specimen such as a cell, cell residue, DMA, RNA, protein, virus, bacterium, parasite or fungus from the vaginal and/or rectal cavities of humans and animals, said kit comprising a self - sampling cloth (10) made of a flexible fabric with an absorbancy of 3.5 g/g or less and a sealable recipient (50) for storing and transporting said sampling cloth (10). The present invention also relates to the use of the self-sampling cloth (10) for self-sampling of at least one specimen from bodily cavities of humans and animals, for instance for diagnosing an STI, such as an HPV infection.