2/4/20 - Zoro Staff
Choosing the right towel for an application can make the job quicker and easier. A lot of people might just grab whatever is close, but a little thought can make cleaning more effective and keep costs down. Zoro has a large selection of rags and towels that are a fit for any budget or application.
Making the Case for Microfiber
Microfiber has taken cleaning to a new level. It is made of polyester and nylon. Its wedge-shaped fibers are 1/100th of the diameter of a human hair and can hold up to 7 times its weight in water. That makes it ideal for mopping up and retaining dust and dirt particles. Its texture is extremely soft, which is ideal for delicate surfaces that are easily scratched like electronics, furniture, and cars.
Microfiber is the top choice for settings where sanitation and cross-contamination are a concern. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that extremely fine microfiber (0.38 micrometer diameter) removes up to 98% of bacteria and 93% of viruses from a surface using only water. Cotton, on the other hand, removes only 30% of bacteria and 23% of viruses.
Using microfiber towels represents a higher up-front investment. In addition to the cost, in order to maintain the properties that make microfiber such an attractive choice, a stringent protocol must be followed for use and laundering. It absorbs so easily that even when dropped on the floor, it will pick up the debris, dirt, and sand and mar the finish of a surface.
Caring for Microfiber
Caring for microfiber towels entails some inflexible rules in order to preserve their absorbent properties. If properly cared for, they can last years, making them well worth the higher initial cost. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sort and wash by lights and darks.
- Wash only with other microfiber items. When washed with other fabrics they will grab the lint from the other items.
- It is best to wash with a mild detergent that is colorless and unscented. The dose is determined by product specification for poundage.
- Never use bleach.
- Never use fabric softener.
- If put in a dryer, do not use heat. Set the machine on air dry.
Wondering if your towels are still in top form? A quick test to see if a microfiber towel has melted is to pour a little water on a table and wipe with the towel. A melted towel will not absorb; it will just push the water around.
Cotton Towels: Traditional and Dependable
Cotton towels have been a popular choice over the years for their durability and versatility. Cotton attracts water-soluble soils and tends to repel greasy, oily soils. They are very absorbent and easy to care for. 1 lb. of cotton can absorb 2.5 to 3 lbs. of water. Because of this, cotton is relatively easy to clean when compared to other fabrics.
Cotton does not contain any chemicals and is therefore a natural product. Unlike synthetic fabrics like microfiber, cotton has some natural texture built into the surface. This texture comes in handy when scrubbing stubborn stains and dirt and for cleaning abrasive surfaces.
The fabric weight of cotton towels varies widely. Thick, fluffy towels would be great in a luxury hotel or for guests at a plush resort, but if you own a car wash, or bar, or dog grooming business, then you would want a thinner, quick-drying towel. Luckily, there is a variety of thicknesses to choose from that are widely available.
Another desirable thing about cotton towels is that they are biodegradable. Towels that are 100% cotton can be used as compost ingredients. If the towels don't pass the 100% cotton test they can still be recycled. Microfiber is synthetic and doesn't have this benefit.
The easy-care aspect can make them an attractive option when compared to microfiber and, with a little extra attention, you can keep them on the job for the long haul.
Caring for Cotton
It’s so easy. Simply tossing cotton towels in your on-site laundry facility or sending them out to a commercial launderer is enough depending on your needs. But by following the guidelines below, you can increase their length of service and decrease costs at your job site or shop.
- Wash colors and darks separately.
- Bleach is good as a disinfectant but can damage cotton by weakening fibers if used improperly. Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Milder whitening agents such as boric acid and baking soda are safe and are helpful in cleaning cotton fabrics. Be sure to use as directed on the package.
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets inhibit absorbency.
- Over-drying can compromise the fabric durability.
With all these benefits, it looks like cotton will remain a top pick for many businesses for years to come.
The Antidote for Smelly Towels
For hygienic reasons—and because they often take longer to launder and dry—towels should always be washed in their own load. When towels are not dried completely they can develop an unpleasant mildew or musty smell. There are some simple fixes that will help if you have in-house laundry facilities.
Wash your load of towels on the hot cycle and add 1 cup of vinegar to the load. Do not use detergent or bleach. If the smell persists after the first wash add baking soda to the machine for a second wash. If you need to do it again, go ahead. Baking soda and hot water. (No detergent!) NOTE: Using hot water is most effective so don’t mix colors and whites unless you don’t care if they bleed.
Disposable Towels as a Consideration
Another option altogether is disposable towels. In healthcare and institutional settings where contamination and spread of germs are an issue, it justifies the purchase cost to be able to ensure sanitary conditions.
We hope this answers your questions about the best towel for your business. Many businesses use a combination and find their happy medium there. To complement your choice of towel, be sure to check out Zoro's full supply of cleaning chemicals. The right combination can make clean-up faster and easier than ever.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.