Shop towels are beneficial for cleaning, prepping, and polishing surfaces across many industries. At ERC Wiping Products, we offer a variety of towels for businesses like repair shops and manufacturing facilities. Whether you need to wipe down machine surfaces or soak up oil and coolant spills, you can find a suitable product in our inventory. Here are eight things to evaluate when choosing the right shop towels for your business needs:

1. Material

The material of a towel helps determine its effectiveness and suitability for specific tasks. Our traditional shop towels are 100% cotton with a sewn edge that prevents fraying. Cotton towels are effective for various cleaning tasks like absorbing spills and wiping surfaces. They are gentle on hands and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. We also carry disposable shop towels that are a great multi-purpose cleaning rag for heavy duty wiping tasks. They are strong wet or dry and come in a variety of put ups and materials to best suit your wiping application.

2. Size

A shop towel's size can influence its coverage area and ease of handling for different applications. Larger towels provide better coverage and efficiency for jobs that involve cleaning large equipment, workstations, or vehicle surfaces. They help reduce the time and effort required to soak up significant industrial spills or complete similar tasks. Smaller shop cloths are easier to handle and transport. This feature makes them suitable for tasks that require detailed work or access to tight spaces, such as cleaning small parts or intricate machinery components. Smaller cloths are more compact and easier to store in toolboxes, workstations, or cleaning carts. This aspect makes them convenient for on-the-go use or mobile work environments.

3. Durability

Durable shop towels are designed to maintain their effectiveness and performance over time. In rugged work environments such as automotive workshops and manufacturing plants, these cloths are subjected to rough handling, friction, and abrasive surfaces. Durable towels are resistant to tearing and fraying, confirming that they remain intact and functional during regular use. ERC Wiping Products carries cotton shop towels with stitched edges to prevent fraying and increase longevity. We also carry various grades of disposable shop towels with excellent tear strength and superior wipe-dry for rough surface cleaning.

4. Absorbency

One of the main functions of a shop towel is to absorb liquids encountered in industrial or maintenance settings. These liquids include water, oil, grease, chemicals, and solvents. Absorbency is a factor that directly impacts the towel's usefulness for handling various spills and heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Efficient shop towels draw in liquids quickly upon contact, reducing the time required to dry surfaces or address fluid leaks. A cloth with a quick absorption rate helps maintain productivity and cleanliness in fast-paced work environments. High absorbency also verifies that the towel can effectively capture and hold a significant amount of liquid, minimizing the need for frequent replacements or wringing out.

5. Lint Properties

Evaluating a towel's lint properties is key for industries or tasks requiring a lint-free finish, such as painting, surface preparation, and electronics assembly. These towels minimize the risk of leaving fuzz, fibers, or other particles behind on surfaces, promoting a smooth and professional result. Low-lint products reduce the need for rework or additional cleanup due to lint contamination. This helps save time, labor, and materials, contributing to enhanced productivity and efficiency in business operations.

6. Reusability

When choosing a fitting shop towel for your business, reusability plays a role in cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and convenience. Reusable towels are designed to withstand multiple uses and washings. This feature reduces the need for frequent replacements and can lead to long-term savings. If eco-friendliness is a priority for your business operations, selecting reusable towels minimizes disposable waste and promotes sustainable practices. ERC Wiping Products provides machine washable shop towels, increasing convenience for businesses searching for environmentally responsible supplies.

7. Color Options

The color of shop cloths can have practical implications and contribute to workplace organization and safety. Color-coded shop towels help verify proper handling and disposal practices in industries requiring strict safety protocols and hazard management. Businesses may use specific towel colors to differentiate their intended use or application, such as cleaning oil spills or handling chemicals. Color-coded towels are also helpful for preventing cross-contamination in sensitive environments, reducing the risk of transferring substances from one area or task to another. At ERC Wiping Products, our traditional cotton shop towels are available in red or white, while our disposable shop towels are available in red, white, or blue. Plus, we have other low-cost rags in a wide variety of mixed color options. 

8. Texture

A shop towel's texture refers to its surface characteristics, such as softness, roughness, or specific weaves like waffling. Textured towels are often more effective at scrubbing and cleaning surfaces than smooth or flat towels. Their surfaces provide additional friction, allowing the towel to lift dirt, grime, and residues more efficiently, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. We stock various towel options with added scrubbing power for cleaning shop counters and scouring lubricant stains. These towels may also provide better grip and handling when working with oily or slippery surfaces.

Find Shop Towels at ERC Wiping Products

Shop towels offer several cleaning benefits, making them valuable tools in janitorial and industrial settings. They come in absorbent, durable, reusable, and low-lint varieties. At ERC Wiping Products, we offer bulk and wholesale orders for our shop rags. Contact our wiping specialists today to learn more about our product availability.