Have you ever wondered about those little disposable wipes some people carry around? You know, the ones they use after eating messy barbecue or when there’s no sink in sight? Those handy little sanitation towel seem like a lifesaver when you need them. But what’s really in those wipes? Turns out, sanitation wipes aren’t as squeaky clean as you might think. Those convenient little towels could be harboring some nasty secrets. Before you reach for another wipe to clean that sauce off your fingers, you’ll want to know the truth about what’s really in sanitation towels and how they might affect your health. The truth may surprise you.
What Is a Sanitation Towel?
A sanitation towel is a disposable wipe used to quickly clean up messes and spills in places like restaurants, hospitals, and commercial kitchens. These towels are made of absorbent paper that is specially treated to kill germs and bacteria.
Sanitation towels typically come pre-soaked in a disinfecting solution to sanitize surfaces and eliminate dangerous microbes as you clean. The active ingredients in the disinfecting solution can include chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (bleach), hydrogen peroxide, ethanol or isopropanol alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds.
Effective and Convenient
Sanitation towels offer a convenient and effective way to clean and disinfect surfaces. They eliminate the need for spray bottles, towels, mops and buckets. Just grab a wipe, swipe the area, and toss when done. They’re ideal for quick cleaning of small spills, wiping down high-touch areas like doorknobs or counters, or for spot-sanitizing surfaces.
Different Types for Different Needs
There are many varieties of sanitation towels for specific needs:
- All-purpose – For general cleaning and disinfecting of hard, non-porous surfaces.
- Heavy-duty – Extra thick and absorbent for tough messes.
- Glass and multi-surface – Safe for use on glass, mirrors, plastics, metals, sealed stone, and other surfaces.
- Food service – Approved for use in restaurants, bars, and commercial kitchens. Meet FDA and EPA standards.
- Hospital grade – Meet stringent standards for use in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.
With the variety of options available, there’s a sanitation towel to suit just about any cleaning need. Keep a supply on hand for a quick, hygienic clean anytime.
The Benefits of Using a Sanitation Towel
Using a sanitation towel can make a big difference in your daily routine and health. Here are some of the main benefits of incorporating this handy item:
Convenience and Versatility
A sanitation towel can replace paper towels, napkins and cleaning rags. It’s a multi-purpose, reusable alternative that saves time and money. Keep one on hand for quick cleanups, wiping hands or surfaces, drying dishes, polishing leaves, dusting, etc. The uses are endless!
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Disposable paper products are terrible for the environment. A single sanitation towel can replace over 100 paper towels. By switching to reusables, you’ll significantly reduce waste and your carbon footprint.
Safe and Hygienic
Sanitation towels are made of quick-drying, highly absorbent microfiber that naturally prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. They are non-toxic, chemical-free and safe for you and your family. Properly laundered after each use, a sanitation towel can last 200 washes while staying fresh and clean.
Cost Effective
Although sanitation towels require an upfront investment, they save money in the long run compared to constantly buying and throwing away paper products. A single towel can last for years with proper care, paying for itself many times over.
Using sanitation towels is an easy way to make a eco-friendly change in your daily habits that benefits both you and the planet. Why not give it a try? Your wallet, health and environment will thank you.
How to Use a Sanitation Towel Properly
A sanitation towel can be a useful product to have on hand, but it’s important to use it properly to maximize its effectiveness.
Instructions for Use
When using a sanitation towel, be sure to follow these steps:
- Wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling the towel. This will avoid contaminating the towel with germs and bacteria from your hands.
- Unfold the towel completely and lay it out on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the entire towel is exposed to air so both sides can be utilized.
- Use one side of the towel to wipe down and disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, phones, toilets, counters, and other frequently touched areas. Dispose of that side of the towel after use.
- Flip the towel over to the unused side and use it to wipe down and sanitize additional surfaces. Dispose of the entire towel after both sides have been used.
- Never reuse the same sanitation towel multiple times. This can spread germs and cross-contaminate surfaces. Throw away the towel after a single use.
- Wash your hands again after disposing of the used sanitation towel. This will remove any germs or bacteria that may have transferred to your hands during use or disposal of the towel.
- Replace your supply of sanitation towels every 6-12 months to ensure maximum effectiveness. Older towels may lose disinfecting ability over time.
By following these simple steps, you can properly and safely use sanitation towels to eliminate germs and keep your home clean. Be diligent and consistent to maximize the benefits these towels provide. Dispose of used towels properly and wash hands regularly to avoid inadvertently spreading germs. With routine use, sanitation towels can become an easy habit and helpful hygiene product.
Where to Buy High-Quality Sanitation Towels
When it comes to sanitation towels, quality matters. Inferior products won’t get the job done and can even damage surfaces. Here are some tips for finding high-quality sanitation towels:
Shop Specialty Stores
Don’t just grab the cheapest option at your local big box store. For the best sanitation towels, head to a janitorial supply store or shop that specializes in cleaning products. These stores carry heavy-duty, commercial-grade options designed to handle tough messes. Their products are made to withstand frequent use and industrial cleaning needs.
Check the GSM
The GSM or grams per square meter indicates a towel’s thickness and durability. For most sanitation needs, look for towels with a GSM of at least 300 to 400. Higher GSM means a thicker, more absorbent towel that will last through repeated wash cycles. Lighter towels around 200 GSM or less are too thin for heavy-duty cleaning and will fall apart quickly.
Consider the Fiber Content
For sanitation towels, cotton and microfiber are good options. Cotton is very absorbent and durable. Microfiber is non-abrasive, lint-free and highly effective at cleaning and polishing. Polyester or paper towels are too lightweight for most sanitation tasks. Blends of cotton and microfiber or polyester provide an ideal balance of absorbency, scrubbing power and durability.
Read Reviews
Once you’ve found some high-quality options, check online reviews from professional cleaners and janitorial staff. They can provide insightful feedback on how well certain brands and products work for sanitation needs. Look for reviews that mention absorbency, durability and cleaning effectiveness.
Buying high-quality sanitation towels may cost a bit more upfront but will save you money in the long run. With the proper care and maintenance, good commercial towels can last for several years. Your cleaning staff and facility visitors will also appreciate how well these professional products get the job done. Investing in the right tools for the task is well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanitation Towels
Sanitation towels are convenient, but they do come with some common questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked ones:
Are sanitation towels safe?
Yes, sanitation towels are perfectly safe when used as directed. They are made of absorbent, non-toxic materials and contain a disinfecting solution that kills germs and bacteria on contact. The solution is pH-balanced and EPA-registered, so it won’t irritate skin or cause damage. As with any product, follow the instructions and take normal precautions like washing hands after use.
How long do sanitation towels last?
An unopened pack of sanitation towels will last for several years when stored properly in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Once opened, the towels will last for 6-12 months. Be sure to check the ‘best by’ or expiration date before using opened towels. As towels are used, the disinfecting solution can start to evaporate so it’s best to use the towels within a few months of opening for maximum effectiveness.
Are sanitation towels reusable?
No, sanitation towels are designed for single use only. The towels contain a measured amount of disinfecting solution for each use. Reusing towels will not properly sanitize surfaces and may spread germs. Dispose of used towels in the trash after each use.
Can sanitation towels be flushed?
Sanitation towels should not be flushed down the toilet. Even though the materials are non-toxic and septic-safe, they are not designed to break down in plumbing systems. Dispose of used sanitation towels in a lined trash bin. Do not try to flush or pour unused solution down drains either, as this may damage plumbing. Always dispose of towels and solution according to the directions on the packaging.
Do sanitation towels leave behind residue?
When used as directed, sanitation towels will not leave behind any harmful chemical residue. The disinfecting solution is formulated to kill germs on contact, then quickly evaporates without leaving behind residue or streaks. Sanitation towels are safe to use on any washable surface, but you can always do a quick wipe down with water after disinfecting if desired.
Conclusion
So now you know the truth about sanitation towels. They’re designed to keep you feeling fresh on your period without the rash and irritation of regular pads and tampons. The soft, breathable material allows air flow so you stay comfortable all day. The absorbent layers lock in moisture and prevent leaks even during your heaviest flow.
The next time your period arrives, do your body a favor and make the switch to sanitation towels. Your skin will thank you for the gentle, non-toxic materials. And you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover these eco-friendly sanitation towels sooner. Stay clean, comfy and confident with this all-natural solution for your monthly cycle. Making this simple change can have a big impact on your wellbeing and the planet.