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Choosing the Right Industrial Rag for the Job

25 September 2024 Choosing the Right Industrial Rag for the Job

When it comes to industrial clean-up, having the right rag on hand can make all the difference in efficiency, performance, and cost management. Whether you're handling greasy machinery, polishing a smooth surface, or general clean-ups, the key to getting the job done right lies in choosing the appropriate wiping cloth. Not all rags are created equal, so understanding the unique characteristics of each option is crucial for finding the best solution.

Why Choosing the Right Rag Matters

The type of industrial rag you choose directly impacts the outcome of the clean-up process. Choosing the wrong rag can result in poor absorbency, lint residue, or an inefficient use of resources, which ultimately increases both time and costs. At Ovesco, we offer a wide range of rags tailored for various industrial applications, ensuring that you get the right product for the job every time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Rag

1.     Material and Lint

Different materials produce different levels of lint, which can impact the cleanliness of the surface you're working on. For low-lint applications, such as cleaning glass or painting, avoid using high-lint rags like white towels. Instead, opt for materials like white t-shirt or flannel, which are offer lint-free cleaning and polishing.

2.     Absorbency

The level of absorbency required will vary based on the job at hand. For heavy-duty cleaning or polishing, materials such as our coloured t-shirt are essential. For lighter tasks, such as wiping down machinery you can save on costs by choosing rags with moderate absorbency, like light cotton.

3.     Durability

In an industrial setting, rags need to withstand tough conditions. Rags used for cleaning machinery, or during heavy-duty jobs in workshops and factories must be durable enough to be reused multiple times. Rags made from strong materials like medium/heavy cotton are ideal for these purposes. For delicate jobs, microfibre cloths or hotel sheeting can be more appropriate.

4.     Cost Efficiency

Choosing a cost-effective rag doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It's important to match the rag to the job to avoid overspending on materials that are too heavy-duty for the application at hand.

5.     Environmental Impact

Proper disposal of waste rags is essential for reducing environmental impact. At Ovesco, we partner with SpillPro to offer a 240L rag bin service, ensuring your used rags are collected and disposed of safely and responsibly.

Industrial Rags for Every Task

Below is a table of common rag types, their uses, lint levels, and absorbency, helping you to choose the best option for your clean-up needs:

Rag Type

Uses

Lint Level

Absorbency

Medium/Heavy Cotton

Oil, garage, machinery, general cleaning, mining

High

50%

Fleecy

Truck maintenance, heavy-duty cleaning, spills

Medium

95%

Coloured T-Shirt

Polishing, automotive, general cleaning

Medium

90%

Coloured Towel

Hospitality, heavy spills, general clean-up

Very High

95%

Cotton Hotel Sheeting White

Glass, mirrors, conveyor belts, rubber, woodwork, joinery

Very Low

100%

White T-Shirt

Panel beaters, polishing, marine, hospitality

Medium

95%

Flannel

Detailing, polishing, aerospace, fibreglass

Very Low

100%

Light Cotton

Lint-free applications, glass cleaning, brakes, and gearboxes

Low

60%

Microfibre Cloth

Automotive, glass, cleaning, wiping, polishing

Very Low

100%

Universal Absorbent Grey Roll

Industrial spills, leaks, automotive bays, workshops, general purpose use

 

 

 

Choosing the Right Rag for Your Industry

From automotive workshops to engineering plants, each industry has specific cleaning and maintenance needs. Here are some key examples of where certain rags excel:

  • Heavy-Duty Cleaning: For cleaning greasy or oily parts, rags like fleecy or coloured towels provide superior absorbency and durability.
  • Low-Lint Applications: When you need to ensure no lint is left behind, particularly in painting or polishing tasks, consider using flannel or white T-shirts.
  • General Clean-Up: For everyday cleaning, rags such as light cotton or Panda general-purpose rags are a cost-effective solution that still offers good performance.

At Ovesco, we are committed to providing high-quality rags that meet the unique needs of your industry. Our products are subjected to stringent quality checks, including metal detection, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and ready for commercial use.

By carefully choosing the right rag for each specific application, you can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain a cleaner, safer work environment. Whether you're tackling workshop clean-ups or need a lint-free polishing rag, Ovesco has the perfect solution for your industrial clean-up needs. With convenient 10kg vacuum sealed bags and a variety of materials, we offer the best rags for every application.

Anthony Sneddon Business Development Manager SpillPro

By Anthony Sneddon

Business Development Manager - SpillPro

Anthony specialises in Parts Cleaning Machines, Spill Control & Rag products for SpillPro, supporting the Ovesco team with Spill and Parts Cleaning sales.

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