Rags are a common sight across many industrial and manufacturing environments. Annually, countless bundles of reclaimed textiles are used by workers throughout the UK to clean up spills, clean hands and faces, and wipe or polish equipment and machinery.
These rags have been used for many years in settings ranging from local, independent car garages to large-scale multinational production facilities, but there are several disadvantages associated with them. WypAll® cloths, from Kimberly-Clark, offer a solution that addresses many of the issues related to rags used for industrial cleaning.
In this article, we aim to highlight the main issues that rags pose in the workplace, some of which are not often discussed, and suggest how WypAll® ForceMax cloths represent a best-in-class alternative.
1. Guaranteed Consistency
Rags are predominantly sourced from end-of-life clothing that is not deemed suitable to be resold, reused, or donated to developing nations. Often provided in large bundles, the textiles can vary greatly in terms of material and quality, which can create uncertainty around both their usability and safety. The inconsistency in every box of rags means that materials with varying characteristics could be used for janitorial tasks for which they are unsuitable. For example, consider the differences in how polycotton t-shirts, silks, and denim absorb liquid. There is also a risk that potentially hazardous items, such as needles, could be present in the rags, posing a danger to users.
By purchasing WypAll® ForceMax cloths, you guarantee consistency in shape, size, and quality. All cloths are identical and suitable for a broad range of wiping applications, so users can be confident in their performance for common tasks. Additionally, there is no risk of dangerous substances or foreign objects being present in or on the product prior to use, thanks to the stringent quality checks involved in manufacturing ForceMax.
2. Improved Performance
No recycled rag was intentionally designed to mop up oil or de-grease hands or metal surfaces. They may have been created to be worn as a t-shirt, sweater, or pair of jeans, used as bed linen, or as a bath towel. This gap between the original intended use and the requirements of an industrial cleaning cloth often results in compromised performance and effectiveness.
WypAll® ForceMax cloths have been engineered specifically for heavy-duty wiping. As a result, they can absorb 40% more oil than rags and laundered cloths, and they absorb it 5 times faster in real-world tests.* In terms of water absorption, switching to WypAll® cloths also makes sense, as they can hold double the volume that rags can. With their improved wiping capabilities, users can complete cleaning tasks quickly and effectively.
3. Better Use Of Storage Space
Bundles or boxes of recycled textiles take up a lot of space. If your shelf or floor space is occupied by cleaning rags, it may pose a safety risk or represent a lost opportunity to store products or spare parts crucial for keeping your business operational and profitable.
WypAll® ForceMax has been designed to enhance process efficiency, including how the product is packaged. ForceMax cloths come in a cardboard, self-dispensing case that occupies 68% less shelf space than recycled textile rags. By switching from rags to WypAll® ForceMax, you can reallocate scarce storage resources.
"WypAll® ForceMax Has Been Designed To Help Boost Process Efficiency, Right down To How The Product Is Packaged."
4. Quick And Easy Dispensing
Like any product aiding in the many cleaning and janitorial tasks that need to be completed daily, it’s vital that workers have easy access to them and are assisted in finishing these tasks quickly. The time spent traveling and picking rags can quickly add up, leading to significant time wasted and distracting staff from their core tasks during the working day.
Businesses can enhance their process efficiency and productivity by using WypAll® ForceMax. The self-dispensing case is lightweight and portable, meaning that staff have cleaning wipes closer to the point of use. Alternatively, up to 40 ForceMax cloths can be stored and easily dispensed from the WypAll® Quarterfold Dispenser. This flexible solution allows for rapid and convenient one-handed retrieval.
5. Reduced Waste
We are all more conscious nowadays about our consumption habits and the issue of waste. This awareness should also extend to how cleaning cloths are used. A rag’s lifespan is often short, and once it has reached the end of its life, it is discarded. Special consideration also needs to be given when discarding rags to prevent spontaneous combustion and fires that can occur when oily textiles accumulate in large quantities.
With their advanced Hydroknit technology, which ensures fast and high-volume absorbency as well as strength, WypAll® ForceMax cloths last longer than traditional rags. With fewer materials being used, less waste is created.
*User preference testing conducted by Sepio across 2 UK locations with a panel of 200 industrial workers (May 2017).