There is a science behind wiping, and it all depends on the type of mess you are tackling, plus clever dispensing systems can bring more efficiency to industrial settings. But what are the best tools for ensuring cleaning tasks make the workplace safer?
When it comes to wiping a surface – whether it’s a counter or machine part – there’s a perception that using a rag or laundered cloth multiple times is less wasteful than using a disposable wipe.
Rags and laundered cloths made of certain material (including recycled clothing) can often complicate instead of improving the manufacturing processes, according to the Kimberly-Clark Professional report “Industrial Wipers: How They Impact Product Quality, Productivity, Worker Health & the Environment.”
Because rags and cloths sometimes leave behind lint, dirt and debris, using them can compromise a manufacturing process and those contaminants can potentially get into the product being manufactured, resulting in rework. For instance, rags that have been used to wipe down industrial equipment contain debris like metal shavings and pins.
Here are some other reasons why rags and laundered cloths are not as dependable as industrial wipes:
Rags
- Are inconsistent in size, shape and material
- May contain pins, buttons and metal shavings which can lead to scratches and other imperfections on surfaces
- Occupy more storage space in industrial warehouses than disposable wipes
Laundered Cloths
- Can retain lead, a toxic heavy metal, which can cause serious health issues to the worker like elevated blood lead levels and hypertension
- Not engineered for specific applications
- Contribute to landfill waste
Disposable Wipes
Disposable wipes are absorbent, making it quick to clean a piece of equipment and can reduce machine stoppages. It is important to choose disposable wipes that are designed specifically for tasks rather than an all-purpose product.
Product development at WypAll® meticulously analyses each substance and surface, and the ideal way of cleaning it. For example, Liquid absorption is done best by a wipe engineered with highly absorbent natural fibre. Oil, grease and grime removal depends on the texture of a synthetic fibre that conforms to the surface while remaining durable and absorbent.
Chemicals and solvents can erode the integrity of certain fibres. Synthetic fibres are more resistant to harsh materials without compromising performance. Rough and abrasive surfaces require a wipe that’s higher in density and equipped with a weave and texture engineered for durability.
WypAll® solutions are designed for the right purpose with wiping solutions ready for whatever daily mess, safety challenge or cleaning task you are facing.
Clever dispensing for practical safety and efficiency
Expanding its range of WypAll® cleaning and wiping products, Kimberly-Clark Professional has a new surface wiping solution- the WypAll® Midi-Roll.
The 2-in-1 wiping and cleaning system consists of a portable, ready to use single sheet dispensing from both central and side feeds. Users can select the right wiper according to their task, which is housed in a lightweight dispensing box with integrated handles that is liquid-resistant thanks to a varnish coating that protects it from water, oil and grease.
The system allows users to use exactly the right number of wipers and the right wiper for each wiping task. The entire sturdy and durable system replaces cloths typically used for portable tasks in a multitude of sites and industrial sectors plus more generally, the fields of maintenance, repair and operation.
