Business development, marketing, investment in hardware and staff are some of the things that people would name when it comes to important decisions made by CEO’s looking to grow their business. However, one quick, simple and inexpensive decision that an increasing number of business owners are making is investment in Industrial Cleaning Wipes from Davis & Moore. Particularly in the world of heavy manufacturing, vehicle repair, or precision engineering, contamination control is essential. Although many people overlook industrial cleaning wipes as nothing more than a humble combustible, Industrial Cleaning Wipes have been specifically developed to deal with and destroy grit, grass and chemicals which would simply dissolve a standard paper towel.
Industrial Workshop Wipes – So Much More Than The Traditional Rag
For probably as long as heavy industry has existed, the humble rag was the industry standard, typically made from laundered scraps of denim or cotton. However, as the industry has developed and a greater understanding of safety standards has come to light, there is an acceptance and acknowledgement that rags are no longer a suitable choice. Rags, by their very design, are notoriously inconsistent. One rag might be made of highly absorbent cotton, while the next is a non-absorbent synthetic blend. Worse yet, they often contain rogue contaminants such as microscopic metal shavings, chemical residues, or pins left over from their previous life as a garment. In a high-precision environment, a single metal chip embedded in a recycled rag can scratch a finished surface or contaminate a sensitive engine component.
The Key Features of Industrial Cleaning Wipes – Everything You Need To Know
When the research and development team at Davis and Moore develop our range of wipes, we are focused on ensuring that, regardless of the grime or dirt involved, our wipes provide an effective removal solution every time. We have developed a range of wipes with each pack designed for a specific challenge or purpose. To achieve the ultimate result, it is essential to select the appropriate type of wipe for your specific needs. There are typically three different categories of wipes.
1. Dry Wipes and High-Absorbency Substrates
Most general-purpose industrial wipes are made from Spunlace or Hydroentangled fibres. This process uses high-pressure water jets to bind wood pulp and polyester together. The result is a material that is strong and durable for situations where you need to scrub tough stains, yet remains resilient when scrubbing a surface, while also being highly absorbent and capable of soaking up fluids. This type of wipe is perfect for large oil spills, water-based leaks and wiping down of tools at the end of a shift.
2. Pre-Saturated Wipes (Ready-to-Use)
Pre-saturated wipes are a game-changer for safety and efficiency. These wipes come pre-loaded with specific solvents, degreasers, or disinfectants.
- Reduced VOCs: Because the chemical is already “locked” into the wipe, there is significantly less evaporation than there is when using a spray bottle. Because the chemicals are applied directly to the surface, rather than sprayed, fewer chemicals are released into the air, which in turn improves the air quality for your staff.
- Consistency: Every wipe has the exact same chemical concentration, ensuring that you can rely on a consistent result time after time.
3. Low-Lint and Speciality Wipes
In sectors like aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and painting, lint is the enemy. A single stray fibre can cause a “fisheye” in a paint job or a short circuit in a microchip. These wipes are often made of continuous filament polyester or melt-blown polypropylene. They are designed not to break down even when used on rough surfaces or with harsh solvents like MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) or Acetone.
The Economic Argument: Efficiency and Total Cost of Use
It is fair to say that at first glance, a roll of high-performance engineered wipes might seem more expensive than a bulk bag of rags. However, it is essential to take into account the Total Cost of Use, where engineered wipes almost always win:
- Reduced Waste Volume: Because an engineered wipe is more efficient, a technician might use two wipes to clean a gearbox, whereas they would have used a dozen handfuls of rags. This reduces the sheer volume of waste generated.
- Storage and Logistics: All of the wipes that Davis and Moore manufacture are compressed and neatly packaged. This means that they will occupy up to 60% less shelf space than bulky bags of rags, freeing up valuable warehouse space.
Make Sure Your Are Choosing The Best Wipe For Your Requirements
Selecting the right industrial wipe is not a “one size fits all” decision. It requires a thorough audit of the work environment to ensure that the wipe you choose meets the key features you need. Think carefully about your usage requirements.
- The Surface: Will your team need to clean rough surfaces, in which case you will need a durable product to ensure effective removal of dirt and grime, or are your surfaces smooth, such as in glass or paintwork, where one piece of lint can destroy everything?
- The Contaminant: Is it dirt and grime you are trying to remove oil, grease or tar? Think about this carefully before choosing the type of wipe you need.
- The Goal: Are you preparing a surface for bonding, or just keeping the floor dry?
The industrial wipe has graduated from a simple accessory to a critical component of the modern maintenance toolkit. By investing in the right wiping technology, companies protect their machinery, their products, and most importantly, their people.
If you are unsure what type of wipe you need, or are interested in buying in bulk, then contact our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful customer service team today on 0161 848 8008 for advice, guidance and a great price.
We look forward to being your supplier of choice for many years to come.
