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Five Benefits of Using Recycled Wiping Rags

There are hundreds of types of wiping rags.  There are white cotton rags, microfiber rags, colored cotton rags, terry rags.  There are thick rags, thin rags, hemmed rags, differently shaped rags.  There are rags made from new material and rags made from post-consumer textile waste, also known as used clothing and textiles, or recycled rags.

There are many benefits to using recycled rags.  Here are our top 5:

1 .You Save Money When You Use Recycled Rags

Recycled wiping rags are ALWAYS less expensive than their new counterpart.  Just like a used car, a gently used pair of designer shoes, or a previously loved handbag, wiping rags made out of used or previously owned clothing are less expensive than those made out of brand new material.  And, let’s face it, the bottom line matters.

2. You Get More Absorbency with Recycled Rags

Recycled wiping rags are more absorbent than their new counterparts.  In their previous life as clothing or household textiles, recycled wiping rags most likely were washed many times.  Washing fabrics removes sizing, making them soft and absorbent.

Think about how that favorite T-shirt has softened over the years. It will absorb a droplet of water instantly, where that same droplet would roll off a new t-shirt. Additionally, there is significantly less risk of color bleed when using recycled wiping rags with solvents and chemicals than when using new material.

3. Using Recycled Rags Reduces Landfill Waste

Let’s talk reducing the waste in our landfills.  According to the Council for Textile Recycling, 85% of post-consumer textile waste ends up in our landfills.  And, the average citizen throws away 70 to 80 pounds of textile waste annually, accounting for about 15 million pounds of textile waste.

4. Using Recycled Rags Reduces Carbon Emissions

Textile decomposition in landfills could take hundreds of years.  During that time, they are emitting carbon into the atmosphere.  According to Textile Recycling Facts and Figures, “the annual environmental impact of a household’s clothing is equivalent to the water needed to fill 1000 bathtubs and the carbon emissions from driving an average modern car for 6,000 miles.”

5. Recycled Rags Create Jobs

The used textile industry is labor intensive, employing thousands of workers in the United States.  Workers sort and cut used clothing and textiles into wiping rags.  Each garment is handled, processed and inspected by a human employee.

Try Recycled Wiping Rags from All Rags

If you are not currently using recycled wiping rags at home or on the job, we encourage you to try some with your next wiping rag purchase.  Keep an open mind, as they don’t always look as pretty or as consistently shaped as new wiping rags.  Ask yourself if the rag’s outward appearance is important to its function.  If not, a recycled rag is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice!

Check out our specials on Recycled Color T-shirt Knit Rags and Recycled Colored Sweatshirt Rags and call us today at 1.888.335.6439 or order online to start benefiting from using recycled wiping rags.