Choosing the Right Cleaning Rag: A Guide to Our Recycled Textile Grades

Choosing the Right Cleaning Rag: A Guide to Our Recycled Textile Grades

At Coppermill Ltd, we believe sustainability starts with smart choices, and one of the smartest is using recycled textiles for your cleaning needs. We collect high-quality, pre-loved textiles from hotels, laundries, and other commercial sources, transforming them into dependable, eco-friendly cleaning rags.

But with so many grades available, how do you know which is right for your task? Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect rag for every job:

1. White Sheeting

Best For: Light-duty cleaning, polishing, and glass cleaning.

White sheeting rags are made from soft, lightweight cotton sheets. They’re lint-free, highly absorbent, and ideal for when you need a clean, streak-free finish—think windows, mirrors, and smooth surfaces. Their pale color also makes them perfect for jobs where you need to see dirt or chemicals easily.

2. White Towelling

Best For: Heavy-duty cleaning, spill absorption, and scrubbing.

White towelling is cut from thick, absorbent towels and is perfect for wiping up liquids or tackling tougher messes. The looped texture gives it extra scrubbing power without damaging surfaces. A go-to for janitorial, industrial, or automotive use.

3. Coloured Towel

Best For: Industrial cleaning, outdoor tasks, and greasy environments.

Similar to white towelling but with added color—great for situations where staining is expected. These are hardwearing and super absorbent, ideal for garages, workshops, and warehouses.

4. Mixed White

Best For: General-purpose cleaning and maintenance.

Mixed white rags are made from a variety of white materials—shirts, sheets, and light fabrics. They offer decent absorbency and softness, making them suitable for light cleaning, general wiping, and surface dusting in homes or offices.

5. Mixed Coloured

Best For: Budget-friendly, all-around cleaning.

These rags are a blend of various colored fabrics. If your task isn’t sensitive to color or lint, this is a great economical choice. Perfect for quick cleanups, paint shops, or machine maintenance.

6. Coloured T-Shirt

Best For: Oil wiping, polishing, and machine cleaning.

Made from soft jersey cotton, these rags are smooth, non-abrasive, and low-lint—great for polishing surfaces or cleaning up oil and grease. They conform easily around parts and tools, which makes them especially popular in mechanical and automotive work.

7. White Linen

Best For: Delicate polishing and high-end cleaning.

White linen rags come from high-quality tablecloths or napkins and offer a soft, smooth texture with minimal lint. Ideal for polishing metal, cleaning glassware, or use in the hospitality industry where a premium clean is essential.

8. Tea Towels

Best For: Kitchen and catering environments, general drying.

Cut from classic tea towels, these rags are durable and absorbent, perfect for food service, home cleaning, and drying dishes or surfaces. Their manageable size also makes them a staff favorite in cafes and restaurants.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose

Ask yourself these questions:

  • How absorbent do I need the rag to be? For spills and moisture, go with a towel or flannel.

  • Will I be dealing with grease or oil? Choose coloured T-shirt or coloured towel.

  • Do I need low-lint for polishing or glass? White sheeting or white linen are best.

  • Is budget a concern? Mixed white or mixed coloured rags offer good value.

  • Am I cleaning delicate or high-end surfaces? Opt for white flannels or linen.

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