Cloth towel roll service explained: why paper isn’t everything
Most people reach for a paper towel after washing their hands without giving it a second thought. Paper is inexpensive, widely available and appears hygienic at first glance, as every sheet comes out of the dispenser fresh and unused. Yet there is an alternative that is at least as effective in terms of hygiene and equally worth considering for sustainability and comfort: the traditional cloth towel roll, backed by a complete service.
Why choose cloth towels?
In terms of hygiene alone, there is little difference between cloth and paper towels. A study by the University of Helsinki, commissioned by the European Textile Services Association (ETSA), compared the two directly. It concluded that cotton and paper towels are equally effective at removing moisture, dirt and bacteria from the hands. Electric hand dryers, however, performed less well in the same study. Under certain conditions, they can disperse more bacteria and germs into the surrounding area. Cloth and paper towels are therefore both good choices for washroom hygiene.
The main difference between cloth and paper therefore lies beyond hygiene. A cloth towel roll can be washed and reused up to a hundred times before it needs replacing. Over its lifetime, it replaces thousands of paper towels. Using cloth towel rolls therefore generates significantly less waste than using disposable paper towels.
And what about electric hand dryers?
They have their place too. Modern high-speed models perform well in life cycle assessments and operate without consumables. In terms of hygiene, however, cloth and paper towels have the advantage. The most suitable system depends on the priorities of each individual washroom.
Cloth towel dispensers: designed with hygiene in mind
Keeping cloth towel dispensers hygienic starts with their design. The dispenser has two separate compartments: one holds the clean, unused cloth, while the other collects the used section, which is automatically wound up and kept separate from the clean cloth. Each user pulls out a clean section of towel without coming into contact with the used part. A simple, practical system that provides a clean section with every use.
How does the cloth towel roll service work?
With Hygolet’s cloth towel roll service, you no longer have to worry about a thing. At agreed intervals, a service technician visits your premises, checks your supplies, replaces the rolls and collects the used rolls. These are professionally cleaned and hygienically processed at a laundry in Switzerland, then returned to circulation.
For your business, this means we monitor stock levels and replenish your supplies. There is also no need to empty bins full of used paper towels. Provided the service technician has access, they can work independently without interrupting your staff. Reliability and discretion are integral to Hygolet’s cloth towel roll service.
Why choose Hygolet for a cloth towel roll service?
As a Swiss family business, Hygolet has been providing washroom hygiene solutions since 1978. Its cloth towel roll service was introduced in 1991, offering ongoing support for the systems. The service combines a quality product with decades of practical experience. Over the years, Hygolet has expanded its range of services to include entrance mats, fragrance dispensers and feminine hygiene.
To get started, a sales representative visits you in person and works with you to prepare a proposal tailored to your needs. Once the contract is signed, the service remains straightforward: you only pay for what you actually use, with no hidden costs. Invoices are clear and transparent. Contracts have a minimum term of two years and can then be terminated with three months’ notice. The terms are clearly explained, with no conditions hidden in the small print. For businesses looking for a reliable cloth towel roll service over the long term, Hygolet is the right partner.
