Towels & Wipes

About Towels & Wipes

Professional towels and wipes are essential consumables for tradespeople, workshops, and industrial environments across the UK. From heavy-duty cleaning cloths that tackle stubborn grease and oil to antibacterial wipes that maintain hygiene standards, this category provides specialised cleaning solutions for demanding work environments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks trusted brands including Everbuild Wonder Wipes, Big Wipes, Sealey, and Swarfega, all engineered to deliver effective cleaning without requiring water or additional products.

Modern trade wipes have evolved beyond simple paper towels. Today's professional cleaning solutions include solvent-impregnated wipes that cut through silicone and expanding foam, multi-surface cleaners for general maintenance, and heavy-duty workshop cloths with high GSM ratings that won't tear during tough cleaning tasks. Available in convenient tubs, dispensers, buckets, and rolls, these products are ideal for site work, mobile tradespeople, and workshops where washing facilities aren't immediately accessible.

Applications

Professional towels and wipes are indispensable across numerous trades and industries:

• Mechanics and Auto Technicians: Removing oil, grease, brake fluid, and automotive contaminants from hands and tools
• Decorators and Painters: Cleaning paint spills, removing sealants, and preparing surfaces before application
• Joiners and Carpenters: Cleaning adhesives, removing excess filler, and general workshop maintenance
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Cleaning flux, sealants, and maintaining hygiene between jobs
• Electricians: Maintaining clean work areas and removing cable lubricants or adhesives
• Factory and Warehouse Staff: Regular cleaning of machinery, workstations, and maintaining hygiene standards
• Construction Site Workers: Quick hand and tool cleaning without access to washing facilities
• Vehicle Fleet Operators: Keeping vans, tools, and equipment professional-looking
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home workshop maintenance and project clean-up

Choosing The Right Towels & Wipes

Consider the Contaminant Type: Heavy industrial grease and oil require solvent-based wipes, whilst general cleaning works well with multi-purpose options. For silicone, expanding foam, and adhesives, specialist products like Everbuild Wonder Wipes are specifically formulated to dissolve challenging substances.

Hand Cleaning vs Surface Cleaning: Hand wipes contain skin conditioners to prevent drying, whilst surface wipes may contain stronger solvents unsuitable for skin contact. Always check whether products are designed for hand use or surface cleaning only.

Material Strength and Absorbency: Workshop cloths with higher GSM ratings provide better durability without tearing. Cotton rags like the Sirius sheeting offer excellent absorbency for oil and liquids, whilst synthetic materials provide better chemical resistance.

Dispensing Format: Tubs with resealable lids prevent drying and suit workshop benches. Wall-mounted dispensers keep wipes organised in fixed locations. Portable buckets suit site work, whilst rolls allow you to tear off the exact amount needed.

Antibacterial Requirements: Essential for food preparation areas, healthcare settings, or environments requiring COSHH compliance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks antibacterial options from Big Wipes suitable for regulated environments.

Safety Information

Always read manufacturer safety instructions before use. Solvent-based wipes should be used in well-ventilated areas and are not suitable for skin unless specifically designed as hand wipes. Used wipes, particularly those contaminated with solvents or flammable substances, should be disposed of properly in accordance with HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations. Do not leave solvent-soaked wipes near ignition sources. Store wipes in sealed containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult the product safety data sheet. Keep all cleaning products out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use heavy-duty workshop wipes on my hands?

Only if specifically designed and labelled for hand use. Many industrial wipes contain solvents too harsh for skin contact. Look for products explicitly marketed as hand wipes, which include skin conditioners. Brands like Big Wipes and Swarfega produce dedicated hand cleaning wipes safe for repeated use.

What's the difference between Wonder Wipes and standard cleaning wipes?

Everbuild Wonder Wipes are formulated to tackle particularly stubborn substances including uncured silicone, expanding foam, adhesives, and bitumen. They contain specialist solvents that dissolve materials standard wipes struggle with, making them invaluable for decorators, builders, and anyone working with sealants and construction chemicals.

How long do wipes stay effective once opened?

Most quality wipes remain effective for several months if containers are properly resealed after each use. Ensure lids click shut completely to prevent evaporation of the cleaning solution. If wipes feel dry or less effective, they may have exceeded their useful life.