Blue Cleaning Roll vs Cloths: Which is Best for Your Cleaning Needs?

When it comes to cleaning, the tools you use can make a significant difference in terms of hygiene, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Two of the most used items in both domestic and commercial cleaning are cloths and blue cleaning roll. But which is better? Should you use blue roll or a cloth for cleaning?

In this blog, we’ll evaluate the benefits of each and help you determine the answer to the question ‘should I use blue roll or a cloth for cleaning?’ By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of when to reach for a cloth and when blue cleaning roll, known for its best quality and high absorbency, is the superior choice. We’ll also talk you through what phs Direct can offer, so you’ve no need to wonder where to get blue paper roll for cleaning, or which cloths are best for your needs.

Introduction to Blue Roll

Blue roll, also known as blue paper roll or centrefeed roll, is a versatile and absorbent paper product widely used for cleaning and hygiene purposes across various industries, including catering, hospitality, and healthcare. Designed to offer a cost-effective and efficient solution, blue roll is perfect for cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces, and absorbing messes. Typically made from recycled paper, blue roll is available in different ply variations—1, 2, and 3 ply—to suit diverse cleaning needs. Whether you need a quick cleanup tool or a reliable option for maintaining hygiene, blue roll is an indispensable addition to your cleaning arsenal.

The case for cloths: durable, reusable, and versatile

Cloths have long been a staple in the cleaning industry, offering a durable and reusable option for various tasks. Here's why cloths remain a popular choice:

1. Hygiene

When it comes to hygiene, cloths can be both an asset and a liability, depending on how they are used. A clean cloth can effectively remove dirt and bacteria from surfaces, particularly when used with appropriate cleaning agents. However, cloths can also harbour bacteria if not properly washed and sanitised after each use. This is particularly important in environments where cross-contamination is a concern, such as kitchens, healthcare facilities, and bathrooms.

2. Effectiveness

Cloths are highly effective for a variety of cleaning tasks. They can be used to scrub surfaces, absorb spills, and polish items to a shine. Because they are reusable, cloths can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for heavy-duty cleaning tasks that require a bit of elbow grease. Their ability to be washed and reused also makes them ideal for tasks that require repeated wiping, such as cleaning windows or dusting.

3. Environment

From an environmental perspective, cloths have the advantage of being reusable. A well-maintained cloth can last through numerous cleaning cycles, reducing the need for disposable alternatives. This not only saves money but also reduces waste, making cloths a more sustainable option compared to single-use products. However, it's important to consider the energy and water used in washing cloths, as this can offset some of the environmental benefits.

The benefits of blue cleaning roll: convenient, hygienic, and disposable

Blue cleaning roll, often referred to simply as blue roll, is a popular choice in many commercial settings, particularly in kitchens, workshops, and healthcare facilities. Absorbent rolls, including blue roll, come in various ply variations, with higher ply numbers indicating thicker and more absorbent rolls suitable for different environmental conditions. But should you use blue roll or a cloth for cleaning? Let’s take a closer look at what blue roll has to offer:

Blue cleaning roll is highly absorbent, making it ideal for quickly soaking up spills and wiping down surfaces. Kitchen roll, often used in household settings, serves as a disposable alternative to cloths and tea towels for cleaning spills or drying hands, though it raises concerns about environmental impact and cost.

1. Hygiene and cross contamination

One of the key advantages of blue cleaning roll is its disposability, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Each sheet of blue roll is used once and then discarded, ensuring that no bacteria or dirt are transferred from one surface to another. This makes blue roll particularly valuable in environments where hygiene is paramount, such as food preparation areas and medical facilities.

2. Effectiveness

Blue cleaning roll is highly absorbent, making it ideal for quickly soaking up spills and wiping down surfaces. Higher ply options, like 3-ply, provide the best quality and highest absorbency, allowing users to utilise fewer sheets overall while ensuring better spill cleanup. It’s also lint-free, which means it won’t leave behind fibres or streaks, making it perfect for tasks like cleaning glass or stainless steel. While it may not have the scrubbing power of a cloth, its ease of use and disposability make it an effective choice for light to moderate cleaning tasks, especially where quick cleanup is needed.

3. Environment

The environmental impact of blue cleaning roll is a bit more complex. On the one hand, the disposable nature of blue roll means it generates more waste compared to reusable cloths. However, many blue rolls are made from recycled paper and are themselves recyclable, which can mitigate some of the environmental concerns. Additionally, in settings where hygiene is a top priority, the benefits of using a disposable product may outweigh the environmental impact.

FSA Guidance on Cleaning Practices

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides essential guidance on cleaning practices to help prevent cross-contamination and uphold high hygiene standards. According to the FSA, blue roll should be used alongside other cleaning products and equipment to ensure a clean and safe environment. It’s crucial to wash or change blue roll regularly, especially after using it with raw or cooked meat, fish, or poultry, to prevent the spread of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use blue roll to maintain a hygienic space and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Best Practices for Using Blue Roll

To maximize the benefits of blue roll and maintain excellent hygiene standards, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Always use blue roll on a flat surface to prevent it from tearing or ripping.
• Utilize the perforated spiral to easily tear off the desired amount of blue roll.
• Clean up spills and messes immediately with blue roll to prevent them from becoming sticky or difficult to clean.
• Wipe down surfaces, including chopping boards, kitchen counters, and equipment, with blue roll to prevent cross-contamination.
• Regularly wash or change blue roll to avoid the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms.

By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure that blue roll remains an effective and hygienic cleaning tool in your daily routine.

Which is best for different types of cleaning jobs?

With numerous benefits on each side, you may be wondering ‘should I use blue roll or a cloth for cleaning?’ The decision to use blue cleaning roll or cloths depends largely on the specific cleaning task at hand. Here’s a breakdown of which is best for various jobs:

· General surface cleaning – both cloths and blue cleaning roll can be effective, but if hygiene is a concern, blue roll’s disposability makes it the better choice.
· Polishing and dusting – cloths are generally more effective for polishing surfaces and dusting, as they can be used repeatedly and provide a more thorough clean.
· Absorbing spills – blue cleaning roll is excellent for quickly soaking up liquids, especially in busy environments where convenience is key.
· Kitchen and food prep areas – blue roll is preferable due to its single-use nature, which helps prevent cross-contamination. Kitchen rolls are also versatile for maintaining cleanliness, suitable for various cleaning and hygiene needs in kitchens and bathrooms.
· Bathrooms and healthcare settings – again, blue roll is recommended to maintain high hygiene standards, as it can be discarded after each use.

The environmental consideration of recycled paper

When considering the environmental impact of your cleaning tools, cloths have the edge in terms of reusability. However, it's essential to weigh this against the hygiene requirements of your setting. In situations where preventing the spread of bacteria is critical, the single-use nature of blue cleaning roll can be a more responsible choice. Additionally, seeking out blue roll made from recycled materials can help minimise the environmental footprint.

Catering Industry Considerations

In the catering industry, blue roll is a crucial component of a comprehensive cleaning and hygiene program. When selecting blue roll for your catering business, consider the following key factors:

• Quality: Opt for high-quality blue roll that is absorbent, strong, and durable to handle various cleaning tasks.
• Quantity: Consider bulk orders to ensure you have an ample supply of blue roll to meet your cleaning needs.
• Cost: Compare prices from different suppliers to get the best value for your money without compromising on quality.
• Environmental Impact: Choose blue roll made from recycled paper to reduce your environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

By following these best practices and considering these key factors, you can ensure that your catering business uses blue roll effectively and efficiently to maintain high hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination.

How phs Direct can help

Want to know where to get blue paper roll for cleaning, or high-quality cleaning cloths? phs Direct offers a comprehensive range of cleaning products, including both blue cleaning roll and superior, durable cleaning cloths, to suit all your cleaning needs. They provide a complete range of products tailored to various workplace consumable needs. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of disposable products or the durability of reusable cloths, phs Direct has you covered.

Products and services from phs Direct

· Blue cleaning roll – our blue roll is made from durable, absorbent material that’s perfect for quick cleanups and maintaining hygiene in busy environments. Available in various sizes, it’s an essential tool for any commercial setting.
· Cleaning cloths – phs Direct supplies a wide range of cleaning cloths, from microfibre to cotton, designed for different cleaning tasks. Our cloths are durable, reusable, and effective for all your cleaning needs.
· Hygiene solutions – in addition to cleaning products, phs Direct offers hygiene solutions, including dispensers for blue roll, ensuring that your facilities are well-equipped to handle any cleaning challenge.

For more information on how phs Direct can support your business with the best cleaning products and hygiene solutions, give us a call or get in touch via email. Our experts are here to help you choose the right tools for maintaining a clean and safe environment. For further information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our support team.

By understanding the benefits of both cloths and blue roll, you can make informed decisions about which to use for different cleaning tasks. Let phs Direct provide you with the high-quality products and expert advice you need to keep your business spotless and hygienic.