Choosing and Using Cleaning Wipes Correctly in the Workplace

by Wiepa GmbH on Jul 09, 2026

Cleaning Supplies Guide

Properly Selecting and Using Cleaning Cloths in the Workplace

Cleaning cloths are constantly needed in offices, kitchens, sanitary areas, and on cleaning carts. Nevertheless, they are often ordered haphazardly.

Separating paper wipes, microfiber cloths, disinfectant wipes, and their appropriate areas of use prevents waste, searching, and incorrect application.

View cleaning clothsSearch for cleaning supplies

Short Answer

Companies should choose cleaning cloths according to their area of use: disposable wipes for quick and hygienic applications, microfiber cloths for recurring surface cleaning, and disinfectant wipes for defined hygiene points.

Why cleaning cloths are not just any consumable item

In everyday life, cleaning cloths determine whether cleaning routines function quickly, cleanly, and predictably. Incorrect cloths lead to streaks, high consumption, or unnecessary switching between products.

  • suitable cloths facilitate daily cleaning routines
  • clear areas of application prevent mixing
  • standard items simplify reordering
  • supplies can be better planned
  • cleaning carts and supply cupboards remain more organized

Basis: Organizing cleaning carts in the company

Which cleaning cloths are suitable for which area?

Cloth type Typical use What to look for?
Paper wipes quick cleaning, kitchen, workplace absorbency, dispenser, consumption
Microfiber cloths recurring surface cleaning color system and care
Disinfectant wipes defined hygiene points clearly define area of use
All-purpose cloths kitchen, sanitary, cleaning do not use for everything simultaneously

Disposable or reusable?

Both can be useful. Disposable wipes are practical when speed is essential or hygienic separation is important. Reusable cloths are suitable for regular cleaning routines, provided cleaning, storage, and washing are well organized.

  • Disposable wipes: fast, hygienic, easy to plan
  • Microfiber cloths: durable, but only sensible with clear care instructions
  • Disinfectant wipes: for clearly defined points instead of every surface
  • Paper wipes: practical for kitchen, workplace, and small incidents

Read more: Organizing disinfection in the workplace

Color systems help with separation

Especially when cloths are used in several areas, a color system can help. This makes it immediately clear which cloth is intended for which area. Separation between the kitchen, sanitary area, and general surfaces is particularly important.

More on this: Organizing cleaning supplies in the office

Properly storing cleaning cloths

Cleaning cloths should be stored dry, clean, and clearly assigned. On the cleaning cart or in the supply cupboard, they should not be loosely scattered among cleaning products, gloves, and garbage bags.

  • Sort cloths by area
  • Store disposable and reusable cloths separately
  • Keep opened packages visible
  • Maintain a separate stock for refills
  • Check together with cleaning products

Read more: Organizing the cleaning cupboard in the workplace

Plan together with gloves and garbage bags

Cleaning cloths are rarely used alone. Disposable gloves, garbage bags, cleaning products, and disinfectants often go with them. Planning these items together reduces individual orders and helps identify missing supplies earlier.

Read more: Planning disposable gloves and Stocking garbage bags

Checklist: Organizing cleaning cloths

  1. Record areas of use: office, kitchen, sanitary, reception, warehouse
  2. Define cloth types for each area
  3. Consciously separate disposable and reusable cloths
  4. Check color system for sensitive areas
  5. Determine storage locations in the cleaning cupboard or on the cart
  6. Define minimum stock for each cloth type
  7. Bundle reorders with other cleaning supplies

Frequently asked questions

What cleaning cloths does a company need?

Typically, paper wipes for quick applications, microfiber cloths for surfaces, and disinfectant wipes for defined hygiene points.

Are disposable or reusable cloths better?

That depends on the application. Disposable cloths are practical and hygienic, while reusable cloths are worthwhile for regular use and well-organized care.

How do you store cleaning cloths correctly?

Dry, clean, sorted by area, and clearly visible in the cleaning cupboard, on the cleaning cart, or at the point of use.

Reliably procure cleaning supplies

Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein Main with cleaning cloths, cleaning products, gloves, garbage bags, and ongoing hygiene supply.

Request consultation