Why are paper towels more durable than toilet paper or office paper?
The difference between paper towels and any other type of paper comes directly from the manufacturing process. Paper towels are made of the most recycled paper hence they have shorter fibers that cannot be recycled further. In addition to this, during the manufacturing of paper towels, a special resin is added to make them strong even while wet, this accounts for the fact that paper towels don’t tear as easily as toilet paper or office paper while they are wet.
What are paper towels made of?
Whether or not paper towels will eventually dissolve is based solely on what components they are made out of .this is because certain manufacturing components can cause a material to be stronger, weaker, flexible, or rigid. Paper towels are made in a manner alike toilet paper but with a few changes.
Paper towels are made basically out of’:
Cellulose which includes wood, cotton, and other plantsPulp; the pulp comes from hardwood and softwood treesWater; is a very important aspect of the majority of manufacturing processes including the manufacturing of paper towelsPrinting ink; this is usually water-based ink and is printed on for aesthetic reasons only. Paper towels without ink are also available depending on your preference. The binding agent is water-based; this holds layers of sheets of paper together and keeps the rolls connected to the cardboard at the center. This is a safe toxin-free substance as it is also used in food thickeners and pharmaceutical products. Conditioners and resin; are added to better the strength and consistency of the paper.
How long are paper towels expected to last?
An effective paper towel is durable when wet and does not tear easily. Paper towels that have been designed to be more absorbent or the ones that can be reused are more durable than others. Once paper towels are in use, they can last for up to fifty washes before they lose their absorbing properties and become useless. Manufacturing companies usually make embossed designs on paper towels to increase their capacity to absorb. Non-used paper towels do not expire.
Uses of paper towels.
Paper towel uses resemble that of the regular towels which include using paper towels to dry hands after a wash, wiping down glass windows, cleaning surfaces, cleaning liquid spills et cetera. Paper towels are also frequently utilized in public restrooms as they are presumed to be more hygienic than cloth towels. Paper towels are used so frequently by almost every American household which is likely due to their high absorbance rate and durability. Nowadays, due to global efforts to reduce waste, there are reusable paper towels available. Each towel can be cleaned by simply placing it into the washing machine and dryer or in the dishwasher. These reusable paper towels can be washed and reused over fifty times before their durability and absorbing capacity are lost and it’s time to throw them in the trash. Paper towels are used in cleaning up liquid spills and wiping wet surfaces because they can absorb a lot of liquid quickly.
How long are paper towels expected to be used?
Packaged and unused paper towels if stored accurately, does not expire. To extend their shelf life keep them in their original packaging or in a sealed airtight container. This is to prevent moisture from getting to them, possible water leakage, dust, and other contaminants. Paper towels in use can last for up to fifty (50) washes. To lengthen the durability and increase the absorption capacity, users are advised to utilize the resin side of the paper towel is used.
Now for the million dollars question: WILL PAPER TOWELS EVENTUALLY DISSOLVE?
The answer is NO. Paper towels are not created to dissolve. They are biodegradable which means that microorganisms can break them down into degradable material. However, this doesn’t happen quickly hence why you should never try to flush paper Towels down the drain as it does not dissolve and most likely will result in blockage of the drain.
If you flush down a paper towel, what can you do?
Call a plumber; because paper towels do not dissolve, flushing them down your drain is not a good idea cause it has a high possibility of clogging your drain or toilet.
Conclusively, paper towels are very good and useful for cleaning messes and with it being reusable, it limits wastage. Paper towels will NOT dissolve, they are biodegradable so make sure to dispose properly to avoid blocking the drain
