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Why the Difference Between Face and Hand Towels Actually Matters

By Wayne Kotulic Jr. | December 21, 2022 | Hand Towels, Towels in Bulk
stacked hand towels in gym

Shopping for new bulk hand and face towels for your facility? When you want the best value, it helps to learn about the difference between face and hand towels before making a wholesale purchase. That way, youʼll be sure to choose durable options your customers will love.

Keep reading to discover some of the most important things you need to know before you purchase new face and hand towels, from what standard sizes are to why fabric composition and thread blends matter.

The Difference Between Face and Hand Towels Explained

When shopping for towels in bulk, affordability and durability might be your top concerns. But not all cheap wholesale towels are created the same—especially when it comes to smaller towels with specialized uses.

Both face towels and hand towels have specific purposes. As their names indicate, face towels are meant to be used for your face and hand towels for your hands.

This matters mainly in part due to sanitary reasons. Though bacteria, fungus, dead skin cells, oils, and other debris can lurk on any towel, you don’t want to spread them to your face.

The skin on your face is much more sensitive than your hands, and using the same towels can cause skin infections, acne flares, and irritation.

Towel Size Differences

Face towels, also known as washcloths, are much smaller than hand towels. Hand towels usually are about 16″x30″, while face towels typically measure 13″x13″.

Just at a glance, it’s easy to tell the difference between hand and face towels. Here are some of the types of face and hand towels we offer in bulk:

Face Towel Sizes

Hand Towel Sizes

Unique Towel Materials

Given their different uses, wholesale towel manufacturers prioritize softness when making face towels and resilience when creating hand towels.

The skin on your face is delicate, and pressing the rough fabric against your facial skin can irritate you. That’s why towel manufacturers typically use a softer cotton terry cloth or microfiber fabric when making face towels.

Hand towels are typically used more often since, as part of good hygiene practices, most people wash and dry their hands throughout the day. Since hand skin is not as sensitive as facial skin, manufacturers make hand towels out of soft yet durable material so the towels can survive extra usage and washing.

Texon’s premium hand towels are spun from cotton. They are not only high quality and long lasting, but they’re soft and ultra-absorbent, too. The same can be said for our washcloths.

Distinct Cleaning Requirements

Ideally, you should purchase more face than hand towels because of their difference in washing frequency.

Face towels should be changed and cleaned more frequently than hand towels after every three uses. Face towels wipe off makeup, skin oil, face wash, toothpaste, and other residues. As a general rule, people should not be sharing face towels. Doing so will spread germs and bacteria.

Hand towels are used more often and typically by multiple people, so they get dirty more quickly. As such, you should wash them every one to two days.

What Materials Are Available for Hand Towels and Face Towels?

Since the face towel is for cleaning your sensitive facial skin, you should be more selective when choosing washcloths for your facility.

  • Microfiber/Polyester: Great for removing oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup
  • 100% Cotton/Organic Cotton: Highly absorbent; ideal for those with susceptible skin, such as infants
  • Turkish Cotton: Very soft, fluffy, and absorbent as a washcloth
  • Rayon From Bamboo: Smooth texture; good for exfoliating

The most popular hand towel material is cotton, which is ultra-absorbent, soft to the touch, and lightweight. If made well, they’re also long-lasting.

We offer a variety of towels for all of your needs, whether it’s towels for the gym, weight room, or salon, and in various colors.

Our customers have reported getting more uses out of their towels and enjoying our quality.

FAQs About Face and Hand Towels

Here are some answers to common questions customers have before buying hand and face towels in bulk.

Can You Use Hand Towels to Wash Your Face?

There are a few reasons why this is a bad idea. First, the material typically used for hand towels is more robust than face towels, which may cause skin irritation. Second, it’s highly unrecommended for you to use a dirty hand towel on your face especially. This is unsanitary and can lead to infections, acne, and skin irritation.

Additionally, you don’t want to spread germs from one part of your body to another, as it could also get you sick. Though you may not notice it immediately, this is a health hazard.

What Kind of Towel Is Best for Your Face?

Cotton or cotton blend material is best for your face because it’s gentle and absorbent. Microfiber towels are especially good at removing makeup while gently exfoliating.

What Is the Use of a Hand Towel?

As the name implies, hand towels are best used to dry your hands. You can also use them to dry and polish objects like gym equipment.

Are Hand Towels Sanitary?

Hand towels, if washed every one to two days, are a hygienic option for hand drying. However, they can harbor harmful germs and bacteria when not cleaned or dried properly.

How Long Do Hand Towels Last? What About Face Towels?

Hand towels last an average of two to five years, depending on their quality. When you notice that the towel’s threads begin to pull or a lingering odor following a thorough wash, it’s time to throw it out. You should replace washcloths every one to two years.

Shop Texon for the Face and Hand Towels You Need

Texon Athletic Towel & Supply doesn’t just supply high-quality and durable towels for gyms and athletes. We provide to all businesses that need them, like hotels, salons, and cleaning companies.

You will need more than one set of hand and face towels to provide a safe and clean environment for your customers. With us, you can buy in bulk and save money.

Texon Provides Durable Towels Without a Luxury Price Tag

Texon customers keep buying towels from us because our towels are absorbent, soft, and built to last. We’re a family-owned, family-run business that prioritizes quality and safety.

We strive to provide a large inventory of the best products at prices that are hard to beat. If you have any questions, please reach out to our towel experts. We can help you find the best bulk towels to meet your needs.

Give us a call today to learn more about the difference between face and hand towels. We can help you find exactly what you need for your facility.

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