Red Shop Towels vs. Blue Huck Towels

Two of the most commonly used cleaning towel options in bulk are Red Shop Towels and Blue Huck Towels—but they serve very different purposes. In this guide, we break down the differences and help you choose the best option for your business or facility.
When it comes to industrial or commercial cleaning, the type of towel you choose can make a big difference. Whether you’re cleaning tools in a repair shop or sanitizing surfaces in a healthcare facility, having the right towel for the job ensures better performance, efficiency, and value.
Red Shop Towels vs. Blue Huck Towels: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?

What Are Red Shop Towels?
Red shop towels are the workhorse of industrial environments. Known for their durability and absorbency, these towels are built to handle tough, dirty jobs.
Key Features:
- Material: Cotton or cotton-blend
- Texture: Coarse, absorbent, and built for heavy-duty use
- Color: Bright red—easy to identify and separate from other linens
- Durability: Reusable but will eventually wear down with hard use
- Cost: Cost-effective and available in bulk
Best Use Cases for Red Shop Towels:
- Automotive Shops: Wipe down tools, engines, and greasy surfaces
- Manufacturing Plants: Tackle oil spills, machine maintenance, and cleanup
- Construction Sites: Handle dust, adhesives, paint, and general grime
Red shop towels are not ideal for delicate or sanitary cleaning but are perfect for rough, industrial work.

What Are Blue Huck Towels?
Blue huck towels (often referred to as surgical towels) are made from tightly woven cotton and designed for clean, lint-free performance.
Key Features:
- Material: 100% cotton, huck weave
- Texture: Smooth and low-lint—great for streak-free cleaning
- Color: Blue (sometimes green or white), often used in clinical and sanitary settings
- Durability: Strong and machine-washable for repeated use
- Cost: Slightly higher upfront but cost-effective over time
Best Use Cases for Blue Huck Towels:
- Healthcare Facilities: Used in hospitals and clinics for cleaning instruments and surfaces
- Janitorial Services: Clean glass, mirrors, and stainless steel with no streaks
- Hospitality Industry: Shine mirrors, clean bathrooms, and maintain guest areas
- Food Service: Safe for food prep areas and surfaces due to low lint
- Automotive Shops: Use for cleaning car body, windows and mirrors for a streak-free finish
Blue huck towels are ideal when cleanliness, precision, and reusability are top priorities.
Which Towel Is Right for Your Industry?
AUTOMOTIVE & INDUSTRIAL:
- Red Shop Towels » Built for grease, oil, and heavy-duty messes; or
- Blue Huck Towels » Streak-free and lint-free for car body and polished surfaces
JANITORIAL SERVICES:
- Blue Huck Towels » Streak-free and lint-free for polished surfaces
HEALTHCARE:
- Blue Huck Towels » Sanitary and reusable for sensitive environments
HOSPITALITY, HOTELS, SPAS, etc:
- Blue Huck Towels » Ideal for detailed and hygienic cleaning
CONSTRUCTION:
- Red Shop Towels » Durable and perfect for messy, on-site jobs
RESTAURANTS & FOOD PREP:
- Blue Huck Towels » Safe, clean, and food-surface friendly
Buy Red Shop Towels and Huck Towels in Bulk from Texon Towel!
At TexonTowel.com, we offer Red Shop Towels in bulk and Blue Huck Towels in bulk, ideal for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re stocking an auto shop, a medical facility, or a janitorial service, we’ve got high-quality towels at competitive wholesale pricing.
Choosing between red shop towels and blue huck towels comes down to how and where they’ll be used. For heavy-duty messes, go with red shop towels. For low-lint, streak-free cleaning, blue huck towels are your best bet. And when you buy in bulk from Texon Towel, you get excellent value with towels that are built to last.
Need help finding the right towel for your business? Contact us — we’re happy to assist.