We think it’s safe to say cotton is one of the most versatile textiles. Did you know that one cotton bale alone can produce 250 single bed sheets, 3,000 nappies, 1,200 t-shirts, 2,100 pairs of of boxer shorts, 680,000 cotton balls, or 4,300 pairs of socks?
It can do a lot more than that, too.
Perhaps even more useful than its work in the clothing industry, cotton makes an ideal medical product. The fabric is unbelievably adaptable, holding up to 27 times its own weight in water, and actually becoming stronger as it gets wet. These qualities make cotton perfect for bandages and swabs in a medical environment.
Cotton is most often used in the clothing industry since this fabric doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Thanks to its adaptability, cotton easily blends with other fibers and synthetics, and can quickly take to dyes.
Other characteristics of cotton include:
- Soft, comfortable, and cool
- Breathable fabric that absorbs and releases perspiration quickly
- This means cotton will stay cool in the summer and warm in winter
- Durable
- Wrinkles easily
- Appears in many varieties depending on how it’s woven:
- Corduroy
- Denim
- Flannel
- Seersucker
- Terry cloth
- Velvet
Possibly one of the most usable textiles, Commercial Bag & Supply can create cotton products that work for you like:
- medical supplies (as discussed above)
- wall coverings
- bank/casino money bags
- painter’s floor coverings
- book binding
- bags for metal shavings
- mail bags
- laundry bags
- seed samples
- food bags ideal for storing:
- coffee
- nuts
- cured ham
- flour
When it comes time to clean your cotton, follow these tips:
You can easily just throw your cotton products in the washing machine. Use chlorine bleach to restore the cotton to its original whiteness, but be careful! If your cotton is chemically treated, the bleach may cause yellowing. If dyed, the bleach may remove the color. Once you’ve finished washing and drying your cotton, using an iron at high temperatures can help to remove any wrinkles that sustained the wash and dry.
