Storing Red Shop Towels

[minhster]

I probably have over 500-1000 of those red shop towels that I wash and reuse constantly in my shop and they always just end up in a corner because I dont really have a system/way/container to store clean vs dirty towels. Does anyone have a "cool" way or storing these towels? I almost want to just get 2 hampers (one for clean and one for dirty) but that's a little tacky. Any suggestions?

 

[wfochris]

being that I don't have 500 but maybe 5 or 10 I have them folded to fourth-size and stacked in a cabinet.

This solution isn't too good, because when they start to get dirty they just congregate somewhere (that's not so safe either).

Where I work, gloves/sleeves/rags/etc are in metal bins labeled by size and with a hinged lid, and there's always a bin on the end for dirty (we wash and reuse via outside source).

I'd think a metal hamper with two sides for clean/dirty would be ideal for your setup.

 

[saabman]

I gave up on those for much the same reason. Plus washing them was a multi step job. Now use Scott blue disposable towels. They seem more absorbent than the typical red towel.

 

[davesnothere]

at my shop we use an old metal trash can with a foot pedal operated lid for the dirty ones, and have an empty case oil box at each end of the garage full of clean ones.

 

[josall]

Just build 4-6 gravity feed bins 14x14x24h and hang on wall around shop. Use the washer for the dirty when its full run a load then refill boxes.

 

[markviii]

You need to check out the Battle of the Killer Cans thread for ideas...and join in the next battle. You'll come up with some unique solutions to you rag dilemma.

Chris

 

[rickairmedic]

I keep my clean rags on a shelf in one of my cabinets . The dirty ones go into a safety rag can like the ones in this post only mines not nearly as nicely finished ( its old and original ) .

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79307


Rick

 

[Nighttrain]

I'll have to ask my wife how she does it. She's does the laundry and folding of towels in my house.

 

[Reality Sucks]

we use an old 25 gal grease drum. and a sack to store the washable rags.. any others just get tossed.

 

[PCO6]

I store mine in a 5 gal. metal can with a plastic lid / seat on top of it so it serves dual purposes. Like a lot on here I tend to use more Scott paper shop towels. I still like to have some cloth wipers around though.

 

[minhster]

Thanks Chris and Rick for directing me towards the Battle of the Killer Cans thread. I'm gonna keep my eye out for one at local swap meets and garage sales now.

In the meantime, I'm thinking of taking the 5 gallon drum/bucket suggestion. I have some old race fuel cans laying around that i'm hoping to use now. I made a new thread for it though. If anyone has any other ideas, keep them coming!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

My dirty ones go in a round flammables can with a foot treadle operated lid. My clean ones are folded neatly and stacked in Rubbermaid plastic containers with lids to keep out dust, bugs and cats that want to make beds out of them.

I separate the clean rags into "grunge" rags that are worn, tattered, or just won't come clean, but are still usable, good rags for general wiping and such (I try to not get them too nasty) and wax and polish rags that do not see oil or grease.

Charles

 

[Call me the Breeze]

Rag can with Style LOL!

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Thanks Chris and Rick for pointing them to the Battle of the Killer cans