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Paper towel

technology Maturity 7-9 Next article →

A paper towel is a soft towel made of paper.

Paper towel
Paper towel

You use it once and then throw it away. These towels are great for cleaning up spills. They can also dry hands or wipe windows.

Nibroc
Nibroc

Paper towels soak up water very well. This happens because they are loosely woven. Water can travel between the tiny fibers. This is called the capillary effect. This means water can even move against gravity.

EnMotion brand paper towel dispenser
EnMotion brand paper towel dispenser

Most towels come in a roll. Some come in stacks for dispensers. Makers use paper pulp to make them. They get this pulp from wood or fiber crops. Some towels use recycled paper. Others use bamboo because it grows fast.

In the past, companies made towels for bathrooms. In 1931, the Scott Paper Company made rolls for kitchens. Today, many people use them at home. Some people use electric hand dryers instead. There is a big debate about which way is cleaner. Both sides have funded studies to prove their point.

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File:Paper towel.jpg
Paper towel.jpg
File:EnMotion brand paper towel dispenser.jpg
EnMotion brand paper towel dispenser.jpg
File:Nibroc.jpg
Nibroc.jpg
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