Disposable Towels: When They Make Sense for Care, Spa and Salon Settings

Reusable towels are the default in most care homes, spas and salons. But in some settings a single-use towel is the better tool: it removes the laundry step and the risk of passing anything from one person to the next. This guide explains when disposable towels make sense, when they do not, and what to look for.

What are disposable towels?

Disposable towels are designed to be used once and thrown away. Our disposable towels are made from 100% plant fibre, so they are biodegradable, and they are soft and absorbent.

When disposable towels make sense

• Care homes and barrier nursing. Single use means no cross contamination between residents, and it supports your infection control routine.
• Beauty and hair salons. A fresh towel for every client, with no laundry pile to manage. Our range includes a black option for hair towels.
• Spas and treatment rooms. Useful for treatments where a fresh, clean towel matters, or where laundering would be slow or costly.
• Peaks and overflow. A way to cover busy periods without buying more reusable stock.

When reusable towels are the better choice

Where guests expect a luxury feel, such as in a hotel bathroom or a spa relaxation area, a reusable towel is still the right answer. If you already have efficient in-house laundry, the cost of reusable towels over their life can also be lower. Many businesses use both: reusable for guests, disposable where hygiene or speed is the priority. Our linen hire vs buying guide helps you weigh the laundry side.

Reusable or disposable: a quick comparison

• Hygiene: disposable towels are used once, so there is no cross contamination.
• Laundry: disposable towels remove washing, drying and handling; you save on in-house laundry costs.
• Feel: reusable towels feel more premium.
• Waste: reusable towels create no waste; ours are biodegradable plant fibre.
• Cost: compare the cost per use, including laundry, rather than the price per towel.

Sizes and colours

The Enki disposable range comes in four sizes: 40cm x 50cm, 40cm x 80cm, 80cm x 140cm and 85cm x 200cm. Towels are white, with black available as a hair towel only. The smaller sizes suit hands, faces and hair; the larger ones cover body and treatment couch use.

Buying disposable towels

Browse the Enki disposable towel range. We offer next-day delivery, and free shipping on orders over £175 before VAT. If you want to buy in volume, see our wholesale page or call 01246 293014.

Frequently asked questions

Are disposable towels biodegradable?

Our Enki disposable towels are made from 100% plant fibre and are biodegradable.

Are disposable towels suitable for care homes?

They are designed for single use and suit barrier nursing. Always follow your own infection control policy.

What sizes are available?

40cm x 50cm, 40cm x 80cm, 80cm x 140cm and 85cm x 200cm.