What Are Huck Towels? And Why Are They So Popular?

Huck towels, sometimes called surgical towels, are prized for their durability, absorbency, and low-lint properties. Made from 100% cotton, these cloths are smooth, tightly woven, and often feature sewn edges for longevity. While available in various colors, blue and green are the most popular choices.

Why are they called Huck Towels?

Huck towels earned their nickname because of the weave of the fabric, the “Huckaback” weave. Often shortened to "huck", the Huckaback weave creates a textured pattern of small, raised geometric shapes. This texture improves absorbency and makes the fabric ideal for drying.

Originally, huckaback fabric was used in Europe for hand towels and other linens in the 19th century. Eventually, towels made with this weave were simply called “huck towels.”

In the U.S. surgical doctors discovered that Huck towels were extra absorbent and perfect for the operating room. Their low lint quality makes them ideal for surgery as they are commonly draped over patients or used to clean and maintain sterilized instruments in surgical settings. For these tasks, even the smallest particles can compromise the sterility of medical tools or infect patients.

Why Are Huck Towels Popular for Cleaning?

In addition to the surgical community, cleaning professionals consider Huck towels a top choice due to their lint-free nature and exceptional absorbency. These features make them ideal for achieving streak-free results on windows and mirrors. Beyond glass, they're frequently used to clean surfaces where a lint-free finish is critical, including countertops and stainless steel.

Are Huck Towels Durable?

Huck towels are incredibly durable and can endure repeated laundering while retaining their absorbency and softness. Many healthcare facilities recycle huck towels after one use, repurposing them for cleaning tasks. These reclaimed towels often have years of life left in them, even after transitioning to cleaning use.

New vs. Reclaimed Huck Towels: What's the Difference?

New huck towels are fresh from production, pre-washed, and treated for maximum absorbency. Reclaimed huck towels, on the other hand, come from healthcare facilities and have been laundered before being repurposed. Cleaning professionals often prefer reclaimed towels because they offer immediate softness and absorbency at a lower cost.

Care Tips: How to Wash Huck Towels

Huck towels are easy to maintain and grow softer with every wash. Here are a few tips:

• Use half the usual amount of detergent to preserve absorbency.
• Wash only with other huck towels to prevent lint transfer from fluffier textiles like terry towels.
• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat for best results.

By following these guidelines, you'll extend the lifespan of your huck towels and maintain their high performance.

How Are Huck Towels Sold?

Whether you're stocking up for healthcare or cleaning applications, huck towels are available in a variety of formats:

• By the Bale: New towels are sold in bulk, with 400 towels per bale. 
• By the Pound: Available in cartons of 5, 10, 25, or 50 pounds, virgin and reclaimed towels are options.
• Retail Packs: For convenience, packs of 50 towels are retail-ready with polybag packaging, UPCs, and safety labels.

For added variety, Hospeco Brands Group offers new huck towels in six colors, including the ever-popular blue. Packed by the dozen and ready for e-commerce, these versatile towels are perfect for resellers and end-users.

Ready to learn more about Huck Towels?

If you have additional questions about huck towels or any other low-lint cleaning cloths, the experts at Hospeco Brands Group are happy to help. With our extensive experience and commitment to quality, we'll help you find the right products for your needs. Contact an Account Representative today for more information!