Keeping a space clean isn’t just about wiping down surfaces. Tanya Bosch, owner of APPT, says, “In homes, offices, restaurants, factories, and healthcare facilities, proper cleaning practices make a real difference to health, hygiene, and safety. One of the simplest yet most effective systems used worldwide is colour-coded cleaning cloths.”
Here’s what they are, why they matter, and who should be using them.
What Are Colour-Coded Cleaning Cloths?
Colour-coded cleaning cloths are cleaning cloths grouped by colour—usually red, yellow, green, and blue—to separate their use by area or task.
“Instead of using the same cloth everywhere (which spreads germs around), each colour is assigned to a specific zone,” says Tanya.
A common standard looks like this:
Red – High-risk areas such as toilets and urinals
Yellow – Washrooms and sinks
Blue – General, low-risk areas such as desks and common surfaces
Green – Food preparation zones such as kitchens and counters
This simple visual system ensures everyone—from cleaners to kitchen staff—knows exactly which cloth to use.
Why Are Colour-Coded Cleaning Cloths Necessary?
- They Prevent Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination happens when germs from one area are transferred to another. Tanya says that if you are using the same cloth in the kitchen and bathroom you are on a fast track to spreading bacteria. Colour coding stops this immediately. - They Improve Hygiene and Safety
Cleanliness isn’t only about appearance—it affects health. Properly coded cloths help prevent foodborne illnesses, protect staff and customers, and ensure washrooms don’t contaminate shared spaces. - They Boost Efficiency
Colour coding makes cleaning faster. Staff don’t have to guess which cloth to use—they simply grab the right colour for the job. - They Support Compliance
Many industries follow strict hygiene regulations. Colour coding aligns with HACCP guidelines, food-safety standards, and best-practice cleaning protocols used globally.
Who Should Use Colour-Coded Cleaning Cloths?
Colour-coded systems benefit any environment where hygiene matters. This includes:
Restaurants and cafés – Preventing contamination between kitchen and front-of-house.
Hotels and guesthouses – Ensuring consistent room-cleaning standards.
Healthcare facilities – Reducing the spread of infection across wards and patient areas.
Schools and childcare centres – Keeping classrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms
hygienic.
Offices and corporate buildings – Maintaining clean workspaces and sanitary bathrooms.
Factories and industrial sites – Keeping production areas safe and compliant.
Cleaning companies – Providing professional, structured cleaning services.
Homes – Even families can benefit from avoiding cross-contamination.
Techniwipes
Techniwipes is the industrial retail subsidiary of APPT. Tanya says “A need was identified to provide similar high-quality colour coded wipes for the food manufacturing, industrial and commercial cleaning sector at competitive prices and this is the origin of Techniwipes.”
Colour-coded cleaning cloths are one of the most straightforward hygiene tools available. They prevent cross-contamination, support compliance, improve safety, and make cleaning more organised for everyone involved.
“Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing a large facility, or simply keeping your home healthy, adopting this system is a small change that delivers big results,” says Tanya.
Contact APPT
For more information or expert advice contact Tanya Bosch on Telephone: +27 (0)41 360 1935; Mobile 082 575 1783 or email: webmaster@appt.co.za
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