Wet wipes show up all over a hotel — in guest rooms, at the front desk, in housekeeping carts and in the kitchen — and each use calls for a different substrate and liquid. For buyers, ordering the wrong grade means either a wipe that dries out and tears or one that costs more than it needs to. This guide covers the specs hospitality distributors and hotel groups should compare before ordering.
The main types of wipe in a hospitality order
- Guest / refreshing wipes — individually sachet-packed, mild and often lightly fragranced, given out at check-in, dining or events.
- Surface / disinfecting wipes — larger, tougher substrate with a cleaning or sanitising liquid, for housekeeping and public areas.
- Kitchen / food-contact wipes — food-safe formulations for prep surfaces.
- Personal-care wipes — makeup-remover or hand wipes for amenity kits.
Substrate: what the cloth is made of
The substrate drives both feel and cost. Specify the material and the GSM (weight): lighter spunlace is economical for quick guest wipes, heavier spunlace feels premium and stands up to scrubbing. Ask about biodegradability if you sell into regulated markets — see our guide to biodegradable and plastic-free amenities.
| Substrate | Feel / strength | Typical GSM | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spunlace | Soft, thin | 40–50 | Guest / refreshing |
| Standard spunlace | Balanced | 50–60 | Hand / personal care |
| Heavy spunlace / needle-punch | Strong, textured | 60–80+ | Surface / disinfecting |
| Wood-pulp blend (biodegradable) | Soft, eco | 45–60 | Eco-positioned lines |
The liquid: alcohol vs alcohol-free, fragrance and additives
For guest and personal-care wipes, alcohol-free formulas are gentler on skin and avoid a harsh smell; for disinfecting wipes, an alcohol or quaternary-ammonium liquid is used for efficacy. Confirm the fragrance (or fragrance-free), any skin-conditioning additives, and — for disinfecting claims — what standard the formulation is tested against for your market. The liquid loading (how saturated the wipe is) affects both performance and weight, so it is worth specifying.
Packaging formats
- Single sachets — one wipe per pack; ideal for guest hand-outs and amenity kits, easy to brand.
- Soft flow-packs — 10–80 wipes with a resealable lid; the housekeeping-cart standard.
- Canisters / tubs — pop-up dispensing for high-traffic surface wipes.
- In-room boxes — branded boxes for premium rooms and spas.
Resealability matters more than buyers expect: a pack that does not re-seal dries out and gets thrown away half-used, quietly raising your cost per usable wipe.
Private label, MOQ and lead time
Sachets and flow-packs both take private-label artwork; MOQ depends on the substrate, the liquid formula and whether the print is custom. Wipes combine well with other room supplies in a hotel disposables order or a mixed container, which is usually the most freight-efficient way to import them.
Frequently asked questions
Alcohol or alcohol-free for guest wipes? Alcohol-free is the usual choice for skin-contact guest wipes; reserve alcohol formulas for surface disinfection.
What GSM should a hotel surface wipe be? 60 GSM and up gives the strength to scrub without tearing.
Can wipes carry our brand? Yes — sachets and flow-packs both accept private-label printing; ask for MOQ by format.
Tell us the wipe type, substrate, liquid and packaging you need — we reply with specifications, samples and pricing. Browse hotel disposables or request a quote.