What’s in a Bag of Rags? A Guide for NZ Workplaces

If you've ever bought or considered buying a bag of rags for your workplace, you may wonder: What exactly am I getting? Bags of rags are a cost-effective cleaning solution for NZ businesses, but knowing what’s inside can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.

In this guide, we break down what’s typically included in a commercial rag bag, how to use them effectively, and how to choose the right type for your cleaning needs.

What Is a Bag of Rags?

A bag of rags is a bulk pack of recycled cloths, typically made from cut-up textiles such as:

• 100% cotton t-shirts

• Towels or sheeting

• Sweatshirts or jersey fabrics

These rags are cleaned, sorted, and bagged in varying sizes. They're especially popular for workshops, commercial cleaning, schools, construction sites, and hospitality businesses. For a deeper dive into why 100% cotton rags are one of the most preferred options, check out our related blog: Why 100% Cotton Rags Are the Best Choice for NZ Commercial Cleaning. It explains how cotton rags deliver superior absorbency, softness, and value for high-demand workplaces.

What’s Typically Inside?

While the exact content can vary, most bags of rags contain:

• Pre-cut cloths in various shapes and sizes

• Mixed or sorted material types (e.g. coloured cotton, white t-shirt rags)

• Soft, absorbent fabrics ideal for general-purpose cleaning

Some bags are specific — like all white cotton, low lint, or heavy-duty — while others are assorted for flexibility and value.

Benefits of Buying Rags by the Bag

• Bulk savings: Buying rags in bags is much cheaper per unit

• Versatility: Suitable for different tasks — from wiping machinery to glass cleaning

• Low waste: Recycled textiles reduce landfill and promote sustainability

• Ready-to-use: No cutting or sorting required

Which Industries Use Bagged Rags?

Bagged rags are a staple across:

• Mechanics & Workshops – for wiping oil, grease and tools

• Construction & Painting – for rough cleanup and surface prep

• Hospitality – for wiping benches and customer areas

• Schools & Facilities – for maintenance and daily cleaning

• Cleaners & Janitors – for all-purpose cleaning needs

How to Choose the Right Bag of Rags

When selecting rag bags, consider:

• Material: Choose 100% cotton for absorbency; t-shirt rags for softness and low lint

• Colour: Go for white rags for hygiene-sensitive areas; coloured for general use

• Application: Heavy-duty or general-purpose? Choose accordingly

• Bag size: Available in small to extra-large bulk packs. For a comparison of how t-shirt rags stack up against traditional cleaning cloths, check out our article: T-Shirt Rags vs Traditional Cloths: Which Is Better for Cleaning?. It breaks down performance, value, and best-use cases to help NZ businesses choose the right cleaning tools.

Shop Quality Rag Bags with Insinc

At Insinc, we stock:

• Cotton, t-shirt, coloured and white rag bags

• Rag types for industrial, commercial, and janitorial use

• Eco-conscious, pre-cut, and workshop-ready packs

Shop Bags of Rags Now