What Are Z-Fold Hand Towels? The Complete Guide for Hotels, Restaurants & Facilities
What Are Z-Fold Hand Towels? The Complete Guide for Hotels, Restaurants & Facilities
When choosing commercial paper hand towels for hotels, restaurants, and public washrooms, businesses often compare Z-fold, C-fold, and multifold hand towels. At the same time, many hotel managers wonder why guests sometimes place a towel under the hotel room door.
This guide explains all three topics in one helpful article — ideal for facility managers, hospitality buyers, and B2B distributors.
What Are Z-Fold Hand Towels?
Z-fold hand towels (also called interfold paper towels or Z-fold paper hand towels) are disposable paper towels folded in a "Z" shape. When pulled from the dispenser, each sheet dispenses one at a time, offering:
- Touch-free dispensing (hygienic and sanitary)
- Reduced waste because guests use fewer towels
- Premium appearance, ideal for hotels, airports, offices
- Strong absorption, especially in 2-ply and 3-ply options
Z-fold towels are commonly used in public washrooms, hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.
Are C-Fold and Multifold Towels the Same?
This is a very common question in the hygiene supply industry.
The short answer: No, they are not the same.
C-fold towels are folded into a "C" shape and often pull out multiple towels at once (causing more waste).
Multifold towels (including Z-fold and M-fold) interlock, allowing one-at-a-time dispensing, making them more economical and hygienic.
Comparison Table: Z-Fold vs C-Fold vs Multifold Hand Towels
| Feature | Z-Fold (Interfold) | C-Fold | Multifold (3-Fold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fold Shape | "Z" shape | "C" shape | "M" or "W" shape |
| Dispensing | One-at-a-time | Often pulls multiple | One-at-a-time |
| Waste Level | Low | High | Low |
| Hygiene | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Cost Efficiency | High | Low | High |
| Ideal For | Hotels, hospitals, offices | Older dispensers | Hotels, restaurants, public washrooms |
If you're supplying B2B clients, multifold hand towels (also known as 3-fold hand towels) are the top choice for premium efficiency and hygiene.
👉 Recommended Product:
Multifold Paper Hand Towels – 3 Fold for Hotels & Hospitals (HLHT8775)
This SKU is designed specifically for hotel washrooms, hospital facilities, and high-traffic restrooms and is one of the best-selling commercial paper towel options.
Why Do Hotel Guests Put a Towel Under the Door?
This question is often asked in hotel management forums. Guests put a towel under the hotel room door for several reasons:
-
To Block Light
Some hallway lights are bright. A towel helps create a darker, more comfortable sleeping environment. -
To Reduce Noise
A thick towel absorbs sound coming from the hallway, improving sleep quality. -
To Keep Odors Out
Occasionally, strong smells (cleaning chemicals, smoke from another room, food odors) may leak in. A towel blocks airflow from the gap. -
For Extra Privacy
The door gap can allow shadows or movement to be visible. A towel adds privacy. -
For Warmth or Air Conditioning Control
The towel helps prevent drafts coming in from the hallway.
While housekeeping staff often notice this, it’s typically harmless — just a comfort preference among guests.
Why Multifold Hand Towels Are the Best Choice for Hotels
Hotels prioritize:
- Hygiene
- Waste control
- Cost efficiency
- Professional appearance
Multifold paper towels satisfy all of these needs thanks to:
- One-at-a-time dispensing
- High absorption
- Compatibility with most universal dispensers
- Better stackability and shipping efficiency
👉 Explore the recommended model here:
Multifold Paper Hand Towels – 3 Fold for Hotels & Hospitals (HLHT8775)
FAQ About Z-Fold, C-Fold & Multifold Towels
1. Are Z-Fold and Multifold Towels the Same?
Not exactly. Z-fold is a type of multifold towel. All Z-fold towels are multifold, but not all multifold towels are Z-fold.
2. Do Z-Fold Towels Fit Universal Dispensers?
Yes. Most commercial dispensers support Z-fold and multifold sheets.
3. Why Do C-Fold Towels Waste More?
Because they are not interlocked. Pulling one often pulls two or three.
4. What Size Are Standard Multifold Hand Towels?
Common sizes include 23×23 cm and 20×23 cm, depending on dispenser requirements.
5. Are Multifold Towels Eco-Friendly?
Yes — many options are biodegradable, recyclable, and made from virgin pulp or sustainable fibers.
Leave a comment