When cleaning up blood, which type of towels should be avoided?

When cleaning up blood, the correct type of towels to avoid are cloth towels. Cloth towels can absorb blood and bodily fluids, creating a risk for cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens. They are difficult to sanitize completely after a heavy contamination, which could lead to health risks for anyone who handles them after the initial use.

In contrast, paper towels are typically designed for single use and can be disposed of immediately after they absorb the contaminated material. This minimizes the risk of spreading disease. Disposable towels also serve a similar purpose, allowing for safe and effective cleanup without the concern of re-using contaminated items. Microfiber towels, while reusable, can be effectively washed and sanitized, making them a safer option than cloth towels. Thus, cloth towels should be avoided in situations involving blood cleanup due to their potential to harbor and transmit infectious agents.