The difference between degreased cotton and regular cotton
2026-01-15
Medical absorbent cotton is used both in the healthcare industry and at home. Typically, it undergoes early disinfection and sterilization processes, which positively promote wound healing and recovery. But do you know what distinguishes medical absorbent cotton from ordinary cotton? Let Yu'an Medical provide you with a detailed explanation below: Medical absorbent cotton is made from raw cotton through a series of processing steps—including removal of impurities, degreasing, bleaching, washing, drying, and finishing. In fact, medical absorbent cotton is also known as medicated cotton because it is a type of cotton—though specifically, it’s cotton that has been chemically treated to remove its natural fats. Compared to ordinary cotton, medical absorbent cotton absorbs liquids more readily. It’s widely used as a sanitary product and is also employed in the manufacture of nitrocellulose fiber.
Dehydrated cotton is made by removing the fat from cotton through a special processing technique. Since its surface contains no fat, it exhibits excellent hydrophilicity and can be used as a disinfecting cotton ball when soaked in 75% alcohol. The raw materials include high-quality cotton, caustic soda, and water.
First, tear the cotton open and pick out any visible impurities, such as small stones or dead leaves. Wash the cotton with water until the effluent becomes clear. Place the cotton in an enamel pot, add enough water to just cover it, then add 2% to 5% of NaOH by weight of the water in the pot. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, and then simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water—this process should take about 10 minutes, during which you’ll need to rub the cotton gently while rinsing. Finally, lay the washed cotton out on clean paper to dry.
The above is the specific manufacturing process for medical degreased cotton. Normally, medical degreased cotton should be a hygienic material that is odorless, free of any unpleasant smells, and has a clean, white appearance. When purchasing medical degreased cotton, we must be extra vigilant and carefully distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.

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