Dusting: Microfiber cloths and mops trap much more dust than cotton rags, which makes the job faster and easier. Wash and dry microfiber separately from all other laundry. Because microfiber has a charge, it will attract dirt, hair and lint from other laundry. This will reduce the effectiveness of the microfiber.
Notice the dust and dirt particles actually collect within the microfiber cloth (top) where the cotton cloth (bottom) simply moves the particles as opposed to trapping and keeping them. Not only does microfiber help with dusting, it also reduces streaking on glass and chrome.
Microfiber cloths There's a reason microfiber cloths reign supreme over all other dust-catching textiles: They have an electrostatic charge that attracts and retains dust. Toss them in the laundry when they're ``full,'' and use them over and over--cleaning them actually helps recharge those electrostatic superpowers.
A dry cloth can simply move the dust around, rather than completely removing it from surfaces, whereas a moist microfiber cloth or one that has been sprayed with a cleaning solution will pick up and trap the dust more easily -- and it gives your surfaces a good clean at the same time.
Microfiber Dusters
The fibers rub together when the duster is used, which creates a static charge that attracts the dust. These tools do a fantastic job of removing the dust without scattering it everywhere.
“Microfiber cloths trap dust without spreading it, feather dusters are great for delicate surfaces, and vacuum attachments can be your best friend when cleaning hard to reach places,” Cohoon says. According to Brown, “A damp microfiber cloth is preferred for dusting wood and leather furniture.”
Air-drying is the best option for microfiber, but if you choose to use a dryer, set it to a low heat or air-dry setting. DON'T use fabric softeners and harsh detergents. Fabric softeners can clog the fine microfiber fibers, reducing their ability to pick up dirt and moisture.
As a cleaning material, cotton is lauded for being gentle on surfaces. In addition, cotton cloths require minimal financial outlay and so are seen as a cost effective material.
Microfibers can harm the small aquatic organisms that ingest them. Microfibers can also contain toxic chemicals that are intentionally added to textiles during the manufacturing process or that accumulate on plastic particles in the ocean.
My #1 tool for dusting is a good quality general purpose microfiber cloth—but the real key here is using it DRY first! As soon as you wet your cloth or surface, dust turns into a paste-like substance that you'll just smear around, and in the end, it becomes much more challenging to clean off.
Cotton sateen.
This off-the-shelf fabric has been the industry standard for many years and is still used extensively.
If you notice a lot of dust in your house, it's likely due to a combination of factors affecting air quality and ventilation. Dust particles from outside can enter through open windows or doors, while indoor sources like pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles contribute to the buildup.
Microfiber: All but a few picks in our guide are made from microfiber. This is the most common material used for dust cleaning, as the particles tend to cling to its soft fabric texture.
In addition to the open spaces in the fibers created during the splitting process, microfiber is an effective cleaning tool because the fibers are positively charged. Dirt and dust are negatively charged so they are literally attracted to microfiber like a magnet.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 80% Polyester / 20% Polyamide. multiple colors to help prevent cross contamination. No sewn edges or tag/label, won't scratch the surface of furniture and car.
Terry cloth is highly absorbent, affordable and luxuriantly soft. Microfiber is hypoallergenic and can be an excellent material for use on sensitive surfaces such as glass. Both materials also come in many varieties, so a company can target the qualities it most wants in a towel.
Usage Tips For The Best Results:
Just dampen half of the cloth and keep the other half dry. Now you can dust (with the dry side) and clean and polish (with the wet side) your entire home with ease and speed! Another option...
Microfiber can hold up to 7 times its weight in water, making it great for drying, thus preventing mold spores from growing and spreading.
Inhalation of microfiber could also lead to respiratory problems, inflammation, asthma, bronchitis and autoimmune diseases. These and other health issues are unfortunately nothing new for millions of textile workers, especially those working with nylon and polyester.
Always, always, always start at the top and work your way down so you don't push schmutz onto something you just cleaned. If you have ceiling fans or overhead lights, hit those first. Next, dust the tops of window frames and treatments. Then progress downward to the floor.
Microfiber cloths
Microfiber is one of Molly Maid's favorite dusting tools! These cloths work well for surfaces you can easily reach like coffee tables, side tables, furniture, etc. Microfiber doesn't stir up dust and it traps it.