Are you supposed to wash microfiber cloths before use?

Author: Ms. Lillie Klocko DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Always wash new microfiber towels prior to first use to remove any loose factory production fibers. Always wash newer black, orange, and red colored towels separately from lighter colored towels to avoid any risk of bleeding.

Do you have to wash new microfiber cloths?

Yep, always wash first. Cool on low heat and DO NOT use fabric softners or dryer sheets.

How do you wash microfiber cloth before use?

To clean a microfiber cloth, wash with warm soapy water and rinse well. The warm water opens up the fibers, allowing them to release the locked-in dirt. Placing the cloths in a washing machine and then drying them in a dryer on low heat is also effective.

How to wash microfiber sheets for the first time?

Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine and use cold water, as heat can damage the synthetic fibers. Make sure you're not overloading your washing machine. Sheets should have enough room to move around for a thorough cleaning.

Should I wash a microfiber cloth after use?

Yes. I toss mine in whenever we wash the delicates or when we wash treated fabrics. In this way there are no additives that can stick to the microfiber. You want to wash with plain detergent or soap only, with no softeners or brightened.

Are You Washing Your Microfiber Towels Wrong?

Can I put microfiber cloths in the dryer?

After the lint trap has been emptied, you can place your microfiber towels inside the dryer separately from garments made with natural fibers as they tend to shed. Avoid adding dryer sheets and using high heat settings to dry microfiber towels as this may damage the fibers.

What to do after using a microfiber cloth?

Machine-Washed:
  1. Shake the microfiber cloths outdoors or into a trash can to release excess dirt.
  2. Machine wash a load of microfiber cloths in cold or warm water. ...
  3. If using detergent, choose a gentle detergent with no scent or laundry additives.

Can you use Dawn to wash microfiber towels?

Never use dish soap to wash microfiber towels. Even your everyday laundry detergent can be too harsh for these delicate towels, containing fragrances and other chemicals that could damage the fibers.

Is it okay to use new sheets without washing?

Brand new bed sheets may appear crisp, clean and ready to be slept on. However, the truth of the matter is they were produced in a factory and it would be a good idea to wash them before first use.

Does microfiber get softer after washing?

Microfiber sheets are as durable as cotton sheets. However, these sheets soften over time with multiple washes. If the bed sheets are not of high quality, they might not withstand for a long duration.

Do you wash microfiber cloths with detergent?

Wash separately from other items and fabrics. Use cool or warm water. Use fragrance-free detergent without additives. Skip the detergent if washing lightly soiled cloths by hand.

Is tide safe for microfiber?

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin and for washing delicate fabrics like microfiber.

Can you wash microfiber with just water?

By cleaning with microfiber and water you'll spend much less on cleaning agents. In fact, by choosing to clean with only with water, you can preserve your towels for much longer before you need to replace them.

When should you throw out microfiber cloths?

Microfiber Care

The ceramic coating will usually dry and crystallize on the towel and you don't want to use that again. Just toss those when done. Everything else can be reused. Eventually the nice towels will become ratty and they can be relegated to dirty jobs.

Should you wash newly bought towels?

Always wash new towels before use to remove any silicone coating added during the manufacturing process. Removing this coating releases the fabric's fibers, allowing them to absorb water more easily. An initial wash also helps remove lint left over from the weaving process.

Can I use oxiclean on microfiber towels?

I have used the granular oxi clean before in the wash with my towels and they came out fine. I pre-soak all my microfiber towels in the granular oxi clean. I use the Gary Dean method for rinseless washing with ONR or Duragloss w/aquawax.

Should bed sheets be washed before first use?

It's always a good idea to wash new bed sheets before their first use. This helps remove any chemicals or residue from production, soften natural fabrics and also remove lint and dust particles. Follow best practices such as cold water, mild detergent and gentle washing to ensure they come out looking their best.

Do I need to wash new clothes before using them?

All of the fabric and laundry experts I spoke with recommend—or at least strongly suggest—washing all pieces of clothing before wearing them for the first time, especially if you have any skin sensitivities or you're shopping for babies.

What are the consequences of not washing sheets?

Failure to wash bedsheets regularly can leave skin exposed to dirt, sebum, cosmetic products, and debris which will not only cause dust mites to accumulate, but can result in outbreaks of conditions such as acne, rashes, as well as cause irritation and itching, and flare-ups or eczema.”

Should you wash microfiber towels before first use?

Always wash new microfiber towels prior to first use to remove any loose factory production fibers. Always wash newer black, orange, and red colored towels separately from lighter colored towels to avoid any risk of bleeding.

What is the best way to wash microfiber cleaning cloths?

Wash microfiber cloths in warm or cold water whether you are using a washer or washing by hand in a sink or plastic tub. Select the load size. Use a regular wash-and-spin cycle. Add the detergent but no fabric softener to dispensers.

Is dish soap or laundry detergent stronger?

Use the mildest product for your needs. Liquid dishwashing detergent and laundry soap are mildest, laundry detergent is moderate and automatic dishwashing detergent is harshest.

Should you wash new microfiber cloths?

Brand new microfiber towels contain residual loose fibers, lint, and chemicals left over from manufacturing. Wash them separately before using to remove this debris and maximize cleaning ability. Lint roll towels first to get surface fibers off.

What not to do with microfiber cloths?

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.

Can you use Dawn to wash microfiber?

Abrasive materials can harm the fabrics in a microfiber towel and make them less effective. Avoid fabric softeners, chlorine bleach, and soap-based detergents. Microfiber towels don't just dry your hair quickly.

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