“Another way to tell fibers have been damaged is to run your hand over the cloth,” says Sweeney. “If it feels like it's pulling your skin (like you have dry skin), then it's good. If it doesn't, then you might need to replace [the towel].”
She explained a good way of testing the towel. “The way to determine that the microfiber is melted is to hold the towel in two hands and put water on it. If [the water] sits on the cloth rather than soaking into it, then the damage is done."
If well cared for, a microfiber cloth can last for as many as 500 washings. It will begin to lose some of its effectiveness, after 150 washings, however.
The two products to avoid are bleach and fabric softener. Bleach WILL damage the fibers. Fabric softener eliminates "static cling" or electrostatic energy - this is a critical part of what makes a micro fiber work.
According to Microfiber Wholesale, an average microfiber cloth can last up to 5 years if washed 25 times per year. Ultimately, the longevity of your microfiber cloths depends on several factors like how often you use them, what you use them for, and how well you take care of them.
Unfortunately, they don't last forever; at some point, microfiber cloth cleaning won't have the same revitalizing effect it once did. You'll know it's time to bid your current cloth adieu when it's no longer cleaning or picking up dust like it once did.
Re: Microfiber Towels Not Absorbing - HELP!
I'd try washing them again in just water. But make sure it's on the hot/warm setting, and let them soak in water for at least 15-20 minutes.
Can you dry microfiber cloths in the dryer? Yes, but not often. Frequent drying will loosen fabric strands and make them prone to fabric pilling. If you do machine dry, use a low heat setting and skip dryer sheets.
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.
If your towels lose their absorbency, try boiling them to dissolve product and release the fibres. Drain the water before removing the towel(s) otherwise residues will be re-deposited (melting point Polymer / Polyester 490. °F (255. °C).
These cloths should last a while if you follow the recommended care instructions. “If you take care of your microfiber towels and clean them properly, they should last you a few years before needing to be replaced,” says Willatt. Sometimes your reusable cloths will give you a clue that it's time to buy new ones.
But, she warns, never use dryer sheets because they can coat and damage the fibers. Before washing and drying other brands of microfiber cloths, make sure to check their tag or website for proper cleaning instructions.
Microfiber tends to feel tough after being cleaned, which is usually a result of the fibers getting tangled. This is normal and can be fixed by brushing the surface with a stiff brush, fine-tooth comb, or the scrubby side of a dry sponge.
Ideally, microfiber towels should be washed after every use to remove the dirt and grease picked up while cleaning so you don't transfer the grime to the next surface.
Microfiber cloths lift and trap significantly more dust and dirt than traditional cleaning cloths, making everyday dusting faster and easier. For dusting furniture and other surfaces, use a dry microfiber towel and follow up with a damp one to remove even more dust.
After the wash cycle is complete, general guidelines recommend that microfiber is dried at a low temperature — between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Microfiber, compared to cotton, will dry in 40 to 60 percent less time, and temperatures any higher can harm the product.
Machine wash a load of microfiber cloths in cold or warm water. Do not use hot water. If using detergent, choose a gentle detergent with no scent or laundry additives. Use a small amount of detergent, no more than one or two teaspoons.
For dusting, leave the cloth dry. For other chores, dampen the cloth, then wipe surfaces clean.
The pros and cons of dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are significantly kinder to the environment than dryer sheets, as they're 100% natural, organic, and can biodegrade back into the soil at the end of their life. They can save your money: one set of wool dryer balls can last 1,000 washes – or over three years of laundry.
Heavy-duty microfiber cloths are used for heavy-duty cleaning to remove deep soil and oils. These cloths are great for construction cleaning and locations like automotive shops. Medium grade microfibers are used for dusting and medium-duty tasks like wiping countertops and sinks.
Cotton sheets are more breathable than microfiber and won't trap heat as easily, providing a more comfortable sleep.