The tiny fibers of microfiber effectively pick up and trap 99.54% of dirt, dust and bacteria at the microscopic level using water alone, reducing the amount of chemicals your facility needs for maintenance. Standard cotton mops only pick up 67% of dirt and will re-deposit 33% of that back onto your floors1.”
Yes, microfiber cloths can remove a variety of bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms from surfaces. That's because microfiber is extremely small, so it actually picks up many microorganisms as well as things that those microorganisms can be attached to (like dust and dirt), unlike many cotton towels.
In fact, a UC Davis study showed that microfiber cloths can pick up to 99% of bacteria on surfaces compared to 30% with their cotton counterparts. This means that good quality microfiber cloths make cleaning easy and eliminates the need to clean with harsh chemicals.
Microfibre is quick drying so will dry speedily just by hanging. Because they don't retain moisture they are more hygienic and resist odour, so can be re-used without washing more often than normal towels.
According to a study published by the EPA, microfiber cleaning cloths dampened with water can disinfect better than most conventional cleaning techniques. Microfiber mops moistened with only water removed 93 percent of viruses and up to 98 percent of bacteria from hospital floors in the study.
The biggest concern regarding microfiber is microplastic pollution. This occurs because all microfiber products can shed the microscopic microfibers in the wash and can make their way to the ocean.
1) Light colors look dirty right away 2) “Swirl” marks are quite annoying and make the furniture look stained even if it isn't 3) There is resistance between the microfiber and the fabric of your clothes — you rather stick to it and can't adjust your position easily 4) STATIC!
Cotton sheets are more breathable than microfiber and won't trap heat as easily, providing a more comfortable sleep. However, microfiber sheets can be more durable than cotton sheets, as natural fibers — particularly less expensive cotton options — can break down more easily with frequent washes.
Microfiber is more absorbent than cotton for many reasons.
With that being said not all microfiber towels are created equal! Higher quality towels should dry and clean up spills both better and faster than lower quality ones. So do the water test to see if your microfiber towel is absorbent.
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.
Try cleaning with microfiber and water! Using just microfiber cloths or mop pads with water to clean can give your counters, glass, floors, and appliances a like-new appearance. It traps more dirt than you might think, all without chemical cleaning agents.
The State Of California And The University Of California Davis. This study found that people sleeping on microfiber sheets had elevated levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those sleeping on cotton or woolen sheets.
Microfiber is a textile made from ultrafine synthetic yarns, usually polyester and nylon. Polyester is derived from crude oil. It is also the terminal product in a chain of very reactive and toxic precursors. Most are carcinogens; all are poisonous.
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.
Microfiber can help remove oil, makeup, and dead skin cells all at once, making it an ideal choice for washcloths. The fabric is also lint-free, so you don't have to wash them separately or worry about residue being left behind on your skin. They'll also dry quickly, which helps resist any unwanted odors.
Make sure to have some kind of rags, washcloth, or microfiber cloth around to avoid paper towels. You'll need these to wipe down the toilet's exterior after spraying it with cleaner. Look for a reusable paper towel with a wide weave: This won't just push water around, but absorb it.
Comparing Microfiber to Cotton
While cotton is a natural fiber, microfiber is made from synthetic materials, typically a polyester-nylon blend. Microfiber is very fine — as much as 1/100th the diameter of a human hair — and about one-third the diameter of a cotton fiber.
Still, microfiber sheet sets are cheaper on average than cotton sheets since they are synthetic. However, remember that a sound investment is about more than you just pay, it's also about how long a product lasts. If you pay a lower price for the sheets but you have to replace them sooner, it may not be worth the cost.
Microfiber is created from synthetic textiles, while cotton is developed from organic materials. While both materials generally are known for their soft textures and durability, when deciding between microfiber vs cotton bed sheets, the nuances between materials create a greater basis for comparison.
Cons of using a microfiber towel
The biggest and probably the only drawback of using a microfiber towel is the material itself. There is a lot said about microfiber pollution caused by synthetic fabrics. Microfibers are tiny pieces of plastic that wash off of clothing and flow down the drain into our water systems.
Terry cloth towels can be used in place of microfiber towels after a bath. These are excellent water absorbents and one of the finest alternatives to microfiber towels. However, Terry cloth towels are more costly than microfiber towels, but they are worth it.
As the name suggests, microfibers are extremely small synthetic fibers—usually made from polyester and nylon—that make up microfiber products. While microfiber material is versatile and durable, microfibers are essentially teeny-tiny pieces of plastic.