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.
Washing microfiber towels safely
The first important step is that the towels be washed before they are used. There is a finish on microfiber towels when they are sold, much like there is on clothing purchased at a store, and they should be washed before using to remove this finish.
Be sure to wash microfiber cleaning cloths after every use, for best results. Dirt and other particles stick to microfiber cloths. If you use a dirty microfiber item without washing it first, it can scratch and damage surfaces.
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.
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 starters, microfiber towels should be washed in cold or warm water, advises Sweeney, noting that the temperature should never exceed around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to soap, Gartland states no detergent would be best, although it's impractical.
If your towels look worn or smell unpleasant, it's time to invest in new ones. Remember to wash new towels before you use them for the first time, as they have a silicone finish that makes them less absorbent. This also sets the colour so that it doesn't run or fade.
Microfiber Care Do's & Don'ts
✅ Wash in cold to warm water (160ºF max). ✅ Use simple detergents with no softeners or optical brighteners. ✅ Dry with no heat, low heat, or permanent press (140ºF max). ✅ Use plastic dryer balls to knock out hairs and lint.
Before you wash your microfiber cloths, it is important to know that you should never use fabric softener or bleach. Fabric softener will clog the spaces in the fibers and render your cloth useless. Bleach, on the other hand, will erode the fibers.
Washing new towels with vinegar
To remove build up from fabric softeners, simply add ½ a cup of white vinegar to the pre-wash cycle on your washing machine before washing with laundry detergent. Fun fact: Vinegar features mould- and odour-busting properties, making it the secret to towels that smell fresh.
Step 1: Wash your new towel or towel set in warm to hot water -- not scalding -- on a regular wash cycle with one cup of white distilled vinegar. DO NOT USE DETERGENT, only white vinegar. Step 2: Run the load a second time using only a half-cup of baking soda. AGAIN, DO NOT USE DETERGENT, only baking soda.
Your best bet for clean, functional microfiber is Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator. This is a clean-rinsing liquid detergent formulated specifically for microfiber. It contains no bleach, fabric softener, or perfumes.
Tips for maintaining microfiber towels
Don't use strong, chemical-based cleaning products. Surprisingly, they work best when used with just water. Avoid washing cloths after every use by giving the towel a good shake and thorough rinse in the sink after a cleaning session.
CLEANING TOWELS
Wash microfiber only with other microfiber. Use a dedicated microfiber detergent like Towel & Pad Revitalizer or a dye free/perfume free liquid laundry soap - no powders or granulated. Set washer to a warm water setting. Some heat is required to break down waxes and polishes.
Prep a separate bucket with VERY HOT clean water and add blue dawn dish soap along with gentle tide. Add towels. Soak towels for roughly 2 hours. If a towel ever becomes so contaminated that it doesn't wash clean, it may be time to retire it to a new job.
You absolutely should wash your bedding before using it," says Laundry Evangelist Patric Richardson. "Many times fabrics are coated with something like very strong starch to make them stay crisp and neat in the store, they could be irritating to your skin.
Presoaking heavily soiled towels ensures optimal washing since it loosens the bond of contamination particles to microfiber fibers. To presoak, simply place soiled towels in a solution of detergent and All Purpose Cleaner (APC) in warm water that is just on the verge of being hot.
Since microfiber is man-made and fine, it dries quite quickly. However, sticking your microfiber sheets in a hot dryer can damage the fibers and cause permanent wrinkles. Typically, manufacturers recommend low heat or air with dryer balls, but read the label.
Towels are hard after washing because they build up soapy residue and are over-dried. Here's the good news: With a few simple tricks, you can restore your towels to their original softness and help ensure that they never go scratchy again. Use warm water.
Start a hot-water rinse cycle and let it fill up completely. The hot water helps break down chemicals and contaminants on the towels. Add about a cup of white vinegar to the mix, which will further help break down any chemicals that have made your towels less absorbent.
Hand washing works best for cleaning microfiber cloths that have been used to clean dry messes, such as for dusting. For dirtier cloths or those used to mop up spills, you will need to machine-wash them.
However, traditional microfiber towels will often leave a streak on the windows because they are so absorbent and have a polyester component to them,” explains Matthew Anderson, vice president and co-owner of Petra Vehicle Care.
For dusting, leave the cloth dry. For other chores, dampen the cloth, then wipe surfaces clean.