Microfiber is a fast absorber but it's prone to compression leaks. It's harder to clean and tends to hold onto stink (in my experience when compared to cotton and bamboo). It also has a shorter lifespan (1-2 years) and releases microplastics (pollution) into the environment every time you wash.
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.
Although the effects of microfibers on humans is unknown, studies of chemical compounds often found on microfibers are associated with alterations in normal function of the human endocrine system, impaired brain development, learning disabilities, and increased incidents of cancers.
Microfiber towels/washcloths are more absorbent, quick-drying, and durable than cotton towels/washcloths. They also tend to be more effective at cleaning due to their fine fibers and are less likely to leave lint behind.
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. CleanLink also points out that natural cotton is familiar and therefore widely trusted by cleaners.
Another advantage of microfiber is that, unlike cotton, it dries fast, making it hard for bacteria to grow in it. A laundering program is necessary if microfiber is used. This can include washing mops and cloths by hand, by machine, or using a laundering service.
In fact, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between our cotton or microfiber bedding. Cotton sheets are made from organic natural cotton, whereas microfiber bedding is made from high-quality synthetic fibers. One isn't better than the other – it's all about personal preference.
Microfiber isn't just great at picking up dust; it's also perfect for absorbing spills. A microfiber cloth has the same surface area as a cotton cloth, but it acts four times as large, and it can absorb seven times its weight in liquid.
Hot water damages the fibres and reduces their efficiency. Fabric softeners block the pores, preventing proper absorption of dirt, while optical brighteners fade the cloth. High heat slightly shrinks the microfibers, lowering their cleaning ability.
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.
Microfiber can hold up to 7 times its weight in water, making it great for drying, thus preventing mold spores from growing and spreading.
Cloth Weight
You don't have to know the exact specs to pick a good cloth, but for reference, 200-300 GSM is considered good for general cleaning. 600-700 GSM cloths are thicker, softer, and better for delicate surfaces. A high-quality automotive detailing cloth might be in the 600-700 GSM range.
Does Microfiber Feel Weird to you? Microfiber can feel odd because it catches on your skin. Some people don't like the “feel” of it but consider this, if it "grabs" your skin, it will likely also grab dirt, with no harmful cleaners.
The best material I've found for night sweats are natural fibers like cotton and linen, particularly cotton percale, since it gently drapes over the body and allows for more air movement underneath, which in turn helps sweat to evaporate more quickly.
Best Color Sheets to Hide Stains
Brown sheets can help disguise stains left behind by accidents—whether from pets, children, or spilled coffee. Gray sheets can conceal a wide range of stains, including marks left by dirt and sweat. Dark tones and printed sheets offer do-it-all camouflage to hide a cornucopia of stains.
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.
Spontex Microfibre cloths are made up of thousands of tiny fibres, so the number of contact points with the surface is greatly increased compared to non microfibre cloths. This means that each cloth has extraordinary cleaning power that eliminates 99% of bacteria*.
Never use liquid fabric softeners or dryer sheets when washing/drying microfiber. The waxes and chemicals coat the fibers causing the towels to repel water rather than absorb. This significantly reduces their cleaning capabilities. Only use products specifically made for microfiber.
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.
If your microfiber towels are properly washed, dried, and stored, you should be able to reuse them hundreds of times or for a few years. To keep your towels in top condition, wash them after every use. You will know to retire your microfiber towels when they fail to absorb water or if they become rough to the touch.
▸Why do some microfiber towels leave lint and others don't? Linting can be due to the strength of the selected microfiber material and the applications in which they are being used in. Some are lower in strength and break down into very little particles causing linting.