There's a right side and a wrong side of some microfiber cloths. “Most microfiber cloths are the same on each side, but if you have a dual-sided cloth, then use the ribbed side for scrubbing and the fluffy side for dusting,” says Taylor. Using it dry instead of damp (or vice versa).
You can also pair them with your favorite cleaning products and disinfectants. When cleaning with microfiber cloths, fold them into fourths so you have multiple cleaning sides.
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.
Microfiber cloths are available in two forms — reusable or disposable — and each has its own set of pros and cons. Most common are reusable cloths, which must be laundered after every use. When handled correctly, these cloths can last 100 to 1,000 washings.
Can You Wash and Reuse Microfiber Towels? 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.
Dyes, flame-retardants, plasticizers, and more are often found in microfibers and, unfortunately, can be seen in our bodies as they pass through our systems. This material can also release these chemicals during use and laundering, contributing to air and water pollution.
Pro Tips. ☠️ Never use the Towel Cycle, Sanitizer Cycle, or any other high heat cycle on your washer or dryer, as the heat melts and shrinks microfiber.
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.
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.
These towels also dry quicker than cotton towels. While cotton towels are also absorbent, microfiber is designed such that it can absorb up to seven times its weight in water. Microfiber is also extremely fine and can be an excellent choice of towel when cleaning potentially sensitive items, like electronics or glass.
▸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.
For dusting, leave the cloth dry. For other chores, dampen the cloth, then wipe surfaces clean. When the cloth starts to leave behind dirt or lint, or if you've used it a few minutes, re-fold to a fresh section. Continue until the entire cloth has been used or the cleaning chore is complete.
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 Cloths. When washing microfiber cloths, avoid harsh soap, fabric softener or detergent with laundry additives, including fragrances and fabric conditioners. These coat the fibers of the cloth and make them less effective for cleaning. Lightly dusty or dirty microfiber cloths can be hand-washed.
The edges give microfiber its scrubbing power and the surface area gives microfiber its absorbency. Those tiny little edges will degrade over time; the degradation is accelerated by heat! Typical residential clothes dryers reach 170°F inside the drum. If you can avoid it, don't dry microfiber on high heat.
Washing too often could damage the fibers, but not washing enough leaves dirt and germs stuck in the towel. It's your choice how often you wash or dry the towel, but there are some tips you should follow if you want to keep it as clean and fresh as possible. Wash your microfiber towel after every 3 times you use it.
Always wash microfiber in cold (or warm) water. Cold water works great and it's a great energy saver. Plus, over time high heat will ruin the fibers of your microfiber cloths.
All those extra ingredients, lubricants, and fragrances from fabric softener and dryer sheets actually coat the teeny tiny microfibers. And this isn't a good thing. If you've ever used fabric softener or dryer sheets on microfiber, you may have noticed that your microfiber becomes waxy-feeling.
Comparing it to a traditional cotton cloth, ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association – citing a study made by the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences – explains that microfibre is far more efficient at removing soils and even preventing the cross-contamination ...
Microfiber towels are a popular choice for sensitive skin types because they are gentle and less likely to cause irritation. Additionally, they are lightweight, making them easy to carry around, and they dry faster than cotton towels.
Officially, any fabric measuring one decitex or less qualifies as microfiber.