Everyone knows this, but many ignore it: cleaning tools should be cleaned after using them, including microfiber cloths! They are the essential cleaning tools for professionals and homeowners, but the fabric will lose its cleaning power without proper maintenance.
Do you want your cloths to last longer and work at their prime? Bring them on for washing! Here you'll learn how to clean microfiber cloth!
Is microfiber like any other fabric?
Microfiber has been around for some time now. You can find it in all types of products, including clothing, furniture, and cleaning tools.
The fabric is made with tiny synthetic fibers—finer than a human hair. Manufacturers split and charge the microfibers during the production process, giving each one a characteristic asterisk-shape and electrostatic properties.
Microfiber's shape and electrostatic charge are what makes it so good at attracting and retaining dust and liquids.
Cleaning a microfiber cloth is essential because it removes particles and leaves it ready for cleaning. However, heat and some cleaning products can damage the fibers or clog them during the washing!
Learn how to clean your microfiber cloths here!
How to clean microfiber cloth: tips and considerations
As we mentioned, microfiber cloths are perfect for cleaning because they trap dust and liquid particles into their tiny fibers. However, if the fabric is dirty, it won't work the same way!
Frequent washings are necessary to keep microfiber in top shape. However, the washing process can be rough and damage the fibers! Keep in mind these considerations when washing your cloths!
Hand washing vs. Washing machine
Both methods could be an effective way to keep your microfiber cloths clean. However, both have their drawbacks and advantages.
Handwashing microfiber is a more straightforward process. You only need some detergent, water, and a soft brush for scrubbing heavily soiled fabrics. However, it will consume more time if you have multiple cloths and towels.
On the other hand:
Laundering your clothes in the washing machine is easier but can lead to several situations you should avoid—like cross-contamination. Also, the process is harsher than hand washing, increasing the risk of damage. If you have the time, wash your microfiber by hand!
TIP 1. If you use a washing machine, do separate loads
Washing the microfiber cloths with a full load of laundry is tempting, but you could end up with a bigger mess! As microfiber is excellent at trapping dust, it can trap cotton lint too!
Or worst:
Mixing germy clothes in a laundry load can lead to cross-contamination! Imagine bathroom bacteria in your clothing. Gross! Right?
The ideal option is washing your microfiber cloths in a separate load. However, if you decide to wash them with other things, make sure they are only non-lint synthetic fibers in your load.
TIP 2. Use only soap (avoid bleach and fabric softener!)
After wiping a germy spot in your home, treating your microfiber cloths with bleach for disinfection may seem like the logical thing to do. However, bleach and fabric softeners can damage or clog the microfibers. It means reduced absorption capacity and less dusting power!
Instead, use laundry detergent without additives (like softeners) for washing your microfiber cloths. You have to be careful even if you use only soap. As the rule of thumb, use half the amount of detergent you would use when washing your clothes!
TIP 3. Avoid heated drying
After washing your cloths, they must dry completely before you store them to prevent bacteria growth. The good news is that microfiber dries faster than most fabrics!
Line drying is the safest way to dry your cloths. However, you could also use the drying machine in the no-heat setting—heated dry might damage the microfibers!
Also:
As a fabric softener, drying sheets can clog the microfibers and reduce the cleaning power of your clothes.
Do you want to clean your whole home? You have two options! You can do it yourself with our step-by-step cleaning guide, or instead, you could book our deep cleaning service and relax!
How often should you wash microfiber cloths?
Ideally, you should wash your microfiber cloths after each use. Using a dirty cloth puts you at risk of spreading germs. Besides, microfiber traps dust within its fibers, so a dirty cloth is also a less effective cleaning tool.
However, if the cloth isn't heavily soiled, shaking the dust and rinsing it in running water should be enough to clean them.
How long can you use microfiber cloths?
It doesn't matter how much you clean it; no microfiber cloth lasts forever. The lifespan of a microfiber cloth can vary depending on how you use them and the quality of the microfiber itself.
However, when it comes to using and cleaning microfiber cloths, some practices can make them last longer:
- Invest in high-quality microfiber: The quality of the microfiber impacts the number of times you can wash it before throwing it. For example, a 100% polyester microfiber cloth won't last as much as a top-quality polyester and nylon blend.
- Shake the cloth even after light use: As we mention, dirt trapped in the fabric reduces its effectiveness. However, the dust particles can also work as fine sandpaper next time you clean. Avoid it by rinsing it for 30 seconds after using it.
- Instead of cleaning solutions, use only plain water: Cleaning products can damage the fibers. Microfiber is effective enough without a cleaning solution, so plain water should get the work done.
- Use different cloths for each cleaning task: Some places in your home have more germs than others. Using a separate cleaning cloth for each cleaning task will reduce the chances of cross-contamination and can make the microfiber last longer.
Cleaning services in Eastside Seattle
Microfiber is one of the most effective tools for cleaning your home. We know it because we carry out our professional services using only the best supplies and equipment! Do you want to give your home a refresh? Let Rain City Maids clean your home! Your free quote awaits you!
