Believe it or not, microfiber can help sanitize surfaces without the use of crazy chemicals. The tiny fibers on a microfiber cloth are hook-shaped and are 1/16 the thickness of a human hair, meaning they are extra effective at picking up germs.
Why do we use Microfiber cloths?
Why We Use Microfiber Cloths Microfiber cloths work by EFFECTIVELY REMOVING bacteria, mold, pollen, and other contaminants from a surface. They can last hundreds of washings when cared for properly, can absorb 7 times their weight in liquid, and are hypoallergenic.
What is the best microfiber cloth?
- BEST ALL AROUND: AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- RUNNER-UP: Polyte Microfiber Cleaning Towel
- BEST FOR HOUSEKEEPING: E-Cloth Microfiber Home Cleaning
- BEST FOR ELECTRONICS: MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- BEST FOR VEHICLES: Kirkland Signature Ultra High Pile Premium Microfiber Towels
Are microfiber cloths worth it?
The humble microfiber cloth is one of the most essential and underrated cleaning supplies. It can be used to clean some of your most precious and expensive possessions—from eyeglasses to laptops to televisions. But not all microfiber cloths are worth it. A bad microfiber cloth can be small and infuriating to use.
How to use a microfiber cloth to clean your home?
Use these tips from Peterson to get the most from your microfiber cleaning cloth:
- Keep a cloth in your kitchen to clean grease around your stove.
- Don’t saturate a microfiber cloth or mophead. ...
- Use a fresh cloth on scratch-prone surfaces like windows. ...
- Lightly mist the cloth with water so it catches the most dust.
- Dampen the corner of a microfiber cloth in soapy water and scrub neglected earbuds. ...
What are the disadvantages of microfiber?
First of all, microfiber should not be laundered with other fibers since the other products will give off lint that will actually clog the tiny fibers and make them far less effective. Second, you should NOT use hot water with microfiber since it can actually melt or damage the product.
Do microfiber cloths work better wet or dry?
Microfiber cloths can be used wet or dry on any surface in your home. Pair microfiber cloths with disinfectants or other solvents when desired.
Are microfiber rags worth it?
Why use microfiber? It saves money and outlasts other cleaning cloths. It's safe for the environment and cleans with water, not harmful chemicals. It removes 99 percent of bacteria on surfaces.
Do microfiber towels actually work?
Microfiber towels are said to be some of the best towels that you can use for hair. Aside from its fast-drying properties, microfiber towels are also not as rough as other types of towels. So basically, microfiber towels can dry your hair much faster, and they also absorb the wetness without getting too wet themselves.
What is better than microfiber cloth?
However, terry cloth definitely takes the win when it comes to absorbing liquids. Because of the loops in its material, terry cloth actually has a larger amount of actual fabric surface, allowing it to pick up and absorb way more than microfiber. This makes terry cloth a great option for drying things off.
What is the most efficient way to dust?
When dusting a room or an object, always start at the top and work your way down so you won't have dust resettle on a freshly cleaned area. Dust first, then vacuum a room to capture all that has fallen to the floor. Close windows and turn off fans while dusting to prevent the particles from scattering.
Do you have to wash microfiber cloth after every use?
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.
Do you wet microfiber cloths?
DO NOT over wet the Microfiber Cloth! Remember, the microfibers do the actual cleaning --using a lot of water or cleanser does not make it clean better; the water or cleanser is just an aid to help the cloth lift up tough dirt and stains. Lightly mist the area or lightly dampen the cloth with water or cleanser.
When should you throw away microfiber cloths?
How Long Do Microfiber Cleaning Products Last? According to Microfiber Wholesale, an average microfiber cloth can last up to 5 years if washed 25 times per year.
How many times can a microfiber towel be used?
A: When cared for properly, without overheating during drying, your microfiber cloths (towel) can be washed and re-used up to 500 times or more. This makes microfiber one of the most economical cleaning materials existing today.
What are the benefits of using a microfiber cloth?
Microfiber is a polyester and nylon (polyamide) fiber that is used to make fabric. The fiber is split many times smaller than a human hair. This makes it a superior tool for cleaning and germ removal because it is able to penetrate cracks and crevasses that cotton cloths or paper towels are not able to reach.
Should I air dry microfiber towels?
Drying considerations The drying process is equally important to retaining microfiber quality. Ideally, these towels should be air dried, says Gartland.
Is it better to dust with a dry cloth or a damp cloth?
The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust particles. In short, the damp cloth draws the particles in and lifts dust from the area instead of moving them around.
Should you put microfiber cloths in dryer?
Can you dry microfiber cloths in the dryer? Yes, but not often. Frequent drying will loosen fabric strands and make them prone to fabric pilling. If you do machine dry, use a low heat setting and skip dryer sheets.
Can you use microfiber wet?
Use it wet or dry to clean surfaces all over your home. Just water alone will allow you to remove 99% of all dirt dust and germs from your floors.
Does water ruin microfiber cloth?
Microfiber cloths and towels should be laundered in cold water, as hot water will damage the fibers. Use a non-bleaching detergent, and only wash microfiber products together.
Why are microfiber cloths so popular?
Microfiber cloths are much more widely known and used in Europe than in the United States, partly because that's where the market leading brands originated ( E-Cloth in the UK; Norwex in Norway). The household chemicals market is worth tens of billions of dollars to big chemical companies and the stores that sell them; they have little or no incentive to get behind a simple technology that undermines their costly products. Companies like this have spent a fortune on advertising for several decades, happily convincing most of us that we need to blast our homes with industrial-strength cleaners in a never-ending war on germs. Is it any wonder, then, that we're skeptical of "magic" microfiber cloths that promise to get our homes hygienically clean with nothing but water?
Do microfiber cloths "wear out"?
Providing you keep them clean, good quality microfiber cloths will keep on cleaning hygienically. One recent study of using cloths like this to reduce rates of hospital infection found that "re-usable cloth performance improved at 75 washes, and reduced after 150 washes, although, in most instances, performance after 150 washes was better than at first wash."
What about microfiber pollution?
Microfiber cloths are plastic cloths, which might make you wonder if they cause environmental problems as well as solve them. Public concern about the use of disposable plastics has been growing for years, but the release of plastic microfibers into the environment is a relatively new concern. Every time you wash synthetic clothes, some microfibers break free and they're eventually released into rivers and oceans making a new and pervasive form of water pollution. One 2019 study estimated that 2 million tonnes of microfibers enter the ocean each year. Incredibly, microfiber plastic has even been found in rain and snow.
Why do smaller fibers clean better?
Photo: Closeup of a microfiber cloth. You still can't see the fibers, even at this magnification!
How many microfibers are released per square meter?
One recent study found 75,000 microfibers released per square meter of fabric per wash, but also reported that using detergents and high washing temperatures encourages microplastic releases—and you shouldn't really be washing your microfiber cloths in that way.
How does microfiber cloth work?
Working as a team, many fibers apply powerful enough forces to dislodge the dirt (loosened with a small amount of water) and carry it away, leaving the surface naturally dirt-free. This is new-fangled cleaning with physics using nothing but the adhesive power of forces—cleaning mechanically and without chemicals. The dirt stays locked inside the cloth's fibers until you wash it in hot water, which makes the fibers uncurl slightly and release their dirty content.
How many times smaller are microfibers?
These fused fibers are then split apart into microfibers 10–20 times smaller. Chart: Average microfiber cloths can plausibly claim to be antibacterial; the best cloths can claim to remove some of the bigger viruses (though not the smallest ones).
Why are microfiber towels better than cotton?
Microfiber towels make mirrors and wood floors shine their brightest because they’re better than cotton at removing ALL the dirt and soapy water residues that create streaks.
What is the best microfiber?
The best microfiber is usually a mix of polyester —to which oils cling—and polyamide—which absorbs water.
Can microfiber towels be washed?
Myth #3 Microfiber can be washed with the rest of your laundry.
Is microfiber good for cleaning?
Microfiber towels are really good at cleaning, but there are many myths as to why microfiber is the best and how to get the most out of it. Not understanding how and why microfiber works may cause you to overpay for it, shorten its lifespan, and still leave surfaces dirty.
Can you clean microfiber with water?
Myth #4 Microfiber is so effective you can clean with just water. Well, sort of. It’s true that microfiber holds dirt, oils, and water, making it an effective substitute for detergents when it comes to lifting light soils away from non-porous surfaces…but that’s where its powers end.
Can you use fabric softener on microfiber towels?
Third, and most important, stick to simple detergents and never use fabric softeners when washing microfiber towels. The oils and polymers in fabric softeners clog the holes in microfiber cloths, making them slick and far less absorbent.
Can you add silver to microfiber?
Kind of. Virtually every cleaning myth (or marketing sham) contains a small kernel of truth. So, yes, you can treat microfibers with costly chemical additives or silver filaments, which do have antibacterial properties.
What is microfiber cloth?
Microfiber cloths are a must-have cleaning supply for any household: The fabric is perfect for everything from wiping up spills to wiping down kitchen appliances.
How to wash microfiber towels?
The best way to wash your microfiber towels is separately—don't combine them with your regular clothes or towels, since they will pick up extra debris and fibers. Use warm water and a small amount of liquid detergent and never use powder or fabric softener.
How does microfiber work?
The microfibers, which include both positive-charged and negative-charged components, work by attracting and pulling bacteria, dirt, and grease from the surfaces they come into contact with. Essentially, it's the very fibers within the cloth that make it such a cleaning workhorse.
Can you use microfiber towels in a shower?
Microfiber towels work profoundly well on a variety of surfaces, and they can be used in place of a towel, sponge, or cleaning cloth for just about any cleaning task. "Keep one in or near your shower to wipe down walls or shower heads and handles," Harris suggests, adding that they are also great for quick kitchen cleaning, ...
Do microfiber towels work?
Why Microfiber Cloths Work. If you've ever felt a microfiber towel, you know that the fabric feels different than most other cleaning textiles. "Microfiber cloths are made up of super-thin microfibers that can remove up to 99% of bacteria on surfaces ," Harris explains.
Who is the chief operating officer of the Cleaning Authority?
Leanne Stapf, the chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority, and environmental toxin expert Tonya Harris have the answers—and, they say, a microfiber cloth's cleaning power actually has more to do with the science behind the fabric than the elbow grease you put behind it. Image zoom.
What to do with your logo on microfiber towels?
For example, if you own a yoga studio, add your logo to microfiber towels for your guests to use during their workouts! If you own a car wash or auto repair shop, hand out microfiber cloths to your customers so they can keep their vehicles clean and remember your business.
What can you use microfiber cloths for?
Do you have microfiber cloths laying around your cleaning supplies, and aren’t sure about what can you do with them? Microfiber cloths can be used for cleaning and offer a variety of other benefits for athletes and businesses. Microfiber can do it all from cleaning and sanitizing to buffing and waxing.
How many bacteria can be removed from microfiber?
An independent study done by the Environmental Protection Agency found that “extremely fine (.37 micrometer diameter) microfiber was both laboratory and clinically tested and proven to remove up to 98 percent of bacteria and 93 percent of viruses from a surface using only water (no chemicals).”. Traditional disinfectants can kill most germs ...
Can you use a microfiber cloth to sanitize equipment?
Gym. You sweat when using a machine at the gym, and so does everyone else! Keeping a microfiber cloth with you will not only wick sweat and keep you cool, but you can use it to sanitize equipment before using it! Lay your microfiber cloth down on a bench to wick away sweat or wipe the handles on an elliptical.
Can you use microfiber cloths to clean kitchen sinks?
From cleaning surfaces to washing and drying dishes, microfiber cloths can tackle any task. Scrub your kitchen sink and countertops with a general-purpose cloth without worrying about scratching, then use that same cloth to wash your dishes or wipe down your refrigerator, stove, or stainless steel appliances!
Is microfiber good for car?
If you pay attention, microfiber is all around you. It’s helpful when it comes to your car, home, and even at the gym! Take a look at the most popular uses for microfiber cloths you might not have thought of below.
Can you use microfiber to clean a surface?
Traditional disinfectants can kill most germs but do not remove them. Microfiber, on the other hand, cannot kill germs, but the fibers can remove them from different surfaces. After wiping away germs and bacteria, simply rinse or wash your microfiber cloth to eliminate any contamination.
What is the best way to keep towels soft?
I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle. It helps keep my towels softer because it helps remove any left over soap in my towels. No dryer sheets in the dryer.
How do I wash mirrors?
and to wash glass, mirrors i run the cloths under Hot water. it comes out clean.
Can you wash microfiber with towels?
I also use Norwex Cloths exclusively. Do not wash your microfibre with towels. Microfibre, at least the very good stuff, is made from very fine fibre that is woven together. When you wash it with things that lint, like towels, the lint gets stuck in the microfibre, which prevents it from being as effective.
Can fabric softener cause dryer fires?
Not only does using fabric softener on towels make them less absorbent, but it also causes a substantial risk of causing dryer fires as well!
Does fabric softener make towels soft?
Yes that is the trick…when I had someone come help me clean house for a few months (I was trying to help her out financially) she would always use fabric softener and dryer sheets and I was wondering why when I used to clean all the stainless steel with windex and a microfiber cloth, it was spotless but then when she started wiping them they were streaky. And that is what was happening. She was using softener on all the towels, kitchen and otherwise…yes it makes your bath towels soft, but not nearly absorbent.
Do dryer sheets absorb water?
Dryer sheets and softener will also keep your bath towels from absorbing water as they should when drying off!
Can you use fabric softener on microfiber?
It’s true, you should never use fabric softeners of any kind on your microfiber cloths. A friend who works for an industrial cleaning company that cleans office buildings told me that the cloths with the highest nap (fluffier ones) are best for general dusting after misting them lightly with water. The lower/finer nap ones are best for cleaning glass and metal surfaces.
What Are Microfiber Cloths Made Of?
As the name suggests, microfiber cloths are made from very small fibers. If you’re trying to get a sense of scale, microfibers are smaller than a strand of silk. They make the fibers in cotton cleaning cloths seem downright bulky and cloddish.
Why use microfiber cloths?
Because of the makeup of the microfibers, using microfiber cloths for cleaning can make housekeeping both easier and more effective. Cloths not made from microfiber tend to push dirt and gunk around on surfaces, so cleaning can be a real bear.
Do you need to launder microfiber cloths?
Additionally, you need to launder your microfiber cloths regularly. Doing so not only ensures that you’re being hygienic, it makes your microfiber cloths last longer.
Can you use microfiber cloths for cleaning?
Properly Using Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning. Obviously, microfiber is a dream cloth. However, it won’t work if it’s not used or maintained properly. Keep in mind that if you oversaturate a microfiber cloth, it’s not going to work very well. Unless your goal is to push dirty water around on a surface, you’ll only want to lightly dampen microfiber ...
Do microfiber bath mats dry quickly?
In addition, the porous nature of microfiber cloths means that they’re very absorbent and dry quickly . (if you’ve ever stepped on a microfiber bathmat after showering, you have firsthand experience to how fast-drying this material is.)
Can you use microfiber to clean a kitchen counter?
Have you ever wiped down your kitchen counter with a cotton cloth and then had to go back over it with a paper towel to get rid of the moisture and left-behind debris? Well, microfiber can be used dry, so you eliminate the need for that second round of swiping. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, polyester and fats play well together, which means microfiber is great for lifting grease and oil off surfaces without the aid of strong chemical cleaning agents.
Is polyester a porous material?
The polyester and polyamide are combined in such a way that the fibers are split. In addition to creating more fiber surfaces with which to clean, this makes the cloths very porous. When you use microfiber cloths for cleaning, you benefit from both of these factors.
What is Norwex microfiber cleaning cloth?
The Norwex Basic Antibacterial Microfiber Cleaning Cloth are basic two simple to look at cleaning cloths. One is used for the general cleaning while the second one is used for polishing. What makes them special is a few things.
Can you clean a Norwex cloth with water?
It is claimed that you basically can clean everything with just water and these Norwex Basic Antibacterial Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. The hype for the Norwex Basic Antibacterial Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is basically that you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals for cleaning with.
Is Norwex antibacterial?
They have the ability to catch and hold many more debris thanks to their micro fibers. They also have antibacterial qualities so they are not bacteria breeders. The promoters of the Norwex Basic Antibacterial Microfi ber Cleaning Cloth.
How do microfiber cloths work?
To know why you shouldn’t put microfiber cloths in the dryer, you first have to understand how they work. The idea of “many hands make light work” is the basic principle that makes microfiber cloths a cleaning dream. Unlike cotton or nylon cloths, which have large fibers, microfiber cloths have thousands of tiny fibers. In fact, there are 200,000 fibers in one square inch of a microfiber cloth. When you’re cleaning, all of those tiny fibers pick up and hold the dirt, dust and liquid.
How should you clean microfiber cloths?
Simply rinse them under warm water after you’re done using them and hang them up to dry.
