The Complete Guide on How to Wash Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are more than just soft towels. There are different types of microfiber cloths, and they are very powerful magnet for dust, dirt, and other particles. In fact, because of their surface area, they can erase dirt without additional help from other cleaning solutions. So, if you want to keep your microfiber cloths in excellent cleaning condition, here is a guide on how to wash microfiber cloths. 

What Are Microfiber Cloths Made of?

Before we dive in on how to wash microfiber cloths, let us first look at what they are made of. Knowing this will help you understand how to take care of them properly. 

A microfiber cloth, as its name suggests, is made of tiny fibers that are smaller than a strand of silk. This way, they have more fiber surfaces and become more porous, taking on more dirt than a regular towel. Moreover, polyester and polyamide or nylon are usually the materials used in making microfiber cloths, which means that they are plastic. 

How do Microfiber Cloths Work?

If you would notice when cleaning surfaces using regular rags, dirt and other particles are just pushed aside. However, when you use a microfiber cloth, you will see that the dirt and dust latch onto it. The science behind this is the split fibers that create more surface area where tiny particles, even bacteria, can hold in. 

In addition to that, it is also very porous and can absorb a lot of water. So, if you ever have to wipe out spilled water and any other liquid, you can trust that your microfiber cloth can get a hold of them all. Moreover, microfiber cloths do not have an abrasive texture, so they can help you clean the house without additional stress or wasting too much time. 

Furthermore, using microfiber cloths on kitchen counters reduces the need for a second cleaning round. Ordinary cleaning cloths often leave moisture and bacteria on the kitchen counter, whereas microfiber cloths do not. Of course, you do not want your counters to be filled with grease, oil, or bits of food. Removing this dirt from your kitchen counter may force you to use potent chemical cleaning agents that have a strong odor or eye-irritating content. But by using a microfiber cloth, you can easily clean kitchen counters without the need for other chemicals.

How to Properly Use Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning

Microfiber cloths are the real hero in cleaning. However, after using it for a long time, it will stop working unless appropriately maintained. Oversaturating your microfiber cloth will decrease its cleaning capacity over time. 

Thus, you need to wash your microfiber cloths from time to time. Doing so will make it hygienic and allow it to last longer. However, cleaning microfiber cloths has unique requirements, which we will discuss next. 

How to Wash Microfiber Cloths Properly

There are four answers to how to wash microfiber cloths properly. You can use your hands, a washing machine, a dishwasher, or a microwave. Let’s discuss each method. 

Method 1: Handwashing

If your microfiber cloths are only lightly soiled, then you can consider handwashing them rather than throwing them in the washing machine. Handwashing is a better and more gentle way of cleaning them. 

Here are the steps on how to wash microfiber cloths by hand: 

1. First, shake off the dust and dirt from your microfiber cloth. 
2. After that, prepare a small bin with warm water and mild soap or detergent. 
3. Soak up your microfiber cloths in the solution for at least ten minutes. After that, gently swish each cloth with your hand to remove the remaining particles and stains. 
4. After making sure that all stains are removed, gently squeeze each microfiber cloth to remove excess water. 
5. Hang each cloth separately to dry. Take note not to put the microfiber cloths directly under the sun. Otherwise, the material will degrade. 

Method 2: Machine Washing

Using a washing machine for heavily stained and oversaturated microfiber cloths will save you time and energy. Here is how to wash microfiber cloths using this appliance:

1. Shake off the dirt from your microfiber cloth.
2. Treat the stains before throwing them inside the washing machine. You can do this by wiping enough stain remover on the dirty portion of the cloth. 
3. Set your washing machine’s water temperature to warm. Make sure that it is not too hot as it can break down the cloth’s fibers and make it less effective in picking up dirt and other particles. 
4. Add only mild detergent. Avoid using detergents with additives and fragrances as they can coat the cloth’s fibers and make it less effective in cleaning. You may opt to add a tablespoon of vinegar to kill the bacteria and remove the smell from your microfiber cloth.
5. Dry them in a low-heat setting or just hang them up and allow them to air dry. 

Remember to separate them from the rest of the load when washing your microfiber cloths with the washing machine. Avoid washing them with cotton fabrics because the lint particles can clog their fibers and make them useless.

Method 3: With The Dishwasher

Yes, you can wash your microfiber cloths with the dishwasher. This practice is an effective method, especially if your clothes are not heavily soiled. 

Follow these steps on how to wash microfiber cloths in a dishwasher: 

1. Shake off the excess dirt from the microfiber cloths. 
2. Lay them flat on the top rack of the dishwasher. 
3. Run the cleaning cycle. 
4. Take out your microfiber cloths, hang them on the line, and allow them to air dry.

Method 4: With A Microwave

As peculiar as you think this gets, washing your microfiber cloths in a microwave is also an effective way of cleaning them and maintaining their cleaning capacity. It is a simple, time-saving method of keeping them squeaky clean. Here’s how: 

1. Dampen your cloth with clean water and place it in a microwavable bowl. 
2. Microwave it for 60 seconds.
3. Let it cool before getting it out. 
4. Hang to dry. 

Now that you know how to wash microfiber cloths properly, we hope that these will help you save money from buying new ones again and again. Also, if you need help cleaning out your house, PCT Cleaning Services is always here for you. 

We provide our services in different areas of Georgia- from Kennesaw to Woodstock. Simply call us at (770)422-5326 to book our services!