April 8, 2022

Microfiber cloths are one of the best cleaning tools you can find. This handy material is capable of doing some serious, high-powered cleaning. It is a must to have in your home, as it can absorb any liquid and trap dirt and grime with ease.

You’ll eventually have to toss your microfiber in the dirty laundry pile with all that use. Keep reading to learn how to wash microfiber towels without damaging their fibers.

What Is Microfiber?

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that is made with polyamide and polyester. The polyester portion is a type of plastic, and the polyamide is essentially nylon. Both threads are split into extremely fine strands before being woven together.

The result is a fabric-like material that is plush, super absorbent, and versatile for cleaning so many things. You can use a microfiber cloth to eliminate dust, clean your computer screen, wipe counters, and even clean sports gear.

Debunked Myths About Microfiber

It’s no secret that microfiber is a go-to cleaning tool. But there are many myths about microfiber that leave a lot of misinformation out there. So, we’re clearing up three common myths about this famous material.

FALSE: All microfiber cloths are the same.

Not all microfiber cloths are of the same cut and quality, just as with all other things. The ratio of materials used to make the fibers and the machinery used to weave the fibers into fabric will create a vast difference in the feel and effectiveness of the microfiber towel.

The best microfiber is typically a mix of polyamide and polyester. You can easily spot a low-quality cloth by observing its water absorbency, fiber density, and frequency of fiber shedding.

FALSE: Microfiber is magic.

While it may feel like magic, the reason why microfiber leaves a “wow” factor is purely mechanical. You can thank the synthetic fibers for doing all the hard work. Perfectly placed grooves between the fibers trap dirt, holding it in the cloth.

Cleaning cloths woven from advanced microfiber are even more powerful because their fibers are higher quality, and the pattern contains even more grooves to trap dirt. They can trap 100x more dirt than a cotton towel.

FALSE: You can dry microfiber with your clothes.

Technically, you can wash microfiber cloths with the rest of your laundry, but we don’t recommend doing so OR putting it in the dryer. Heat can melt and shrink the fibers, making your towels less effective by simply damaging the material.

Tossing your microfiber towel in the dryer with the rest of your laundry also poses a more annoying problem: lint. Since microfiber is incredibly effective at picking up particles, it will grab loose fibers and lint while tumbling around with your clothes.

How to Clean Microfiber Cloth

You’ve used your favorite microfiber towels until they are coated in grime. Now, it’s time to give them a good wash. Extend the lifespan of your favorite cleaning tool by learning how to wash microfiber towels the right way.

Washing Microfiber Towels

Microfiber does not take kindly to harsh soaps, fabric softeners, or strong fabric conditioners. Such liquids will coat the fibers and make them less effective over time.

You can hand wash microfiber towels that are slightly dusty.

Shake out the fabric into a trash can or outdoors to release excess dirt first. Then, run a shallow basin of cool water (mild detergent optional) before adding your towels. Agitate the cloths by hand, giving them a scrub and a twirl through the water.

Let the towels soak for at least 15 minutes and finish by rinsing the cloths under fresh, running water. Wring out excess water.

You can toss microfiber into your washing machine for convenience or if the fabric is filthy.

Shake the fabric into a trash can or outdoors to release excess dirt first. Then, add a load of all your microfiber towels. Do NOT wash microfiber with cotton towels or clothing. It is best to do a solo load of microfiber to protect the fibers and prevent lint catching.

Use a small amount of detergent to your machine and let the cycle run.

Drying Microfiber Towels

The good news is that microfiber cloths dry very quickly. We recommend shaking out the just-washed towel to get rid of wrinkles and then hanging it to dry.

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