5 Tips for Making Microfiber Cloths Last Longer!
Microfiber cloths are incredibly durable and effective, but like any cleaning tool, they need proper care to perform at their best over time. We're often asked: How do you properly wash microifber cleaning cloths, and what can be done to make sure they last? So, in this post, we'll explore exaclty those questions!
Wash Microfiber Cloths Separately
To make sure your microfiber cleaning cloths continue to perform, it's crucial to wash them correctly—keeping them separate from other cloths, clothing and/or towels—specifcally you want to wash your microifber cloths with other microifber cloths. Microfiber is designed to capture small particles, and when mixed with cotton or other fabrics, the cloths pick up lint. This lint can get trapped in the fibers, compromising the cloth’s cleaning performance. By washing microfiber cloths and microfiber towels alone, they're kept free from lint and other debris, helping to extend their lifespan.
Wash with Gentle Detergent and Avoid Additives
When washing microfiber cloths it's best to stick with a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and other washing products. Using bleach or fabric softener can damage, clog, and otherwise ruin the magical fibers that make these cloths so amazing. A simple, mild detergent will keep microfiber cloths in optimal condition.
Avoid Heat Exposure
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of microfiber. The "microfibers" don’t play well with high temperatures, whether during washing, drying, or in direct contact with hot surfaces. When washing microfiber cloths, avoid using hot water, and never place them in a dryer on high heat. Similarly, when using microfiber cloths on surfaces like glass cooktops, always make sure the surface is cool to the touch or you WILL damage your cloths.
Rinse and Reuse Between Washes
Microfiber cloths don't necessarily need to be washed after every single use. If the cloth isn’t super dirty, it can be rinsed and allowed to air-dry, ready to be reused a few more times. This is especially true for cloths designed to release debris, like our kitchen cloths—we use these for a couple days before laundering them. Reducing the frequency of washes, conserves both water and energy, while also extending the life of the cloths.
Avoid Using Microfiber Cloths for Greasy Messes
Finally, while microfiber is a versatile material, it's not ideal for cleaning greasy or oily messes. For those really greasy jobs (we're talking spills here, not splatter from bacon grease or something like that), it's best to use paper towel. Microfiber cloths should be reserved for regular cleaning tasks, not greasy or heavily soiled areas. Learn more about when to use paper towel, and when to use microifber cleaning cloths.