How to Clean a Microfiber Cloth Properly
Keep it absorbent, soft, and free of trapped debris with these maintenance tips.
Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation.
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A microfiber cloth is one of the best cleaning tools available. Woven from polyester fibers about one-fifth the thickness of a human hair, they are surprisingly strong and long-lasting. The properties of the microfibers allow them to pick up small particles that elude cotton rags. The fibers are electrostatic so they attract and hold dust, offer gentle abrasive action, and are lint-free. But to keep a microfiber cloth at its best, you should learn how to clean it the right way to keep it absorbent, soft, and free of trapped debris.
Microfiber cleaning cloths, dusters, and mop heads should be washed after every use to get rid of the trapped dirt and grit. Removing the dirt will prevent scratching on surfaces when you use them the next time. Microfiber dish towels can be used up to three times to dry dishes before washing. Cloths used for dishwashing should be rinsed well after every use, hung to dry, and washed or replaced at least every other day.
Never wash lint-shedding fabrics together with lint attractors. This includes cotton t-shirts with microfiber jackets or activewear.
If you are concerned about removing heavy soil or specific stains, the cloths should be pretreated.
Avoid hot water which can damage microfiber and high spin cycles which can cause excessive wrinkling that is difficult to remove.