Towels come in different forms, shapes, and sizes; however, Microfiber and cotton have dominated the towel industry. Since its first use in the 1950s, Microfiber has steadily risen to become the material of choice for towel makers at the expense of cotton. This piece takes you through the best cleaning and care practices for your microfiber towel and why Microfiber is the top pick for many house cleaners. Read on to discover the qualities of Microfiber and how it does its magic.
Microfiber Explained
Microfiber towels are made from polyester and nylon that have been carefully woven using strands as thin as silk. The resulting product is a towel with excellent moisture absorbing and bacterial sweep-up qualities. When rubbed, the polyester and nylon strands become electronically charged, thus greatly improving the towel’s ability to attract dust and grime particles. The quality of a microfiber towel is determined by the number of fiber strands per inch.
Clean & Rinse in the Dishwasher
The legendary dishwasher isn’t just for washing utensils and dirty dishes; it can do a good job on your microfiber towels too.
To clean:
1. Place your towels on the upper rack of your dishwasher and hold them in place with laundry pins.
2. Start the cleaning cycle using warm water and without adding any dishwashing detergent.
3. After the cleaning cycle is complete, rinse and then hang the towels out to dry.
Cleaning Using Washing Machine
Cleaning your microfiber towel using a washing machine loaded with warm water and a gentle liquid detergent is enough to dislodge any dirt and grime. Next, place your wet towel in a dryer and set it to low heat. It takes only a few minutes for microfiber cloths to dry out. That said, below are a few pointers cleaners should bear in mind when using a washing machine to clean Microfiber.
Firstly, using powdered detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaching agents will diminish the quality of your microfiber cloths. Powdered detergents tend to embed within the split strands, while the scented prevent the towel from effectively dealing with dust. Bleaches and fabric softeners erode the absorption capacity of Microfiber. Over time, the Microfiber loses its softness due to the clogging of fabric spores.
Secondly, cleaning your microfiber towel alongside other cotton-made materials is not a good idea. Lint particles from cotton disintegrate easily and can embed within the strands of the fabric rendering your microfiber towel useless. Lastly, avoid using dryer sheets when drying it, these sheets greatly compromise the quality of your towel.
Using the Microwave
Though not the most popular option, microwaves are well equipped to clean your microfiber cloths. However, it is advisable to use the microwave only for towels with a moderate level of dirt for best results. To clean, place a damp cloth in your microwave, set it on medium to low heat for a minute. Soon after, allow your cloth to cool down before hanging it to air dry, similar to other laundry items.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the best way to clean mildly dirty towels, especially when dirt and grime are on specific parts of the cloth. Begin by shaking vigorously to remove dust and any large debris. Consider using a hand brush to reach between the microfiber ridges. Dip the cloth in a bowl with warm water and use your hand brush for maximum dirt exposure. Dump and refill the water as many times as necessary until the final damp water looks clear of dust and debris. Then hang your towel to dry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microfiber Towels?
Generally, microfiber cloths that are in regular use need to be washed at least once per week. Too much washing weakens the fiber strands quickly, whereas irregular washing allows dust and grime to embed in your towel. All in all, it is your call on how often to clean your kitchen towels—cleaning the towel after three periods of use is a popular practice.
What are the Benefits of Using Microfiber?
Under good maintenance practices, a microfiber cloth can take up to 500 washes while still cleaning with efficiency. Towels made from cotton and other fabrics can hardly sustain service quality under similar conditions. Secondly, these clothes do not require chemical-based detergents when cleaning; warm water works fine most of the time. Thirdly, microfiber towels have an excellent moisture absorbing capacity due to their unique fiber composition.
Also, compared to traditional towels, microfiber cloths take less time to dry after cleaning. Lastly, Microfiber is the preferred material for towels used by professional home cleaners due to its unmatched polishing power. Using a microfiber towel on surfaces deliver a sparkling clean without a single scratch.
When to Replace Your Towel
Microfiber towels are loved for their ability to withstand up to 500 wash cycles, roughly two years of common household use. If your towel cannot absorb moisture and dirt like it once did, it is time to replace it with a new one.
At Cleanzen Philadelphia, we understand the importance of living in a clean house. We are experts in a broad range of cleaning services ranging from deep home cleaning, apartment cleaning to end-of-lease cleaning. Check out our website for more information on our services and give us a call for all your home cleaning needs.
If you have any questions on custom microfiber towels. We will give the professional answers to your questions.