Microfibre cloths are exceptional at capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria, making them indispensable for various cleaning tasks.
To maintain their superior performance and longevity, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential.
As the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of textile rag wipers and wet wipes since 1981, Davis & Moore has put together this expert guide on the do’s and don’ts of cleaning microfibre cloths, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for all your cleaning needs.
Key Takeaways
- Wash Separately: Always launder microfibre cloths separately from other fabrics to prevent lint transfer, which can diminish their cleaning efficiency.
- Use Cold or Lukewarm Water: Opt for cold or lukewarm water during washing to maintain the integrity of the microfibres, as hot water can cause damage.
- Select Mild Detergents: Employ gentle, liquid detergents free from additives like bleach or fabric softeners, which can degrade the fibres.
- Air-Dry When Possible: After washing, air-drying is the best option for microfibre cloths.
How to Clean Microfibre Cloths?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the best practices for cleaning microfibre cloths.
Step 1: Shake Out the Cloths:
Before washing, take the microfibre cloths outside and shake them vigorously to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents particles from embedding deeper into the fibres during washing.
Step 2: Separate by Use and Fabric Type:
Sort your microfibre cloths based on their use—those used for light dusting versus heavy-duty cleaning—to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, wash microfibre cloths separately from other fabrics, especially cotton, to avoid lint transfer, which can clog the microfibres and reduce their effectiveness.
Step 3: Choose the Right Washing Method
Machine Washing:
- Water Temperature: Use cold or warm water; avoid hot water as it can damage the fibres.
- Detergent: Select a mild, fragrance-free detergent without additives. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they can coat or degrade the fibres, diminishing their cleaning capabilities.
- Cycle Selection: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to prevent fibre abrasion.
Hand Washing:
- Preparation: Fill a basin or sink with cool or warm water.
- Cleaning: Add the cloths and agitate them by hand, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then agitate again.
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all detergent residues.
Step 4: Drying the Cloths
- Air Drying: After washing, gently wring out excess water and hang the cloths to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
- Machine Drying: If you prefer machine drying, use a low heat or air-dry setting. Ensure the lint trap is clean to prevent lint transfer. Avoid dryer sheets, as they can leave residues on the fibres.
The Do’s of Cleaning Microfibre Cloths
Proper maintenance of microfibre cloths is essential to preserve their superior cleaning capabilities and extend their lifespan. Adhering to the following recommended practices will ensure your cloths remain effective and durable.
Wash Separately
Always launder microfibre cloths separately from other fabrics. This practice prevents them from attracting lint and fibres from other materials, which can diminish their cleaning efficiency. Microfibre’s electrostatic properties cause it to attract particles, so isolating them during washing maintains their optimal performance.
Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Opt for cold or lukewarm water when washing microfibre cloths. Hot water can cause the fibres to shrink or become damaged, reducing their effectiveness. Maintaining a lower water temperature helps preserve the integrity of the microfibres, ensuring they continue to perform efficiently.
Select Mild Detergents
Employ gentle, liquid detergents free from additives such as bleach, fragrances, or fabric softeners. These substances can degrade the fibres or leave residues that impair the cloths’ absorbency and cleaning power. Using a mild detergent ensures the microfibres remain intact and fully functional.
Air-Dry When Possible
After washing, air-drying microfibre cloths is the preferred method. Lay them flat or hang them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If you choose to use a dryer, select a low heat or air-dry setting to prevent heat damage. High temperatures can cause the fibres to melt or become misshapen, compromising their cleaning abilities.
By following these recommended practices, you can maintain the high performance and durability of your microfibre cloths, ensuring they continue to provide exceptional cleaning results.
The Don’ts of Cleaning Microfibre Cloths
To maintain the superior performance and longevity of microfibre cloths, it’s crucial to avoid certain practices that can compromise their structure and effectiveness. Adhering to the following guidelines will help ensure your cloths remain in optimal condition.
Avoid Hot Water
Refrain from washing microfibre cloths in hot water. High temperatures can cause the synthetic fibres to shrink or melt, leading to a loss of their unique properties and reducing their cleaning efficiency. Instead, opt for cold or lukewarm water during the washing process.
Do Not Use Fabric Softeners or Bleach
Steer clear of using fabric softeners or bleach when laundering microfibre cloths. Fabric softeners can leave a wax-like coating on the fibres, clogging the spaces between them and diminishing their absorbency. Bleach can degrade the fibres, leading to reduced durability and effectiveness. Utilise mild, unscented detergents to preserve the cloths’ integrity.
Avoid High Heat Drying
Do not expose microfibre cloths to high heat during drying. High temperatures can damage the fibres, causing them to become misshapen or less effective. If you choose to use a dryer, select a low heat or air-dry setting to prevent heat damage. Alternatively, air-drying by hanging the cloths in a well-ventilated area is recommended.
Do Not Wash with Lint-Producing Fabrics
Avoid washing microfibre cloths alongside fabrics that produce lint, such as cotton towels. Microfibre’s electrostatic properties attract lint and debris, which can become embedded in the fibres and reduce their cleaning efficiency. Always launder microfibre cloths separately to maintain their optimal performance.
Avoid Using Excess Detergent
Using too much detergent can lead to residue build-up within the microfibre cloths, clogging the fibres and reducing their effectiveness. It’s advisable to use a minimal amount of mild detergent to ensure thorough rinsing and maintain the cloths’ performance.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can preserve the quality and effectiveness of your microfibre cloths, ensuring they continue to provide exceptional cleaning results over an extended period.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Microfibre Cloths
To ensure your microfibre cloths remain effective and durable, consider the following maintenance practices:
- Pre-Treat Stains Promptly: Address stains as soon as possible by applying a small amount of mild detergent directly to the affected area and gently rubbing it in. Allow the detergent to sit for about 10 minutes before washing. This pre-treatment helps prevent stains from setting and becoming more challenging to remove.
- Shake Out Debris Before Washing: Before laundering, take the cloths outside and shake them vigorously to remove loose dirt and debris. This step prevents particles from embedding deeper into the fibres during washing and reduces the risk of transferring dirt to other items in the wash.
- Store Properly: After ensuring the cloths are completely dry, store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving them in damp or humid environments, as this can promote mould and mildew growth. Proper storage maintains the cloths’ cleanliness and readiness for future use.
The Bottom Line:
Proper care and maintenance of microfibre cloths are essential to preserve their exceptional cleaning capabilities and extend their lifespan. By adhering to recommended practices—such as washing them separately in cold or lukewarm water, using mild detergents, and avoiding fabric softeners and high heat—you can ensure these cloths remain effective and durable.
For high-quality microfibre cloths designed to meet professional cleaning standards, explore Davis & Moore’s range of products. Our microfibre cloths are engineered for durability and superior performance, making them an excellent choice for various cleaning applications.
