Microfiber is an effective material for cleaning surfaces, and it removes more bacteria than conventional options. Microfiber towels and cleaning cloths are durable, soft and gentle, meaning they can be used to clean delicate materials, including glass or painted surfaces, without damage. They also can replace paper towels and harsh chemicals, helping cut costs because they are washable and reusable.
It is important to wash microfiber towels correctly to maintain their longevity and usefulness. If you care for them well, they can last for a long time.
Washing Microfiber Towels
When washing microfiber towels and cloths, stay away from detergent with laundry additives like fabric conditioners and fragrances, fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh soaps, all of which can coat the towel fibers and decrease their effectiveness.
If the towel is merely dusty or a little dirty, you can wash it by hand. Dirtier towels can be machine washed for maximum efficiency.
Handwashing Microfiber Towels
Follow these steps to handwash microfiber towels:
Shake out the towel or cloth prior to washing to remove any excess dirt.
Fill a basin with warm or cool water.
Add the towels or clothes to the water, and agitate them by hand.
Hand scrub any heavy stains or soiled spots.
Let the towels soak for 15 or 20 minutes.
Agitate them by hand once more.
Rinse the towels under running water.
Wring out any excess water.
Machine Washing Microfiber Towels
Follow these steps to machine wash microfiber towels:
Wash microfiber towels and clothes separate from other types of fabric to avoid abrading the fibers and leaving a lint residue on them.
Shake out the towel or cloth prior to washing.
Machine wash the towels in cold or warm water. Avoid hot water.
Use a small amount (one to two teaspoons maximum) of gentle detergent. Be sure to avoid using fabric softener or bleach.
If the towels have an odor, you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the machine load.
After half of the agitation cycle, stop the machine and allow the towels to soak for 15 to 20 minutes before restarting the cycle.
Allow the wash to finish.
How to Dry Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels have the added benefit of drying quickly, regardless of how you choose to dry them.
Air Drying
When air drying microfiber towels, shake them out first and hang them in direct sunlight when possible. If you are drying them indoors, hang them in an area that will provide adequate circulation.
Machine Drying
When drying your microfiber towels in a machine dryer, be sure to completely clean out the lint trap first. Dryer lint can attach to the microfibers and damage the towels. Use an air-dry or low-heat cycle, and do not add dryer balls or dryer sheets to the load.
Why Drying Microfiber Towels Properly Matters
Drying microfiber towels correctly is just as important as washing them the right way. While microfiber is designed to be durable, its synthetic fibers are sensitive to heat and residue. Excessive heat can melt or distort these fibers, causing a noticeable reduction in the towel’s softness, flexibility, and absorbency. This means towels won’t pick up dirt, water, or debris as effectively—essentially defeating their purpose. Improper drying can also lead to static cling, which attracts unwanted particles and makes towels feel stiff. Worse still, drying them with incompatible fabrics like cotton can leave lint behind, compromising performance. When microfiber towels are dried with care—at low temperatures and without added chemicals—they maintain their shape, texture, and cleaning power for much longer. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in cost savings and effectiveness over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Microfiber
Many microfiber towels lose their effectiveness simply because they’re not dried properly. Here are some of the most common drying mistakes to avoid:
Using high heat: High temperatures can damage microfiber’s synthetic fibers, causing them to shrink, melt, or warp. Once the fibers are damaged, the towel’s ability to trap dust, dirt, and moisture is permanently reduced.
Using dryer sheets or fabric softener: These products coat microfiber fibers with a waxy or oily residue that prevents them from doing their job. Instead of absorbing water, the towel begins to repel it.
Drying with other fabrics: Cotton and other textiles shed lint in the dryer, and microfiber’s structure acts like a magnet for those particles. This can clog the fibers and make the towel feel grimy or ineffective.
Overdrying: Running microfiber towels through an extended drying cycle can lead to static buildup and stiffness, even when heat settings are low.
Avoiding these pitfalls helps extend the lifespan of your microfiber towels, ensuring they perform reliably after every wash and dry cycle.
Best Practices for Long-Term Towel Performance
If you want your microfiber towels to stay effective, soft, and absorbent for as long as possible, a few simple habits can go a long way:
Allow them to fully dry before folding or storing: Storing damp towels can lead to musty smells and mildew growth, especially in closed containers.
Store in a dry, clean space away from dirt or chemicals: Microfiber easily picks up debris, so it’s best kept away from cleaning supplies or work areas until ready to use.
Avoid overcrowding during drying to promote airflow: Whether air drying or using a machine, giving each towel space ensures faster, more even drying.
Rotate towel use to distribute wear evenly: If you use the same towels repeatedly, they’ll wear out faster than those in a regular rotation.
Keep microfiber separate from other fabrics at all times: Even after drying, lint transfer can happen if towels are stored with cotton or fleece materials.
By building these best practices into your routine, you’ll protect the integrity of your microfiber towels and get the most value from each one.
When to Replace Microfiber Towels
Even with the best care, microfiber towels will eventually wear out. Knowing when to replace them helps ensure you’re always cleaning with effective tools. Signs that it’s time for a replacement include:
Frayed edges or loose threads that signal structural wear
A stiff texture that doesn’t improve after proper washing and drying
Decreased absorbency where the towel pushes liquid instead of absorbing it
Smearing or streaking during use, especially on glass or smooth surfaces
Frequent over-drying, harsh washing conditions, and heavy-duty use in industrial environments can all accelerate wear. Regularly inspecting your microfiber stock and replacing towels as needed ensures your cleaning results remain consistent and professional.
Drying Towels in a Commercial Setting
For businesses in healthcare, hospitality, or industrial cleaning, drying microfiber towels properly at scale presents unique challenges. Variability in equipment, temperature control, and staffing can all lead to inconsistent towel care. That’s why many businesses choose to partner with a professional service like Alsco Uniforms. Our commercial laundering process is designed with microfiber in mind. We use precise temperature controls, residue-free detergents, and careful handling to clean and dry towels without damaging their structure. Each towel is inspected, folded, and delivered ready to use—free from lint, residue, or hidden wear. This level of care not only extends the usable life of your microfiber inventory but also guarantees your staff always has access to hygienic, high-performing towels that meet the demands of any environment.
Maintaining Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels act like magnets for dirt and gunk. They can be used across a variety of industries for cleaning things both big and small.
To maximize the effectiveness and cost savings of your microfiber towels and cleaning cloths, it is important to care for them properly. Wash them as directed on packaging, and store them separately from other cleaning materials and cloths.
Cotton in particular can damage microfiber towels. Store microfiber towels together but away from other towels. Do not iron microfiber towels because doing so can melt the fibers and render the towels less effective.
You often won’t need to use cleaning chemicals or products with microfiber towels. Water alone works best. If you must use cleaning products or chemicals, use the smallest amount possible. After each use, shake out the microfiber towel and rinse it thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely before storing it.
Let Alsco Uniforms Help With Your Supplies
Renting microfiber cleaning towels from Alsco Uniforms can save you time and offer convenience along with the assurance that the towels you use are clean and in good shape. With Alsco Uniforms, you can be sure that your cleaning linens are exactly what you need for the job. We have customizable options, ranging from plush hospitality towels to hygienically clean medical utility towels.
We can regularly replace your dirty microfiber towels with clean ones to ensure you always have a fresh supply on hand.
References
UC Davis Pioneers Use of Microfiber Mops in Hospitals. (June 2006). UC Davis.
The Benefits and Uses of Microfiber Towels. (December 2016). Ammex.
Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths of 2022. (July 2022). Popular Science.