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 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.
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.
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, 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 Help With Your Supplies
Renting microfiber cleaning towels from Alsco can save you time and offer convenience along with the assurance that the towels you use are clean and in good shape. With Alsco, 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.