What is a microfiber cloth?

Microfiber cloths are created using tiny fibres, each measuring a third of the cotton fibre's diameter. The fibres are so much smaller than common clothes that they are more effective at picking up dirt, dust, and bacteria. They are a very durable and effective way to clean. The denseness of the fibres also makes microfiber cloths highly absorbent.

The fibres themselves are synthetic, contrary to what some believe. Microfiber is used not only in cleaning but also in manufacturing mats, knits, upholstery, industrial filters, and more. The history of microfiber dates back to the late 1950s, when there was a particular interest in ultrafine fibres. They first became commercially available in the 1990s, beginning in Europe, and eventually making their way to North America by the early 2000s.

When to choose a microfiber cloth?

Microfiber cloths are used for a wide variety of purposes when cleaning. They are a more sustainable than paper towels or an all-purpose cleaner. Here are cleaning situations where a microfiber cloth is a perfect choice.

• Shine stainless steel, removing grease and grime with ease. No buffing agent is needed.
• Wipe down marble and granite countertops without damaging or fading to the surface.
• Clean dust from windows and mirrors. No watermarks, no lint, and no streaks.
• Chrome fixtures in the bathroom.
• Cleaning smudges on a tabletop or countertop.
• Microfiber cloths can be used to wipe down any surface that cannot be touched with moisture.
• Wipe down a keyboard, mouse, and computer monitor.
• Absorb a spill. Microfiber can hold up to 6 times its weight in water.
• If you need to clean something fragile, such as a painting or an antique, microfiber is the ultimate cleaning tool.

What are the benefits of using a microfiber cloth?

• More eco-friendly.
• Microfiber lasts longer than other materials.
• It takes less effort to use a microfiber cloth effectively than another type of cloth.
• Microfiber leaves no lint, unlike cotton cloths.
• Microfiber cloths can absorb oils, fat, grease, and bacteria better than cotton cloths.
• Microfiber cloths absorb up to 99 percent of bacteria compared to conventional cleaning materials, which only clean 35 percent or less on their own.
• They aren’t hard enough to scratch a surface. They aren’t abrasive in the least.
• Microfiber cloth absorbs more water than other types of fibers due to the polyamide included in the design.

What are the rules when cleaning with a microfiber cloth?

The nature of microfiber cloths makes them preferable to other materials. Although we absolutely encourage their use, there are some rules to microfiber cloths to remember.

1. Always ensure a clean microfiber cloth is used on something sensitive or fragile. Although microfiber is not enough to scratch a surface, if the cloth has picked up any debris or particles, pressing those down into something like a computer monitor can scratch.

1. Microfiber cloths can clean the bathroom, kitchen, workspaces, windows, glass, and more. This doesn’t mean you should use the same microfiber cloth for everything. Have different microfiber cloths for each space, clearly marked or textured. Cross-contamination between spaces is not something you want.

1. Microfiber cloths should be washed regularly. If you wash them daily – which is recommended if you’re doing daily cleans – your average microfiber cloth should last between 2-3 years. As microfiber is super absorbent, they are a great environment for microorganisms. This is why regular washing is needed!

How do I wash microfiber cloths?

When you wash microfiber cloths, you want them to retain their structural integrity. You want to wash them with dark colours to get started if there’s any colour bleeding. You don’t want your microfiber cloths to stain each other, to get stained, or to stain other materials.

The best temperature to wash microfiber cloths at is no higher than 60 degrees Celsius. Fabric softener and bleach should never be used on microfiber. As it is a synthetic material, it could also release fibers in the wash. For this reason, we recommend a filter or washbag that can catch any fibers.

The last note we want to make on washing microfiber cloths is to use all-natural laundry detergent. You don’t want any traces of chemicals left behind on a microfiber cloth. Wash the materials as naturally as possible before leaving them to air dry or dry in the dryer.

What is the best microfiber cloth to buy for cleaning?

There are cheap microfiber cloths that, if you buy, will unravel over time, and their performance isn’t so top-notch. If you want the real thing, check the specifications. A microfiber cloth for cleaning should be large, absorbent, and colour-coded. The colour isn’t necessary, but it does help in avoiding cross-contamination.

Reduce how many cleaners and chemicals you have to use in your office

When you have a microfiber cloth to use whenever you need it, it dramatically reduces the cleaning chemicals and cleaners you need daily. You no longer need anything to remove dust, smudges, or general cleaning because microfiber does it all. It can shine stainless steel, clean windows, and absorb spills!

This extends the life of your inventory, saves you a ton of money annually, and is a sustainable choice you make for your office and the environment. In the cleaning industry, we always are looking for ways to cut down on toxins and chemicals. The less, the better. Using a microfiber cloth, you’re maximizing your dollar investment and ensuring you only use what you need when cleaning.

“If you’re looking for high-quality eco-friendly commercial cleaning products, Office and Hotel supplies, Genesis Supplies is one of North America’s biggest distributors. In addition, genesis Supplies has partners across Canada and the United States, including some of the biggest commercial cleaning companies. As a result, we have everything you need to clean from top to bottom!

Visit us any time to replenish your inventory with high-quality, effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.