What Are Microfiber Towels?

What exactly is a microfiber towel? We hear the word microfiber often in the hospitality, healthcare and auto-detailing world.  Microfiber towels are constructed of synthetic fibers about 1/5 the diameter of a human hair. Some higher-quality microfiber can have nearly 200,000 fibers per sq. inch and value microfiber can have as little as 50,000 fibers per sq. inch. The most common types of microfibers are made from products like nylon, Kevlar, Nomex, or a mixture of polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene. Microfiber is used to make towels, weaves for apparel, upholstery, cleaning products such as mops and dusters. The shape, size, and combinations of synthetic fibers that are selected give unique characteristics, including softness, absorption, toughness, and water repellency.

Microfiber is a man-made fiber of 80% polyester, 20% Polyamide.  Perfected in the 1960’s in Japan by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto, microfiber is a synthetic fiber, finer than a strand of silk, which in turn is one-fifth the diameter of a human hair. Incredibly strong, the yarn’s strength comes from a process called splitting whereby a single fiber is divided up to
ten times then spun back together to create a stronger, more intertwined yarn. The result of splitting is thousands of tiny fissures that hook and hold dirt more effectively than cotton fibers.

Why is Microfiber More Effective Than Cotton?

Microfiber is an effective cleaning tool because the byproduct of the splitting process is a positive charge. Dirt and dust are negatively charged so they are literally attracted to microfiber like a magnet. This is why little-to-no chemical cleaning products are necessary when cleaning with microfiber.

What Does The CDC Have to Say About Microfiber?

Wet mopping with a flat microfiber mop will remove 38% more soil than string mops. The microfiber system tested demonstrated superior microbial removal compared with conventional string mops when used with a detergent cleaner (94% vs 68%). (Ref. CDC 2008)

A Few Reasons to Utilize Microfiber Towels:

  • Value-Compared to standard cotton towels, or any type of paper products microfiber towels are more durable and last longer than the competition. The per use of microfiber towels far outlasts paper or cotton products.
  • Cleaning Qualities-Split microfiber attracts dust and dirt like a vacuum on hard surfaces. Using it dry dust is attracted to the microfiber and clings to the surface like a magnet. A great way to dust without the need of harmful chemicals.  When you wash your microfiber towels, you can wring them out in a sink and you might just be shocked how much dust and grime you have picked up with a dry cloth and zero harsh chemicals.
  • The Static Cling- Split microfiber, by its design creates a positive static charge. The static charge helps to pick up dirt and other debris, and the dirt stays there until the cloth is washed.
  • Save $ and Your Health:Since microfiber is so great at picking up dirt, as mentioned above you can  generally clean surfaces without using harsh chemicals.  A plus in so many ways!
  • Microfiber Soft- Microfiber towels are normally to the touch. Due to this characteristic they work well on a number of surfaces including, wood, glass, solid surface counters, laminates and more .
  • Super Absorbent- Microfiber towels are very porous, and highly absorbent. The fibers can absorb nearly 6-8 times their weight. This allows you to clean and dry off surfaces very quickly.
  • Quick-drying-Microfiber towels dry really quickly! Now, if you are washing and drying them, you will want to do them alone, as they pick up cotton and will cling to everything with dryer! We will get to laundering processed below.  If utilizing in your own home, you will notice after rinsing them out and wringing them that they are rather fast drying.
  • Durability- Quality microfiber cloths can last for several hundred washing. Feedback from several of our commercial accounts are nearly 1,000 washings! You just cannot best the durability of microfiber.

How Do I Wash Microfiber Towels?

When taking care of your microfiber towels consider the below information to take care of your microfiber towels:

  • Never wash Microfiber products with cotton fabrics!- Cottons will clog the microfiber and stick to the towels.
  • Never use Fabric Softener in liquid form or dryer sheets-It clogs the microfiber and reduces the effectiveness.
  • Do not use chlorine bleach. -Unless they are noted as “Bleach Proof” or “Bleach Safe.”
  • Use Warm water, not hot.
  • Use a mild liquid detergent on your microfiber towels.
  • Always dry on low. – You don’t want to melt the microfiber.

Tips When Using Microfiber Towels and Cloths

As we discussed above, Microfiber towels and cloths have so many advantages, but they should be taken care of, if you want your investment to last. When taking care of your microfiber towels, consider the following:

  • Wash them on a Regular Basis– Regular washing keeps your microfiber towels fresh and ready for the next cleaning job, and it kills any bacteria so that you avoid cross-contamination
  • Avoid Using Lots of Chemicals-Microfiber can durable and can withstand most chemicals.  However, it is best to avoid anything harsh, such as chemicals containing acid or d-limonene.  These types of products can damage the microfibers.
  • Using them Dry-For dusting, attempt to use microfiber dry, as they tend to work better.
  • Using them Wet–When you need to scrub dirt and grime, it is hard to beat utilizing microfiber towels to do so! From countertop, sinks and showers to automobile tires.  Wet microfiber will remove dirt and is a fabulous cleaning tool!
  • Using Microfiber on Windows– Since microfiber is so absorbent, it is the perfect tool to use on windows and surfaces that tend to streak.
  • Consider Color-Coding- For many years we have recommended color coding cleaning products as best practice. Cross-Contamination is serious, and we can’t think of anyone that would want a towel used in a bathroom used in their kitchen or food preparation area. Reduce the spread of harmful bacteria by color coding the towels in your commercial or home environment.

We hope that the above information is helpful to you when considering all the uses of quality microfiber towels.  If looking for wholesale pricing on your microfiber towel and cloth need you’ve come to the right place!

 

How Does Microfiber Positively Impact My School or Business Operation?

  • Because less chemicals are used when cleaning, less contaminated water enters the water stream. According to the EPA, this can result in up to a 95% reduction in cleaning chemicals in our water supply.
  • Microfiber mops can be laundered up to 500 times. Compare that to the 65-100 times of regular mops. In one year a hotel could see a 60% reduction in mop costs alone.
  • Staff prefer microfiber mopping because using the lightweight mops and hardware are more efficient, easier, and less tiring than hauling a heavy cotton mop and bucket around the facility.