How to wash microfibre in the washing machine?
Oct 27, 2022
Microfibre cleaning cloths, towels and mop heads are a staple in most households across the globe. Single use cleaning cloths are decreasing in popularity due to their adverse affects on the environment. Meanwhile, microfibre cloths are proving to be a more sustainable option for general and commercial cleaning.
Microfibre cleaning cloths have the ability withstand up to 500+washes during their product lifestyle. However, to guarantee longevity of microfibre cloths they must be cared for correctly. Making the switch to multiple use cleaning cloths is just as important as caring for your microfibre in between uses. Here is our step-by-step guide to washing your microfibre in the washing machine and caring for them long term.
Benefits of Microfibre
- Microfibre can be washed and re-used hundreds of times.
- Microfibre is made of two basic fibres: Polyester and Polyamide.
- Microfibre will not and cannot scratch surfaces, however the dirt picked up may.
- Microfibre can absorb more water than any other known fabric. Up to 7 times it's own weight.
1.0 Sort out microfibre in a separate pile to your general washing
Ensuring your microfibre cloths are washed separately to your general washing is vital. This will ensure that the integrity of the cloth is upheld and limit the possibility of cross contamination. Due to the nature of the fibres present in the cloths, they easily attract dirt, dust and lint from other clothing items. Therefore it best to separate and wash soiled items on their own.
For commercial cleaning or car detailing (where chemical is used for a specific purpose) it is recommended to wash these types of microfibre in a commercial washing machine.
2.0 Add white vinegar to the load
Once sorted and separate to the rest of your laundry, place the microfibre load together in the machine. Then it is advised to add one tablespoon of white vinegar to the load. Adding white vinegar deodorises microfibre cloth and doesn’t coat or damage the fibres unlike fabric softeners. Avoid adding bleach products in this step to your load as they will distort coloured microfibre cloths. Wash at no hotter than 40 degrees.
Pro tip: For heavy soiled microfibre cloths put on a warm cycle. For lightly soiled cloths place on a cold wash. Again ensuring not to add any bleach, softeners or fragrance washes.
3.0 Drying microfibre
Drying microfibre in the dryer is okay on low heat, but high heat on microfibre cloths has the potential to destroy and melt the fibres. To maximize the lifetime of your cloth it is recommended naturally dry microfibre cloths. This can be done either on an air dryer inside or on an outside clothes line. Direct sun has the UV ability to naturally disinfect and brighten cloths by killing any germs and bacteria present.
Key Takeaways:
- No fabric softeners should be used
- Clean ALL of your microfibres together and SEPERATE from other cottons and fabrics
- Stay away rom fabric softeners and detergents
- Use on LOW/MEDIUM heat in the dryer
Tips and Instructions for Washing your Microfibre at Home:
- Collect all microfibres and segregate from regular washing.
- Wash in washing machine using hot or warm water with a detergent or microfibre wash.
- Dry on an outside clothes line if possible to kill bacteria.
- Keep cloths together away from regular linen. This will protect the fibres and decrease cross contamination.
