I have a love, a deep abiding respect, and a genuine joy for microfiber cloths. How can an inexpensive object bring such richness to my life? Oh dear friend, if you haven’t taken up microfiber-ness into your life, I feel like I am about to give you a gift of a lifetime. Seriously, a gift.of.a.lifetime.
These little microfiber-macro-magic babies are a cleaning dream.
So here’s the deal, if you have a maid, a permanent cleaning service, or plan to never ever clean a thing in your life, you may not need microfiber. However, if you do find yourself ever washing, drying, dusting, polishing, or wiping anything, dear one, microfiber is for you.
In fact, I’ll just say this bold little diddy right now: Microfiber might make you ENJOY cleaning. Yep, I said it; I’m not taking it back. (I did say “might” after all, so I’m covered lol).
Let’s just get to all the reasons microfiber, and you, need to be best buds, okay? Oh, I think you’re going to like it.
12 Reasons You Need Microfiber in Your Life
Eager to get to the good stuff? If you already know what microfiber cloths are, read ahead.
Otherwise, for those who haven’t been formally introduced, here is a little how-do-you-do with microfiber cloths:
- Microfiber cloths are synthetic fabrics made of ultra fine fibers. These mighty fine fibers are woven and split to increase the cloth’s cleaning ability.
- You might be wondering how is a microfiber couch is related to a microfiber cloth? Well, they are cousins who have been split up. Both the microfiber couch and the microfiber cloth are made of microfiber, but the cloth has split fibers, therefore more rough feeling than smooth upholstery, and also the roughness makes it clean well. So when it comes to microfiber you can say rough it up means clean it up (ha!).
- These little fine splits act similar to the hard, rough bristles of a broom end, the split fibers, like the bottom of a broom, have tons of little things working together to create traps for dust and dirt. You know how those broom ends get all that dirt stuck up in their bristles? Microfiber acts in a similar way.
In short, the cloths are usually made up of mostly polyester and then the rest is made up of polyamide. If you look at the product labels you will probably see these two ingredients with a variation of percentage so some cloths will have a 80/20 ratio of polyester to polyamide and others will be 90/10.
Inside these microfiber cloths are electrostatic energy; basically, it’s the dirt attractor/sucker/picker-upper.
As mentioned, microfiber cloths are made up of teeny tiny fibers. Each of those little fibers is finer than cotton, silk, and even human hair. Essentially, the fibers are woven together into a yarn that is woven together into the cloth that you pick up and clean with. The magic is in the size of these tiny fibers, hence “micro” fibers.
So in sum: Microfiber cloths are like amazing grabbers of dirt and grime, AKA, the ultimate picker-upper, cleaner-upper, shiner-upper tool.
[bctt tweet=”Microfiber cloths are the ultimate picker-upper, cleaner-upper, shiner-upper tool. #clean” username=”perfectplaying”]
So why do I love them so much?! Why will you love them so much?! Why will you be happy if some of these microfiber cloths ended up in your Christmas stocking this year? (I bet Santa and the elves totally dig microfiber cloths.)
Well, let’s just start showing off these little cleaning miracle workers now!
#1 Microfiber Saves Time and Money
There are two things in life most of us wish we had more of: time and money. Well, microfiber cloths help with both!
That’s right, these little cloths help cleaning happen faster, with fewer supplies, and leave a gal with more energy and room in her budget.
How so? Glad you asked!
Microfiber cloths can replace (and therefore save the time and money spent buying):
- Other cleaning rags and cloths
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Glass cleaner
- Dust cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Bathroom cleaner
- Granite cleaner
- Car cleaner
- & More!
Now instead of gathering a bunch of cleaning supplies and heading out for my cleaning tasks, microfiber is my main tool (often combined with a spray bottle containing stuff like vinegar). Instead of making monthly shopping trips in search for cleaning supplies I haven’t bought cleaning supplies in… gosh I want to say years but to be safe I’ll say months.
Pictured: SimpleHouseware Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
#2 Microfiber Cleans Almost Anything
Microfiber cloths are an indispensable cleaning tool in your home.
If you have something to clean, microfiber cloths are here for you. There are different microfiber cloths for different tasks, but they all share that magical fiber grabbing specialness.
Here are some things to clean using microfiber:
- Can microfiber be used to clean your granite counter-tops? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used with essential oils? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean floors? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean tables? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean baseboards? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean your tub? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean your toilet? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean glass? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean wood? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean the refrigerator? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean your car? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean your kitchen? Yes!
- Can microfiber be used to clean dishes? Yes!
Here are a few things to not use microfiber for:
- Don’t use microfiber cloths for cleaning up: bleach.
- Don’t use microfiber cloths for cleaning up: grease.
- Don’t use microfiber cloths for cleaning up: oil.
- Don’t use microfiber cloths for cleaning up: paint.
- Don’t use microfiber cloths for cleaning up: polish.
Basically, for average cleaning purposes, microfiber is there for you! Microfiber can be used with daily and weekly cleaning tasks that most families regularly do. Pretty much if it’s a cleaning day, it’s a good day to also be a microfiber day.
[bctt tweet=”Pretty much if it’s cleaning day, it’s a good day to also be a microfiber day. #cleaningday” username=”perfectplaying”]
#3 Microfiber Swoops Up Bacteria!
The hidden pow factor of these little-colored cloths is this: they pick up bacteria!!
We are talking about up to 99% of bacteria being gone per swipe.
Yep, those little microfibers are small enough to zoom up yucky stuff our human eyes cannot see but we know is there. Yep, viruses and bacteria be gone with one swipe of a microfiber cloth.
Basically, these cloths are incredible grabbers.
Instead of swishing dirt around, microfiber scoops it up and doesn’t let it go thanks to strong fiber-filled arms.
Now if you are kinda germ-a-phobic like moi, you may still feel better knowing that you are adding extra precaution to your cleaning routine by combining microfiber with other germ-fighters such natural disinfectant sprays.
Note: If you use meat on the counter a disinfectant spray is probably still best coupled with disposable paper towels. I don’t eat meat so I can’t attest to this, but it makes sense.
#4 Microfiber Does More Jobs Than One
Have you ever had your cleaning supply closet filled with an individual spray bottle for glass, another bottle of something for dusting, another bottle of chemical yuckiness used for the floors, another bottle specficially designated for the bathrooms, another bottle for the kitchen, a few bottles of stuff to clean the car, and a jug of stuff that you use to disinfect everything?
Instead of having a million separate cleaning bottles of stuff ready to take on various tasks, I enjoy the ease and simplicity of having just microfiber cloths doing the job of several other cleaning supplies.
Now my cleaning supplies are mostly just microfiber cloths and I don’t have to make space for tons of cleaning products for tons of tasks. Microfiber takes care of so many different issues the main thing I have to worry about is keeping the microfiber cloths organized (because I don’t clean my kitchen with the same microfiber cloth I use in my bathroom).
Here’s a real-life example: I can take one microfiber cloth (that I have designated for bathroom use) and wipe off the mirrors (yet no spray needed and they are streak free!), wipe off the counter, and head to the floor and wipe off the floor.
Wow, it just is so fast, easy, and I don’t have to lug a bunch of cleaning products around from room to room because microfiber does so much!
Microfiber cloths are seriously unbelievable. I find myself constantly saying, “Oh wow, I can do that with microfiber cloths and I can do that, oh and I can do that too, so I’m going to never have to buy that other thing ever again!”
If you are on a quest to be somewhat of a minimalist, microfiber cloths are a great step in that direction.
[bctt tweet=”Microfiber helps me in my efforts to be more of a minimalist! #clean #microfiber” username=”perfectplaying”]
#5 Microfiber Does A Ton On Its Own
One of the best things about microfiber cloths is that they do it all on their own basically.
Paper towels, rags, and old t-shirts should bow to the incredible microfiber cloth.
How so? Because those other options leave streaks, scratch stuff at times, leave as much dust behind as they supposedly gather, and waste time, money, and fill up trash cans. If a paper towel is used to clean a mirror, window cleaner is needed as well. If dusting spray is used, a rag is needed to wipe down away the grimy spray.
With microfiber it’s a one tool show. Instead of using a bunch of chemicals or even a lot of water, this cloth acts as an all-in-one cleaner, both a tool and a cleaning agent. It’s such a good little “I can do it all on my own” tool!
Because of microfiber cloths, I have fewer types of cleaning supplies overall, and I trust microfiber cloths to do most cleaning jobs. I used to have a cleaning supply area full of sprays and rags and bottles of this and brushes for that.
Now, I own and use fewer cleaning items because microfiber can be used from the floor to the ceiling. Thanks to microfiber, I don’t really need paper towels, which makes we feel great because I was basically paying for paper that would be used and tossed in the trash, which made me feel super wasteful.
I don’t need to buy dusting sprays or polishes, and I don’t have any bottles of blue glass cleaner taking up space under my sink or in my cleaning basket.
And honestly, I LOVE not spraying stuff on the mirrors because I used to have to close my eyes and turn away so whatever I was spraying didn’t end up in my eyes and mouth! With microfiber cloths, no spraying bottle needed, the mirrors are perfect with a few swipes of the microfiber!
#6 Microfiber Lasts
Microfiber lasts a long time! This is a major perk of microfiber cloths. Instead of buying rolls and rolls of paper towels that get used once and then trashed, microfiber cloths can be used 100 times or more depending on how they are cared for and used.
How long do they last for sure? Well it really depends on how they are used and cared for. I care for mine quite well and so far haven’t really noticed a change in their cleaning power. Honestly, I haven’t ever had to throw away or replace a microfiber cloth yet.
You may wonder: “How do I know if the microfiber isn’t working anymore? What’s the sign of the microfiber cloth’s life being over?”
Good questions!
If the microfiber cloth becomes more like an overused washcloth (it becomes more smooth and flat) it’s time to say goodbye to that particular microfiber cloth and pick up a new one. You want the grabbing bristles to be upright and able to grab stuff.
Pictured: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
#7 Microfiber Is Easy Maintenance
It is important to know how to properly maintain your microfiber cloths so you can extend their life as long as possible thereby getting the most use and saving the most money.
Given microfiber cloths’ built-in dirt catching system (because the fibers are split creating a type of trap for grime), you might think it would be hard to clean these masterful clean-up cloths.
Microfiber cloths are so superior at picking up dust that one might worry that it can be hard to clean the cloths as the dirt stays in the cloths so well.
But don’t worry, they clean up fantastically when cleaned correctly. The key is you don’t want to ruin these little powerhouses’ scrubbing abilities by washing them improperly.
Separate Your Cloths – Yes, this isn’t about separating your cloths from other laundry (although you must do this too!) or even necessarily separating your cloths by color, but by purpose. It is best to wash dusting cloths separate from kitchen cloths and both of these separate from bathroom cloths.
So before even using microfiber cloths for the first time, designate different cloths for different purposes.
Here are examples of cleaning purposes to separate your microfiber cloths by:
- Automotive (bikes, cars, motorcycles)
- Bathroom
- Dusting
- Electronics (computers, phones, televisions)
- Floors
- Kitchen
- Mirrors
- Windows
Identify Your Cloths – Once you decide which cloths will be used for what and have them separated as such, be sure you will always be able to identify them so you never mix up your bathroom cloth with your car cloth.
Here are some suggested ways to identify microfiber cloths according to their purposes:
- Purchase microfiber cloths in different colors and each purpose gets a different color (for example, all yellow microfiber cloths are for bathrooms, all blue are for the kitchen, etc.)
- Mark microfiber cloths with a permanent marker suitable for fabric (for example put a “B” on the bathroom microfiber cloths, a “K” for kitchen cloths, or get creative and draw pictures such as a car on the automotive cloths – kids might want to do the drawing for you!)
- Purchase different types and/or brands for different uses (glass microfiber cloths for windows, waffle weave microfiber cloths for drying)
- Keep the microfiber cloths in designated areas according to purpose (all kitchen cloths never leave the kitchen, all bathroom cloths are stored underneath bathroom sinks, all dusting cloths go in the laundry room)
- Carefully keep track of all microfiber cloths and how they are used and store them in labeled storage solutions (label a plastic bag with the word “kitchen” and in that plastic bag store all microfiber cloths to be used for the kitchen or get a basket and label it “bathroom” and put all bathroom microfiber cloths in that basket)
- Sew a little tag or label onto each microfiber cloth that shows its purpose (electronic cloths get red tags, kitchen cloths get a label made from the same cloth your kitchen apron was made from) Tip: You could get these personalized labels and have tons of fun making them for yourself and your loved ones (I’m serious about that microfiber cloth stocking stuffer idea lol)! And BTW who the heck knew Amazon could personalize stuff, too?! Wow!
#8 Microfiber Is Easy To Wash
Now that all cloths are separated and easily identifiable according to purpose, you now can wash all cloths according to their purpose and their times of use.
- Each cloth will be washed only with cloths that share their same purpose.
- Microfiber cloths used for dusting DO NOT get washed with anything else besides other dusting microfiber cloths.
- Bathroom microfiber cloths never get washed with bathroom towels or with microfiber cloths used for dusting or the car or the kitchen.
Yep, you gotta keep them separated.
General Microfiber Cloth Washing Rules:
- Stains? You can pretreat stains before washing microfiber cloths in the washing machine by using a dab of laundry detergent put directly onto the stain. Leave the detergent on the stain for about five minutes.
- Make sure the microfiber cloths are dry before putting them into a laundry pile (like when you wipe down a wet counter), but I just pop them right into the washing machine after using them.
- Separate microfiber cloths from other laundry and from each other based on purpose.
- Rinse microfiber cloths prior to laundering.
- If the microfiber cloths are dusty or full of stuff, shake them off outside.
- You could presoak in half vinegar, half water and then rinse if worried about bacteria (but don’t wash them in vinegar).
- Yes, you can wash microfiber cloths in your washing machine.
- Wash microfiber cloths to keep them supple, absorbent, and clean. If your cloth gets too dirty the dirt might scratch surfaces you are trying to clean.
- Use a gentle detergent that doesn’t have bleach in it.
- Use very little amount of detergent. Use about half as much detergent when washing microfiber cloths as you would when washing a similar sized load.
- Use cold or hot water for washing microfiber cloths.
- Use Borax if you want.
- Use a gentle/delicate cycle.
- Do NOT use bleach.
- Do NOT use fabric softener.
- Do NOT use vinegar (in the wash cycle, yes you can clean with microfiber and vinegar).
- No, you cannot put microfiber cloths into your dryer.
- Don’t put microfiber cloths in the dryer or use fabric softener or dryer sheets or even dryer balls.
- Hang them up to dry.
Why no bleach and why no fabric softener? The bleach will eat up the fibers, and the fabric softener will coat the fibers and squish them together which squishes their cleaning power.
Hmm… why no vinegar? We use vinegar to clean with while using a microfiber cloth! Yeah, but the vinegar can do damage to the special microfiber fibers so clean with vinegar but don’t clean the cloths in vinegar.
Microfiber Cloth Washing Frequency:
- Wash as often as you would any other cleaning cloth or rag.
- For bathroom cleaning, I wash immediately after use.
- For kitchen cleaning such as counter wiping maybe at the end of each day or every couple of days.
- After cleaning kitchen counters with microfiber cloths, rinse with water and a little dish soap, make sure all dish soap is out, then let dry.
- For dusting and glass microfiber cleaning cloths, if used five or fewer times, these can be shaken outside and then rinsed repeatedly with cold water. If they are quite dusty maybe take a vacuum nozzle to them or a lint brush. When the cloths are too dirty for your liking, wash them.
- For deep cleaning that leaves a lot of dirt, such as washing a car, I’d wash the microfiber cloths immediately after use.
#9 Microfiber Can Be Purpose Specific
There are different types of microfiber cloths and different brands. I am all for using different microfiber cloths for different reasons, but in terms of brand I am not so picky. For me, I go for the highest rated and best deal usually because I am not brand specific.
I do love trying new brands though, so if I ever find a microfiber cloth brand that is better than all others I have tried I’ll have to let you know.
Multi-Purpose Microfiber Cloths
The most commonly used version of the microfiber cloth is the multi-purpose version.
Often these come in packs of different colors, so it makes the designation of a different purpose for each microfiber cloth easy. This is your go-to-cloth for normal cleaning such as wiping the kitchen counter, dusting, and/or cleaning the toilet (not all done with the same cloth of course!).
These are easy to attach to most mops or get a microfiber mop for easily and effectively cleaning the floor. Hint: A good general tip is to clean with one side of the microfiber cloth and dry with the other side.
Microfiber Dishcloths (With a Scouring Side)
As mentioned, for sure you want to keep your microfiber cloths separated according to purpose, and you only want kitchen microfiber in the kitchen.
I have been using kitchen microfiber cloths the longest and most frequently. The dual-sided aspect is great because one side is better for scrubbing and the other is great for grabbing.
Glass & Electronic Microfiber Cloths
These cloths are geared toward glass and electronics but could also be set aside for bathroom and kitchen fixtures or polishing silverware.
Microfibers take but don’t leave stuff behind. They are great for shining up the glass but they don’t leave lint or streaks behind. If you want to take care of your computer screen, tablet, television, or mirror, these might be your best bet.
They can clean glass on their own or with some glass cleaner such as a spray of vinegar and water. These can be good for keeping in your purse for cleaning your phone or for giving to a student who has a ton of screen time.
Waffle Weave Microfiber Cloths
For big drying jobs, we have the waffle weaves. Here’s a fun tidbit: Microfiber cloths can hold a lot, over five times their weight in water!
These waffle weaves are super absorbent, can be larger than average size, and are for more than just drying dishes.
A current trend is to use these for drying your hair! Yes, that’s because they are softer than regular bath towels that are rough on your hair and cause your hair to split. Also though, these are great for drying hair because they dry more so you need not use your hair dryer as much.
These towels can be great for drying floors and for drying produce because they won’t bruise but will get everything dry.
Car Washing Microfiber Mitts
Your car is likely pretty costly and you want to use the best on it so why not use microfiber? In fact, many people get introduced to microfiber because of the car washing towels they are used to using for years happen to be microfiber and they never knew it.
Microfiber can be used in the entire car washing process from the dusting to the washing to the drying.
Keeping microfiber cloths inside your car can also be quite useful for when you are sitting in line at the gas station. With microfiber cloths, you can quickly wipe down the interior of your car and not worry about dust flying everywhere or about having to scratch your surfaces.
Floor Mopping Microfiber
For floors, vacuuming will always have its place, but if you are going to do a deep surface clean of a floor that doesn’t have carpet or rugs, you might really like working with microfiber cloths.
Sometimes I get on my hands and knees with a microfiber cloth, but usually I use a flat mop type thing and attach a microfiber cloth to it. I use this for cleaning and dusting under the couch and bed (it’s great if you have dogs!) and also I wet it and use it as a mop.
No matter your particular cleaning need and dilemma there is likely a perfect microfiber-sized solution just waiting for you to discover.
#10 Microfiber Is Easy To Get
If you are lucky, maybe your mom will buy you some microfiber cloths (that’s how I got my first microfiber cloths – thanks, mom!)
The ones I have bought I purchased through Amazon because, well, it’s just so easy (I like getting packages left at my door). I like buying online for the convenience but also, I find I save money when I don’t go into physical stores.
If I go to Target for a microfiber cloth chances are I’ll be coming home with more than I had planned for, but with Amazon, I do a better job at controlling my impulse buys.
Also, with buying online, I can take my time comparing more than just a few options whereas at a physical store there might not be that many options and I might feel pressured into not taking my time comparing.
[bctt tweet=”I shop online for impulse control! If I step into Target all self-control is gone! #truth” username=”perfectplaying”]
Pictured: Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
#11 Microfiber Looks Cute & Organized
Microfiber cloths are nice to look at!
I honestly prefer seeing my cute pink microfiber cloths instead of boring paper towels. I actually find the look of the cloths to be appealing and feel like a stack of color-coded-cloths that are organized by purpose and color resemble something out of a magazine.
If anyone were to see my real-life cleaning supplies while stacked up and ready to be used or while they are knee-deep in cleaning-mode use, I feel like I’d be proud to show them off!
#12 Microfiber Is Kid-Friendly
Kids in the house? Who needs to worry about dangerous cleaners getting into the wrong little hands?! With microfiber cloths everyone is safe.
Gone are the days with having to lock up dangerous cleaning chemicals and forget about the hassle of finding super up high storage areas in your home. Microfiber cloths mean you can clean more safely, have fewer chemicals in the home, and not worry about your child touching or breathing in toxic chemicals as you clean or as they clean.
Kids often like to help clean when they are little (why doesn’t that carry on into the teen years as much!?) and to help encourage the little helper inside, get some microfiber cloths that are just for your child, maybe in their favorite color, so when they want to help mom dust they can just pull out their microfiber cloth and go for it!
There we have it cleaning friends! Microfiber has come to show off its many super cleaning magical powers! The only thing left is to wait for an invention of microfiber cloths that magically cleans everything robotically (ha!)!
Excited about microfiber cloths? *Pin* this post for later for when you need cleaning awesomeness! If you want even more cleaning superpowers, follow along on Playing Perfect’s Pinterest Page!
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