What is a Microfiber Cloth & How to Use It

What is a microfiber cleaning cloth?

Microfiber is defined as a fiber that is one denier or less. A denier is a measurement of fineness equal to a unit of fiber that weighs one gram for each 9000 meters. In other words, it is really, really small.

To put it into perspective, microfiber is 1/100 the diameter of a human hair and 1/20 the diameter of a strand of silk. One square inch of microfiber cloth has approximately 200,000 fibers.

This extreme density is what gives microfiber its superior cleaning power.

Let's look into the uses of microfiber cloths and:

• • Why microfiber is so good at cleaning with just water
  • How to use one microfiber cloth for dusting and wiping
  • Why microfiber will never leave streaks and lint on your windows and stainless steel counters

Why is Microfiber So Effective?

Unlike cotton or paper towels, microfiber is made of split fibers. These fibers create microscopic “hooks” that:

• Grab and hold dirt instead of pushing it around
• Trap dust and allergens
• Absorb liquids quickly and efficiently

Even more impressive, microfiber is positively charged, which attracts negatively charged dust and dirt like a magnet. That’s why microfiber can clean effectively with just water, no chemicals required.

How to Use a Microfiber Cloth (The Right Way)

Using microfiber correctly makes a huge difference in performance.

1. Fold your cloth into fourths
This gives you 8 usable cleaning sides, so you can switch surfaces without spreading dirt.

2. Use dry for dusting
Perfect for:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Baseboards

3. Use slightly damp (not dripping) for cleaning
Lightly dampen (not soaking wet) for:

• Counters
• Appliances
• Bathroom surfaces

4. Rinse and reuse
Rinse the cloth to release dirt, wring it out, and keep going.

Can you use it to dust?

Absolutely! And it’s one of the best tools for it. Because of its electrostatic charge, microfiber:

• Attracts dust instead of scattering it
• Holds onto particles until rinsed
• Reduces the need for dusting sprays

This makes it a safer, more effective alternative to traditional dusters.

"Using these Microfiber cloth makes cleaning actually fun. I hate cleaning and never thought I would say this, but it's true." - Anke, San Diego, United States

Will it work when it’s wet?

Yes, and this is where it really shines. When damp, microfiber:

• Breaks up grease and grime
• Lifts stuck-on residue
• Absorbs spills quickly

It can hold up to 7x its weight in liquid, making it far more absorbent than paper towels.

When your towel is wet, it works great on smudged dirt, grease and stains. The towel works best when you rinse it and then wring it out as it needs some absorbency to pick up grime.

Cleaning Tip: Use microfiber and water to clean almost anything. It'll even be able to remove a variety of germs and bacteria. Learn More

Will it leave streaks on windows?

No, high-quality microfiber is lint-free and streak-free. That’s why it’s ideal for:

• Windows and mirrors
• Stainless steel
• Glass surfaces
• Screens and lenses

Because it absorbs so well, it leaves nothing behind to cause streaks.

We’ve even made products just for this task, such as our microfiber window cleaning cloths and lens wipes. These are special lint free cloths for smooth surfaces. Go here for some great tips on how to use microfiber to clean glass.

"These are high quality excellent microfiber that lasts. I have paid more I have paid less and this is the best quality and bang for your buck by far. The cheaper ones only make it through a wash or two and don't absorb the way these do." - Crystal, Verified Customer

Common Uses for Microfiber Cloths

• • • • Dusting your home or office
      • Removing streaks on glass and stainless steel
      • Scrubbing bathrooms
      • Cleaning appliances
      • Wiping down kitchen counters
      • Car interiors and exteriors
      • Anywhere you would normally use a paper towel or cloth towel.

We have a variety of microfiber professional cleaning towels ready for any cleaning task. From auto detailing, household cleaning, drying, and glass, there’s a towel for everybody, click below and get what towel works best for you. Or learn more about the different types of microfiber towels we carry below.

"I use these everywhere to dust, clean, and wipe up spills. NO LINT. I have purchased many microfiber cloths and most of them leave lint on the windows and mirrors. These are the best." - Pauline, Palm Beach Gardens, United States

How To Clean With Microfiber Cloths

To keep them working at their best:

• Wash separately from other fabrics (to avoid lint transfer)
• Use warm water and mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softener and bleach (they clog fibers)
• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
• Choose high quality microfiber cloths for the best results

Choosing the Right Microfiber Cloth

Not all microfiber is the same. Look for:

• Higher GSM (thicker = more absorbent)
• Edgeless or soft-edged designs for delicate surfaces
• Specific types (glass, all-purpose, heavy-duty)

If you're not sure what to choose, explore our full range of microfiber towels designed for different cleaning tasks.