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Microfiber. It's the modern marvel that revolutionized the way everyone cleans. But, as Uncle Ben explained to Spiderman, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility!” Microfiber, like any powerful tool, demands proper care to unleash its fullest potential. As a cleaning expert and product researcher who has spent decades testing thousands of cleaning tools, I cannot stress enough the importance of properly maintaining your microfiber.
High-quality microfiber isn't cheap, but it’s worth every penny because of its faster performance and longer lifespan. There’s a catch, though, which is that longevity only matters if you keep your microfiber in good enough condition to keep using it! Splurging on top-tier microfiber only to have it stain, tear, and break prematurely is not just a blow to your wallet, but also an unnecessary waste of resources.
Let’s stop the problem before it starts and reveal all the best tricks to keeping your microfiber looking sharp all the way up to its 300th wash and beyond!
No matter the quality, every microfiber product has its kryptonite, and often, it's a simple careless laundry mistake. Here’s how to ensure that your laundry routine doesn’t cut your microfiber’s life short:
DO:
Keep It Cool: Always opt for cold to warm water. 160º max in the washer. Excessive heat can damage the delicate fibers. Permanent Press / Synthetics is usually the correct setting.
Skip the Softeners and Brighteners: Simple detergents, without softeners, bleach or optical brighteners, are your go-to.
Dry Thoroughly and Thoughtfully: No heat, low heat, or the permanent press setting (140º max) is optimal. Avoid high temperatures that can degrade the fibers.
Balls Beat Out Hair & Lint: Use plastic dryer balls. They're efficient at knocking out any stray hairs or lint, ensuring a fluffier result.
Avoid Overstuffing: When loading the washer or dryer, less is more. Aim for a ¾ full load to ensure thorough cleaning and drying.
Smart Storage: Before laundry, house your dirty microfiber in ventilated bags to stymie germ growth, reduce odor, and avoid mold stains.
DON’T:
High Heat is Horrible: High heat will shrink and possibly melt the fibers. This is a sure-fire way to reduce the lifespan of your microfiber.
Skip the Softeners: They clog the fibers, reducing the towel’s efficacy.
Bleach Sparingly: Chlorine bleach can deteriorate your microfiber, so use no more than ⅓ cup per load and only in instances where extra sanitation is required.
No Intermixing Fibers: Washing microfiber with natural fabrics is a HUGE no-go. You’ll end up with a lint-laden towel as the microfiber cleans all the lint off its natural neighbors.
Overloaded Machine Means Nothing Gets Clean: A cramped washer or dryer means trapped hairs, lint, and dirt that will cling to all your towels.
Storage Mishaps: A closed plastic bag is basically a germ incubating terrarium. Avoid at all costs.
PRO TIP: Here are our favorite microfiber-safe detergents and stain fighters:
Micro-Restore: Detergent specifically designed for removing oil and wax buildup from microfiber, restoring absorbency
Sweat X Stain Remover: Formulated to remove tough stains from synthetic fabrics like microfiber, which naturally bonds to oil stains, so it needs special care.
OxiClean: For whitening of towels and stains without the damage of chlorine bleach.
Dryer Balls: Knock out hairs, lint, increase softness and decrease dryer time all in one!
The journey of your microfiber products, from the cleaning site to the laundry, is just as crucial. Here’s how to transport your towels like a Pro!
Ventilation is Key: Use barrier laundry bags with mesh ventilation sections for transport. It curbs germ growth and curtails unpleasant odors.
Immediate Attention: If a rag is heavily soiled or stained, consider a pre-wash soak in an oxygen based bleach like OxiClean to tackle the dirt immediately.
Neglect Breeds Contempt And MOLD: Don’t just throw used rags in a corner. If left wet or soiled, they can develop mold or become breeding grounds for bacteria, causing permanent damage that can’t be laundered out without damaging the delicate fibers
Your cleaning arsenal likely includes more than just microfiber towels. The hardware they're paired with demands equal attention. Remember:
Clean Before Storing: Ensure mop handles, holders, and other tools are free from visible dirt and debris before storing.
Dry Environment: Store in a place free from moisture to prevent rusting or mold growth.
Protective Casing: Consider using protective bags or cases for transportation. It shields the hardware from damage and ensures no cross-contamination with dirty tools.
Disassemble Then Drive: Ideally all mop frames and poles should be taken apart, collapsed to their shortest length, and put in a bag before transport to avoid damage.
Not every microfiber tool is a jack-of-all-trades. Understanding the specific purpose of each can drastically enhance its effectiveness and longevity.
Match the Task: A glass weave might be your champion for windows, but it's not tailored for a grimy stovetop. Always align the tool with the task.
Avoid Overexertion: Pushing a tool beyond its limits can cause unnecessary wear. For instance, don't use a microfiber cloth to scrub off hard stains, especially on rough surfaces.
Mops Aren’t Leavers or Jackhammers: Be mindful of not putting too much weight on mop hardware while scrubbing, as even durable poles have a limit.
Rotate Frequently: Instead of overusing a single cloth, have a rotation system. It ensures even wear and tear and extends the overall life of your microfiber collection.
High-quality microfiber is an investment—one that promises unmatched cleaning performance, speed and longevity. But, like all investments, it thrives on consistent attention. Make every swipe, wipe, and wash count! With the right care, your microfiber will remain your trusted cleaning companion for years.
We’ve curated a cleaning kit of our top products that our professional cleaning customers purchase over and over again. It contains three full days’ worth of high quality supplies for one cleaner, including four types of microfiber towels, microfiber dusters, scrubbers, heavy duty mops, and a laundry bag.
All this would usually cost you $500. Get it for $299.
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