In the space of just a few years, microfiber cloths have become veritable household cleaning essentials. Useful, effective and inexpensive, these “magic cloths” have nothing but benefits.
Thanks to their special constitution, they are able to retain dust, grease and dirt without excessive use of household products.
Don’t have one at home yet? Discover all the advantages microfiber cloths have to offer.
What does a microfiber cloth look like?
Microfiber cloths are mops that come in the form of a textile square. Microfiber cloths can be used in a variety of ways: dry, with water, with soapy water, or with cleaning products.
The texture of a microfiber cloth gives it considerable cleaning and degreasing power. The composition of polyamide and polyester micro-filaments makes this type of cloth ultra-efficient.
Microfiber cloths are also highly absorbent, and can easily replace the disposable paper towels widely used in the kitchen.
Microfiber cloths are not only hard-wearing, they’re also reusable. They can be machine-washed many times, whenever necessary.
To better understand this, here are a few examples of the different uses you can make of a microfiber cloth:
- To remove stains and grease from all kitchen surfaces (worktop, conventional or vitroceramic hob, dining table, etc.).
- Dust knick-knacks, shelves and other surfaces.
- To clean and shine all tiled or glass surfaces such as windows, mirrors, etc.
- To clean your vehicle, inside and out, without scratching surfaces.
- Etc.
Microfiber cloths: an ecological, practical and economical tool
Microfiber cloths can be used dry or with water, depending on the surfaces to be cleaned. In fact, it’s a product that makes cleaning and home maintenance more economical.
Fans of eco-responsible, and even “zero waste” products can also use them to carry out a sensible, natural household without household products, since once again, microfiber cloths can be used both dry and soaked in clear water.
Microfiber wipes are therefore also ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies who can’t use harsh chemicals that are aggressive to health and the respiratory tract.
In short, microfiber wipes are truly a tool to have at home in all circumstances. What’s more, they’re available in a wide range of formats and colors, so you’re sure to find the right model for your needs.
Good to know: microfiber cloths are generally sold in multicolor packs. This means you can assign a color to a specific surface without getting your brushes tangled, which is more hygienic. For example: one color for the kitchen, another for the bathroom, another for floors, and so on…
How do I choose a quality microfiber cloth?
There are many different types of microfiber cloth on the market, and not all are created equal. So it’s not always easy to find the right product.
To be sure of investing in a pair of quality microfiber cloths, it’s the composition of the textile that you need to pay attention to.
There are several versions of microfiber wipes to choose from:
- 100% polyester microfiber cloths
- 80% polyester and 20% polyamide microfiber cloths
A bi-material composition ensures better absorption and is also more grease-removing. This type of product is therefore ideal for use in damp environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.
From a technical point of view, a high-performance microfiber cloth will have a microfiber content of less than 1 decitex. This parameter is an essential indicator of the cloth’s quality.
Finally, it’s time to take a look at the weave of the cloth. Here are the different types of weave indicated on microfiber cloth packaging:
- Embossed weave: this type of weave offers a raised mesh that easily traps dust. It is mainly used for cleaning furniture and other dusty surfaces, such as vehicle dashboards.
- Loop weave: the fibers of this type of weave are long and therefore able to absorb liquids very effectively. This type of cloth is mainly used in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Smooth weave: this type of microfiber cloth has a honeycomb mesh that’s ideal for cleaning windows, mirrors, screens or smooth, shiny surfaces such as lacquered furniture or car bodies.
Good to know: microfiber cloths are sometimes available in sets that combine several weaving patterns to offer a complete solution for all your home cleaning needs.
How do I care for a microfiber cloth?
Microfiber cloths are highly resistant and can be reused many times.
When dirty, they can be machine-washed at up to 60°C. This not only cleans them, but also sanitizes them so that they can be reused as if they were new. When washed in hot water, any impurities accumulated in the fibers of the wipe are removed.
To maintain the effectiveness of microfiber cloths, we strongly recommend avoiding the use of bleach, chlorine or fabric softener when washing. These products can clog microfiber cavities and reduce their effectiveness.
Finally, microfiber cloths should preferably be air-dried to avoid damaging the fibers when tumble-dried.
As for storage, microfiber cloths should be kept in a dry place, away from moisture.
Now you know everything you need to know about microfiber cloths and how to use them!
