What Is A Microfiber Cloth & How to Use It For Cleaning

06 May.,2024

 

What Is A Microfiber Cloth & How to Use It For Cleaning

What Is a Microfiber Cloth & How to Use It for Cleaning

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Let’s start with the basics: what is a microfiber cloth? Microfiber cleaning cloths are made with a synthetic fabric that is usually 50 percent polyester and 50 percent nylon. The two plastics are forced through a tiny pipe and weaved together using heat. Then, the fibers are split into microfibers that can be up to 20 times smaller than the original fiber and about 200 times thinner than a human hair.

How Do Microfiber Cloths Work?

The split microfiber technology creates fibers that are so small they can remove microbes, spores, and other tiny pollutants from a range of surfaces without added chemicals or cleaners. The secret behind microfiber’s unique ability to remove and trap dust is an ionic charge. Microfiber contains a positive and negative charge that attracts small particles from most surfaces.

The Benefits of Using Microfiber Cloths

A microfiber towel is one of the most versatile tools in your housekeeping arsenal. What’s more, it may also be the easiest one to use.

Microfiber fabric cleans better than traditional cleaning cloths and doesn’t require harsh chemicals to get the job done. For most surfaces, all you need to add is water.

When you work with microfiber cleaning cloths, you only need to use one section at a time. Folding the cloth twice means you end up with eight sections for cleaning, dusting, and other chores.

A single microfiber towel has a surface area four times as large as a comparably sized cotton cloth. It can therefore absorb seven times its weight in liquid—and because the fibers are positively charged, they attract dirt and grime like a magnet.

Microfiber fabric is also easy to clean, helps reduce the amount of chemicals and water used, and because the material dries quickly, it’s resistant to bacteria growth.

If microfiber is all that, why isn’t everyone using it instead of harsh, potentially dangerous cleaners? The use of microfiber technology is widespread in Europe partly because the leading brands originated there. In the U.S., household cleaners are big business, so there isn’t much incentive to embrace the technology.

Most of us grew up learning that powerful cleaning chemicals were a must for a clean and healthy home. But now we know better. Find out if all the hype is real when you learn how to use a microfiber cloth like a pro.

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How to Use Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning

When shopping for microfiber cleaning supplies, it’s essential to select only high-quality microfiber. Because bargain microfiber can have fewer fibers and not last long, it’s best to choose microfiber from a reputable manufacturer. A high-quality cleaning cloth will have millions of fibers per square inch and typically last for hundreds of washings. Remember—the fibers do the work, so the more, the better.

One of the best things about microfiber is it can be used wet or dry. When cleaning with microfiber, resist the urge to lather them up with soap and water. Remember—microfiber technology is designed to clean without cleaners and chemicals. When you’re first learning how to clean with microfiber cloths, a good starting point is to use a slightly damp cloth and then experiment with wet cloths and dry ones.

Sometimes you’ll want to use a traditional cleaning cloth to remove buildup and grime before cleaning with the microfiber. For example, use an old towel and soapy water to wash dirt off exterior windows, then clean with a microfiber cloth. For interior windows, a damp cloth makes the job quick and easy. Once you get the hang of cleaning with microfiber technology, you’ll use them in the kitchen, bathroom, and all over your house.

To prevent cross-contamination, purchase cleaning cloths in different colors for the bathroom, kitchen, and general household use. Here are just some of the cleaning jobs microfiber technology can tackle around your home:

Kitchen Cleaning

You can use microfiber cloths for cleaning ceiling fans, countertops, cabinet doors, and appliances. Fold your cloth into sections and dampen one half to remove dirt, grease, and grime, then switch to a dry section for shining and polishing. Microfiber is even safe to use on stainless steel because it won’t scratch the finish.

Bathroom Cleaning

Because you only need water to clean, keeping a microfiber towel in a bathroom drawer makes cleanup quick and easy. Use the cloth dry for a quick faucet shine or mirror polish and a damp one for counters and toilets. Since you’re using the cleaning cloths in the most germ-ridden room, it’s a good idea to wash them after each use.

Dusting

Microfiber fabric lifts and traps significantly more dust and dirt than traditional cleaning cloths, making everyday dusting faster and easier. For dusting furniture and other surfaces, use a dry microfiber towel and follow up with a damp one to remove even more dust.

Cleaning Baseboards

Baseboards can take a beating and attract dirt and dust from above and below. A dry microfiber cleaning cloth removes dirt and dust quickly, and a damp cloth makes quick work of cleaning up scuffs and marks.

Window Cleaning

For inside windows, wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of smudges and dirt, then buff them to a shine with a dry one. To clean exterior windows, spray them down with a garden hose and follow the same steps as you did inside. A dry microfiber towel is ideal for wiping off smudges and fingerprints in between cleaning.

Cleaning Smartphones and Other Electronics

A dry microfiber towel will get rid of grime and fingerprints on your phone, tablet, laptop, and other electronics without the risk of using water. For flat-screen TVs, desktop monitors, keyboards, and mice, use a dry cloth for daily dusting.

Polishing Jewelry and Silver

A damp microfiber towel will remove smudges and grime from jewelry without scratching, and a dry one is perfect for drying and polishing. You can even use a dry cloth to get dingy silverware looking shiny and new.

Cleaning a Car

When it’s time to wash your car, grab a pack of microfiber towels to get the job done right. Wash the exterior with a microfiber towel, soap, and water; use a dry one to dust the interior and clean the windows and windshield.

We bet you’ll be a big fan of microfiber technology now that you know how safe and effective it can be for cleaning. Did you know other microfiber cleaning products can make house cleaning easier? You can invest in microfiber wet mops, dry mops, and cleaning mitts to capture even more dirt and dust.

Microfiber Cloth Cleaning and Maintenance

Like your other cleaning tools, a microfiber fabric needs to be cleaned and maintained to keep it working as it should. Be sure to clean your cloths after every use and use different colored ones for specific chores. Hand washing is convenient and quick, but you can also throw them in the washer.

  • Since static charge that attracts dust will also attract lint, dirt, and hair from other laundry, wash and dry microfiber towels separately.
  • Wash really dirty cloths in hot water with regular detergent. You can get away with washing lightly soiled ones in cold water.
  • Don’t use fabric softener, dryer sheets, or bleach. The harsh chemicals in bleach and the oils in fabric softeners and dryer sheets can break down the fibers and make the cleaning cloths less effective.
  • Microfiber dries fast. Skip the dryer and let freshly washed clothes air dry.

So how long can you expect a microfiber towel to last? If you buy quality ones and keep them clean and well-maintained, you should be able to get a couple of years of cleaning out of them. A recent study found that the cloths’ performance actually improved after 75 washes and leveled out at about 150 washes.

Microfiber Cloths Are Our Secret Weapon

The Maids® cleans for health, so every clean team relies on microfiber technology to lift, trap, and remove dirt and dust from your home. In fact, we rely on microfiber technology so much it’s an integral part of our 22-Step Cleaning Process. From damp wiping after dusting to vigorous scrubbing, microfiber technology and The Maids has you covered.

Find other proven cleaning tips when you check out our handy housekeeping guides! And when you need a helping hand, our popular house cleaning services have you covered. Learn more about how The Maids can give you a cleaner home more often with a free online estimate.

Damp vs. Dry Cloth for Dusting | Which Is More Effective?

While you will likely call one of the premiere maid services in the Newtown Square, PA area for the big home cleaning projects, there are some household chores you might handle yourself. One of the most often-ignored household chores is dusting the furniture—most people only dust when the buildup becomes noticeably overwhelming and needs immediate attention.

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At first glance, dusting should be a breeze. Get your feather duster, get your aerosol can of choice, and start going after dust mites until it’s nice and clean. Sounds simple, right? 

However, to get the best dusting performance for your home, you only need three simple ingredients: two cloth pieces and a little bit of water.

Why Not Use a Dry Cloth for Dusting?

A dry cloth seems like it should be just as effective as a damp cloth without the need to dry the area after you have finished dusting. However, while you can use a dry cloth to help dust your furniture, it is not the most practical method. The dry cloth does not necessarily wipe the dust away — it only rearranges it slightly to the point where you think the job is done, only to find yourself coming back shortly after. 

So, what about a slightly damp cloth makes it such a superior option that it justifies getting the second cloth to soak up the dampness?

Damp Dusting: How Is A Damp Cloth That Much More Effective?

The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust particles. In short, the damp cloth draws the particles in and lifts dust from the area instead of moving them around. 

The key to using a damp cloth is using one that is merely damp and not actively wet. As you begin to damp dust the area, the fabric should not leave behind visible pools of water droplets. If there is still residual water when you go over it again with your dry cloth, it negatively affects the sheen you can achieve on your freshly dusted furniture.

Ideally, damp dusting should not leave any residue after wiping down an area, ensuring an even and clean look across the entire surface.

Tackling Common Household Cleaning Chores the Right Way

Your home has many areas that can prove tricky to clean if you don’t have the right tools and plan in place. Homeowners can clean these common areas, but if they aren’t done efficiently, you’ll be back to cleaning them before you know it. 

Now that we have covered the benefits of damp dusting over dry dusting let’s cover some of the basics of dusting common areas and items in your home. Here are a few helpful tips to assist you in getting the most out of your household cleaning:

How To Properly Clean Baseboards

When you have company coming over, you want to hit every corner of your home and ensure it’s spotless. That’s usually when you remember that you haven’t touched your baseboards since the last time the company came over. Baseboard represents one of the quickest areas in your home that gets dirty but one that always slips your mind until you’re reminded about them. 

Due to their location so close to the floor, baseboards can get extremely dirty extremely quickly. When you are faced with the chore of cleaning your home’s baseboards, it is best to follow these simple steps:

What Tools you Need:

Step 1: Lightly dampen a cloth with water or a multi-purpose cleaning solution. Make sure the fabric is not soaked but merely damp.

Step 2: Run the cloth from left to right or right to left in continuous strokes. The damp cloth will remove debris and layers of dust from the baseboard as you clean.

Helpful Hint: To avoid wiping already cleaned areas with additional dirt, be sure to rinse the cloth throughout the cleaning process.

How to Properly Clean Vents

No matter if we’re talking about dryer vents, refrigerators, or some other home appliance, it’s likely been a while since the last time you cleaned their vents, if ever. Vents play an essential role in keeping your home appliances functioning properly, and thoroughly cleaning the vents can help extend their lifespan. 

Vents can be found throughout many areas of your home, from the ductwork that pushes hot and cold air from your HVAC system to vents on the back of refrigerators, microwaves, and other appliances. Cleaning vents can be tricky as you don’t want to push dust and debris into the vent openings. Here are some simple tips to assist you in cleaning the vents in your home:

Step 1: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft-bristle brush and lightly go over each vent you want to clean. Make absolutely certain not to push the bristles into the vent openings, as this will only push the dirt further into the ductwork or appliance vent you are cleaning.

Step 2: Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface area of the vent. If the vent’s openings are also dirty, carefully wipe each opening individually with a corner of the damp cloth. Use continuous side-to-side motion while cleaning to remove any dust or debris.

Helpful Hint: Some vents can easily be removed for cleaning. Check to make sure the vent is not removable before beginning the cleaning process. If you can remove the vent, take it off and clean it away from the opening it was covering.

How to Properly Clean a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can make a huge difference when it comes to cooling a home. They have many benefits and can reduce your energy costs. That said, ceiling fans have their drawbacks. Due to ceiling fans’ position and constant motion, they tend to get dirty very quickly. 

Dust and debris accumulate on each of the blades and, if not cleaned regularly, can inhibit the fan’s effectiveness. Here are some small steps you can take to clean your ceiling fans properly:

Step 1: Place old newspapers or a dry cloth under the ceiling fan area on the floor. This will catch any dust or dirt that falls as you are cleaning.

Step 2: Use a damp cloth that has been treated with a mild detergent to wipe down the casing and blades. Make sure to wipe each blade from the center of the fan outward. This will ensure any excess dust will fall to the floor rather than accumulate near the fan’s casing area.

Helpful Hint: It is essential to thoroughly clean both the upper and lower sides of the fan blades. This will ensure that your blades are performing optimally the next time you use the fan. Cleaning the upper portion of the fan blades may require additional passes with the damp cloth to remove built-up dust.

Want to put your dusting knowledge to the test? Take our quiz to see how much you know about damp cloth vs. dry cloth dusting!

Now that you know that a damp cloth beats out a dry cloth for overall dusting effectiveness, you may find yourself in need of help for more involved home cleaning projects. For West Chester, PA residents looking for a residential cleaning service, look no further than Busy Bee Cleaning Company! Contact our team today to schedule an appointment!

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