Common Laundry Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Microfiber Cloths

You can wash nearly anything with a microfiber cloth. From the kitchen to the garage, these cleaning tools do a great job of removing dirt and grime. This is thanks to the millions of positive-charged polyester fibers and negative-charged nylon fibers that a microfiber cloth consists of. These fibers work together to pull away dirt, and for certain messes, microfiber cloths do a better job than paper towels or regular cleaning towels. However, you must wash them properly to avoid interfering with their effectiveness. Fabric softeners, bleach, dryer sheets, and failing to separate your laundry can all damage your microfiber cloths.

If your microfiber cloths do not work as effectively as they once did, it may be due to these common laundry mistakes. Keep in mind that the versatile cleaning tools require a special laundry routine. You should also avoid ironing microfiber cloths as that will damage them as well. Luckily, properly caring for your cloths should not be difficult once you have mastered the recommended laundry routine.

Many of the laundry products and habits you are probably used to are not recommended for use with microfiber cloths. Fabric softener, for example, can coat the millions of fibers that give a microfiber cloth its cleaning power. This will prevent the fabric from cleaning and absorbing messes as effectively as it should. Fabric softeners also get rid of the electrostatic energy that helps microfiber cloths work. Skip fabric softener when washing this material. Bleach also should not be used on microfiber cloths. This chemical will eventually break down the material's fibers, which will erode over time and likely rip or tear more easily. 

Certain laundry machine settings can damage microfiber as well. Before placing these cloths in either machine, separate them out into their own load. This way, you can clean them using the exact settings they require. Do not wash or dry microfiber cloths on high heat. Cut back on laundry detergent for your microfiber cloth loads as well. You only need to use one to two tablespoons of fragrance and additive-free detergent.

 After transferring your cloths to the dryer, refrain from adding dryer sheets or dryer balls. As previously mentioned, laundry products that remove electrostatic energy can prevent this material from doing its job.

Washing your microfiber cloths the right way will help them last longer, so you do not have to repurchase them as frequently. It will also help them clean messes more effectively. To wash microfiber cloths properly, start out by separating them from the rest of your laundry. You can consider setting a separate small basket aside to hold your cloths in between washes. This way, you do not have to go through the trouble of sorting them out.

Next, shake each of the cloths over a trash can one by one to get rid of dust and excess dirt. Place them into your washing machine and pour in one to two tablespoons of a fragrance and additive-free laundry detergent of your choice. If your microfiber cloths contain any stubborn odor, you can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your washing machine to combat this. Wash the fabrics on a gentle or delicate cycle in cool water. You can opt for warm water if the cloths are extremely soiled, but remember to avoid hot water. To dry your microfiber cloths, simply place them in your dryer on either low heat or air dry. Clean out your lint trap well before placing the cloths inside so that lint does not get trapped in the fibers.