For many UK households, microfibre cloths are considered a must have cleaning tool because of their ability to trap dust, dirt, and moisture. Made from synthetic fibres that are about 100 times finer than human hair, these cleaning cloths can be used for just about every cleaning task out there. However, your microfibre cloths need to be properly washed and cared for to maintain their effectiveness.

Why Proper Washing Matters

Microfibre cloths rely on two different methods for cleaning. The first method used is known as capillary action, which draws moisture between the micro-sized fibres. The second method is electrostatic attraction, which uses a negative charge to attract positively charged water molecules and pick up dust and debris. Improperly washing your microfibre cloth can damage these properties, rendering your cloths less effective over time.

Should you wash new microfibre cloths before first use?

Yes, it is always a good idea to wash new microfibre cloths before you use them for the first time. This helps remove any loose fibres leftover from the manufacturing process and softens them up for better performance.

Washing Instructions

Machine Washing

  1. Separate all your microfibre cloths from any other laundry, including other towels or rags. This is important for your washing machine because it prevents lint transfer from other fabrics, which can clog the microfibres and reduce their effectiveness.
  2. Always make sure you use a mild, clean-rinsing liquid detergent that is free from dyes and perfumes. To prevent soap build up within the microfibres, only use half of the normal amount of soap. 
  3. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets at all costs. These products leave a waxy residue that coats and clogs the microfibres. This waxy build up reduces their ability to trap dust and dirt.
  4. Wash your cloths in warm water on a delicate or gentle cycle. Never wash your microfibre in hot water. For heavily soiled cloths, warm water works best, while lightly soiled cloths can be washed in cold water.

How often should you wash kitchen linen?

You want to wash your kitchen towels after every use for heavy-duty cleaning tasks or after every third use for light cleaning tasks. If your cloths or towels get wet, wash them before using them for a different cleaning task.

Hand Washing

For lightly soiled linen you can do a quick cleaning by hand washing them.

  1. Fill a sink about three-quarters full of warm water. Then add 1-2 teaspoons of mild, fragrance-free detergent.
  2. Soak the cloths in the water for a few minutes.
  3. Lightly agitate the water with your hands to start releasing dirt from the towels.
  4. Thoroughly rinse each cloth under clean running water until all soap residue is gone.
  5. Gently squeeze out any excess water before drying.

Drying Methods

When it comes to maintaining your linen properly drying them is just as important as washing them. To prevent damaging any of the fibres, never use high heat settings when you are tumble drying your cloths. 

Why should you avoid tumble drying microfibre cloths on high heat?

Microfibre cloths are made with a blend of synthetic yarn, usually 70-80% polyester and 20-30% polyamide. Polyester has a low melting point and should never be dried with high heat.

Instead of using high heat settings, try one of these other options. 

  1. Use the spin only setting on your washing machine to dry your cloth.
  2. Tumble dry inside the dryer on a low or no-heat setting.
  3. Hang the cloths on a drying rack to allow them to air dry..

What to Avoid

To keep your cloths in top condition, you want to avoid making these common mistakes.

  • Never use bleach on your microfibre as it damages the fibres.
  • Avoid using any fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they coat the fibres with waxy residue.
  • Don’t wash your microfibre cloths with cotton or other lint-producing materials.
  • Avoid washing different types of microfibre cloths together. For example, don’t wash cloths  used for greasy surfaces with those used for dusting.

Storage Tips

After your microfibre cloths are clean and dry, you want to store them in a clean, dust-free cabinet or container. Remember that these cloths are designed to pick up dirt, so properly storing them ensures they don’t collect dust before you even use them.

By following these care instructions, your microfibre cloths will remain effective cleaning tools for hundreds of washes, saving you money and helping you maintain a cleaner home.