Posted on July 19th, 2021
Few cleaning tools are as powerful – and as easy to use – as the microfiber cloth. Often described as a “revolution in cleaning,” non-abrasive microfiber material quickly whisks dirt and grime off a wide variety of surfaces without causing damage. Furthermore, because microfiber naturally attracts and traps dirt, it can remove dust, grime, and liquid stains without the need for a lot of soap and water, thereby reducing the expense and environmental impact associated with housecleaning.
Whether you plan to clean your whole house by yourself or just tidy up in between visits from our professional maids in Edmond, OK, understanding the advantages and applications of microfiber cloths can help you keep things fresh and bright. In this article, we’ll explain the science behind microfiber cloths and give you tips for using them around the home. And, for those tough jobs microfiber cloths can’t handle, you can contact our team for extra cleaning help.
How do Microfiber Cloths Work?
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that consists of ultra-fine polyester fibers wrapped around a polyamide core (in a pattern resembling an asterisk). Because microfibers are just 1/100th the thickness of a human hair, they’re capable of picking up microscopic specs of dirt, dust mites, and other ultra-fine particles that slip through the grasp of normal cotton and polyester cloths. Microfiber is also extremely absorbent; its fine pores pull in moisture like a sponge, so it’s extremely efficient at mopping up liquid spills.
Another aspect of microfiber that makes it distinct from cotton and standard polyester is its ionic charge. Microfiber cloths contain a blend of positive-charged polyester fibers and negative-charged nylon fibers that attract the particles in dust, dirt, and grease, essentially acting like a magnet for stubborn grime.
Because microfiber cloths have unique properties, they require special care during washing. To keep your microfiber cloths in top shape, never wash them in the same load as other fabrics. (The lint shed by cotton, wool, and other textiles can get stuck to the tiny hairs in microfiber, reducing the material’s ability to grab dirt.) Microfiber cloths should be washed together on a warm or cool (not hot) cycle with one to two tablespoons of unscented detergent. If you need to remove stains or unwanted odors from a microfiber cloth, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your laundry water; don’t use bleach or scented laundry additives. When you’re done, let the cloths air-dry or dry them in the clothes dryer on a short cycle, without using dryer sheets.
5 Uses For Microfiber Cloths Around the Home
With the help of microfiber cloths, you can clean delicate surfaces and difficult messes throughout your home. Check out the following five ways using a microfiber cloth can simplify your weekly cleaning routine:
Window cleaning.
Many people clean windows with window cleaner and paper towels, but this method isn’t ideal. The fibers in paper towels are slightly abrasive, so they can create microscopic scratches in glass, making it cloudy over time. Paper towels also frequently leave lint and streaks behind.
To get your windows crystal-clear without this hassle – and without the need for chemical cleaners – dip a clean microfiber cloth in warm water. Then, wring the cloth out until all the excess moisture is removed and vigorously wipe the window using a circular motion. (Note that this cleaning technique also works perfectly for glass displays, like phone and computer screens.)
For windows that are very dirty, mix one part white vinegar with ten parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution over the window, then polish the glass with a dry microfiber cloth. The white vinegar will help break down grease and grime for a streak-free finish.
Dusting.
Dusting can be frustrating when you use a conventional cloth or feather duster. Dust easily becomes airborne during dusting, and it can remain suspended for hours before finally settling back onto surfaces. Not only does this keep your house looking dingy, it leaves a significant quantity of dust mites behind. If you’re one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to dust, this can lead to chronic sneezing, watery eyes, and respiratory irritation.
Thanks to its ionic charge, microfiber traps dust rather than releasing it back into the air, leading to a significant reduction in indoor allergens – and a fresher-smelling, brighter home. To dust with a microfiber cloth, make a simple DIY dusting spray by combining two teaspoons of castile soap with one cup of water in a spray bottle. (Optionally, you can add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to give your spray a pleasant scent.) Spray the microfiber cloth with dusting spray and begin removing dust from surfaces in your home, working from top to bottom.
Polishing stainless steel appliances.
Like glass surfaces, stainless steel appliances are prone to streaks and smudges. Rather than constantly turning to chemical stainless steel cleaners, you can keep your appliances gleaming with a microfiber cloth, a sponge, and dish soap: First, add a small amount of dish soap to a bucket of hot water. Then, dip a cleaning sponge in the solution, wring out excess moisture, and thoroughly scrub the appliance to remove grease and food debris. Finish by polishing the appliance with a dry microfiber cloth.
Kitchen spills.
Using microfiber cloths to soak up liquid spills (instead of using paper towels) is a great way to reduce waste and live a greener lifestyle. Simply mop up the spill, rinse your microfiber cloth with cool water, and hang it up to dry.
Faucets and showerheads.
Faucets and showerheads can quickly lose their luster as a result of built-up soap scum and mineral deposits. To keep your bathroom fixtures gleaming, give them a quick daily wipe-down using the following method: First, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Then, dip a microfiber cloth in the lemon juice and polish your bathroom fixtures, working in quick, circular motions. Rinse the fixtures with cool water before using a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.
Microfiber Cloths Not Doing the Trick? Get Expert Cleaning Help From Our Maids in Edmond
Though microfiber cloths are extremely versatile, they can’t disinfect surfaces or remove deeply-set stains. If you’re struggling with a difficult cleaning job – or need a bit of extra help with cleaning due to time constraints – why not try our affordable, flexible residential cleaning services? Our team of fully licensed, bonded house cleaners in Oklahoma City will be happy to stop by and give your home the care it deserves; all you need to do is book an appointment online or by phone at (405)-353-2665 and you can instead relax with the family in OKC Zoo.