Nobody doubts that microfiber cloths are amazing cleaning tools. However, they can become simple rags if you don’t wash them as you should. Do you want to ensure your microfiber cloths keep their well-renowned cleaning properties? Follow this guide to wash them!
How to wash microfiber cloths by hand
As hand-washing can be time-consuming, you’ll find it better for slightly soiled cloths or to treat specific spots on your rags. Just check how many cloths need a wash and how dirty they are, as they may require more effort than planned (machine washing may suit better).
Step #1. Separate microfiber cloths
The fibers in your microfiber cloths are specially designed to pick up tiny particles. So, avoid washing your cloths with other rags as they’ll end up full of lint—hindering their cleaning capabilities.
Step #2. Washing time!
Although hot water is better than cold water for cleaning, it can damage your microfiber rags. So, fill with cold water a bucket big enough for your cloths and then submerge all the rags you want to wash.
Next, stir for a couple of minutes (to loosen the dirt), and let your cloths soak for 15 to 20 minutes. If you notice lingering stains, take the stained cloth off the water and rub the spots gently. Once done, return the rag to the bucket and agitate a little more.
Step #3. Rinse your cloths
When ready, remove the microfiber cloths from the bucket and rinse them under running water. This way, you’ll get rid of dirt clinging to the fibers. Finally, wring your rags carefully to release excess water.
How to machine wash your microfiber cloths
Machine washing is the way to go if you have a lot of dirty microfiber rags and want to save time. Besides sparing you the effort, you won’t have to get your hands wet with greasy and dirty water.
Step #1. Wash microfiber cloths apart
Microfiber cloths’ fibers are like hooks that collect dust and tiny particles. However, those hooks make the rags prone to catching lint (more so in a washing machine), which gets tangled in the fibers and leaves less room to clean other particles.
So, be sure to only include lint-free items in the load with your microfiber cloths.
Step #2. Put the cloths in the washing machine
Place your rags in the machine and use cold or warm water, depending on the level of filth. Don’t use hot water, or you could damage the fibers.
Grease and deep stains won’t come off using only water. So, add a scent and additive-free detergent—half the amount you would normally use on a regular load. Additives like bleaching agents and fabric softeners in detergents can damage or clog the fibers in your rags.
Step #3. Start the washing cycle and check for stubborn spots
Pick a gentle or delicate cycle to begin the washing process, whether your clothes are lightly or heavily soiled. Those cycles’ back-and-forth motions are usually strong enough to remove the stains while keeping your cloths safe.
However, to ensure the heavily soiled rags come off spotless, you can stop the agitating cycle halfway through to inspect them. If you spot stubborn stains, pour a little detergent on them and rub them a little. Then, put the cloth in the machine again and let the cycle finish.
How to dry your microfiber cloths
Line drying is the best option for microfiber cloths as the risk of damage and picking up lint is very low. In the sun, 10 to 15 minutes will be enough to dry your rags, while it can go up to 1 hour in a shady spot.
If there’s no other option than to use a dryer, thoroughly clean the lint trap before placing the cloths inside and pick the lowest heat setting. Microfiber dries more quickly than most fabrics, so be ready to take them out as soon as they dry.
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