Microfiber rags are amazing materials for cleaning needs around the home. The life of these rags depends largely on what they are used for and how often they are used. If you want to make your microfiber rags last a long time, here are a few tips:
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All About Quality
Similar to other textiles, you can find microfiber cloths in different grades within the market. High price does not always indicate high quality. Some manufacturers combine microfiber with other materials to drive the price lower and provide a competitive product. When buying microfiber rags, look at the materials listed in the product description. Pure microfiber or high-percentage microfiber materials tend to last the longest and clean the most effectively.
Wash Microfibers Separately
When you wash your microfiber cloths, be sure to wash them separately from other materials. Microfiber material picks out lint and dirt from other fibers during the wash. Lint and other fabrics on your microfiber cloths can be hard to eliminate. This can ruin your rag’s appearance and cleaning effectiveness.
Keeping everything separate and washing an only-microfiber cloths load can help maintain your rags in great condition. Either air-dry the rags or include a non-static sheet in the dryer when you dry the rags. Microfiber materials stick together easily while drying, making it time-consuming to detach them from one another.
Know When Not to Use Your Rags
Avoid using microfiber cloths to clean up grease or oil. Grease and oil do not wash out of microfiber fabrics easily. Grease on your microfiber cloth can ruin it, reducing how long it lasts and is useful to you.
Instead of using microfiber for greasy surfaces, use a spare rag you can afford to throw away after cleaning. Utilizing microfiber cloths properly can help you get the best life out of them.
Rinse and Dry After Use
You do not need to machine wash your cloths after every use. The best way to maintain your rags for a long time is to give them a quick rinse after every use. This can help get dirt and dust off of the fabric without putting the rag through the laundry, which will wear it down. You should then air dry the cloth to have it ready for the next use. For the best results, use your microfiber cloth several times before tossing them in the wash.
Avoid Heat
Microfiber fabric does not do well in heat, so avoiding putting them through heat can help you maintain it for years. Heat dries up your microfiber fabrics, causing your rag to feel rough. This can cause it to scratch surfaces and leave streak marks when cleaning.
You can keep your rags soft and useful in various ways, including:
- Avoid using microfiber in hot water
- Do not put microfiber cloths in the dryer on high heat
- Avoid using microfiber cloths to clean hot surfaces like cooktop stoves
Before using a microfiber cloth, wait until the surface is cool to the touch.
Avoid Using Harsh Detergents
A common concern for microfiber users is how to wash the rags properly. You only need to use room temperature water and regular detergent to clean them. Use gentle detergent when washing or cleaning with microfiber cloth, since the material does not respond well to harsh chemicals. Do not use fabric softener when doing your wash since it gets in between the fibers and causes a slimy feel.
Also avoid detergents with additives when washing your microfiber cloths or when using them to clean something. Chemical cleaners can damage the rags and make them ineffective for future use. Sometimes, like for glass surfaces, all you need is a spritz of water. For other surfaces, you only need to add a little bit of mild detergent to the cleaning or wash water for the best results.
Color-Code Your Rags for Different Uses
While separating rags for the different uses can help with hygiene, it can also help you prolong your rags for different uses. Professional cleaners best use this trick to avoid cross-contamination when using cleaning cloths.
Avoid using flat weave microfiber cloths for surfaces with a lot of germs. You should instead use a general-purpose microfiber cloth for areas like bathrooms, kitchen, or the bedroom. Having different colors for the various types of microfiber cloths helps prevent them from contaminated buildup and uneven wear.
Choose Durable and Quality Microfiber Rags
Microfiber cloths can serve you for many years if you use them properly. Cleaning using mild detergent and washing microfiber cloths separately are among the ways you can get the best life from your rags. Order microfiber rags today to get a long-lasting cleaning solution for your home or business.
