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Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette Grey Microfiber Towels
Keeping microfiber towels absorbent and debris-free requires specific laundering. Here's how to wash microfiber towels and extend their lifespan, according to experts.
Once you start mopping, swiping and wiping with microfiber cloths, you’ll never go back. These handy little cleaning tools are not only remarkably effective and popular with cleaning pros everywhere, they’re also reusable and incredibly long-lasting. But their longevity is largely dependent upon how well they’re maintained. To keep these fibers strong, durable and debris-free, you’ll need to know how to wash microfiber towels properly. (Doing so incorrectly could be lessening the effectiveness with each laundry cycle.)
That’s why we consulted fabric-care and laundry experts Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy on HGTV and Discovery+ , and Jennifer Druckamiller, director of product experience at Norwex, manufacturers of microfiber cloths, to explain how to do laundry when microfiber cloths are part of the load. They explain the step-by-step ins and outs as only experts can, so you can start fresh every cleaning session.
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As the name suggests, microfiber cloths are made from very small synthetic fibers woven to be both strong and long-lasting. Microfiber towels have been around since the 1950s but became more popular recently for cleaning after a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that microfiber cleaning cloths dampened with water removed up to 98% of bacteria and 93% of viruses from a surface, even without cleansers or disinfectant sprays. (Compare that with just 30% of bacteria and 23% of viruses removed by cotton fiber cloths.)
Unlike cotton or nylon cloths, which have large fibers, microfiber cloths have thousands of tiny fibers—200,000 in one square inch of a cloth, to be exact. When you’re cleaning, all those minuscule fibers pick up and hold dirt, dust and liquid. And because microfiber cloths are also positively charged (and the dirt and dust that sit on surfaces in your home are negatively charged), they can attract and hold debris like a magnet until rinsed out.
But those same qualities that make microfiber such an asset for cleaning can work against it during wash cycles. Unlike washing cotton bath towels, microfiber tends to attract chemical residues from detergents, lint from other towels, dirt and other articles, which is why knowing how to wash microfiber towels is key.
The No. 1 rule when washing microfiber cloths is to separate your laundry. K eeping microfiber fabric away from other towels or clothing items is vital. “When it’s time to launder, wash microfiber cloths separately or with other lint-free items (microfiber is designed to grab and hold onto lint),” says Druckamiller. And skip the harsh and scented detergents, which can coat the fibers of the cloth, reducing the amount of charge and, in turn, making it less effective, she says.
Richardson prefers to use vinegar or laundry soap over commercial detergent when washing microfiber cloths because harsh detergents tend to stick to the fibers, which then reduces their ability to pick up dirt and bacteria. “If you put microfiber cloths in a regular load of laundry, the detergent will not rinse away,” he says. And the next time you try to clean with it, he says, it will be like trying to clean with “ a towel coated in butter.”
Mary Marlowe Leverette, fabric-care expert, adds, “Avoid the use of chlorine bleach in the wash, because it can damage microfiber. And never add fabric softeners or conditioners, because the residue that leaves the cloth feeling soft will clog the fibers and make it less effective as a cleaning tool.”
Hand-washing allows you to be selective about which fabrics you wash together, which makes this method ideal for microfiber towels. It also allows you to be specific about which laundry supplies make their way onto the microfiber. If you regularly use commercial laundry detergents that are prone to leaving residue in your washing machine, you may prefer this approach, says Richardson.
Washing microfiber cloths is only half the battle. How you dry the microfiber towel is equally important when it comes to maintaining its charge and keeping it lint-free. The ideal method, according to Druckamiller, is to hang microfiber cloths to dry outside in the sun or inside with good circulation. Avoid throwing them into the dryer, which reduces microfiber’s efficacy much faster, says Druckamiller. If you can’t avoid machine-drying, here are some tips for keeping your microfiber cloths in good condition while machine-drying.
While proper washing will help maintain the efficacy of your microfiber towels, there are other steps you can take to keep them in tip-top shape.
Yes! This is one of the many glorious aspects of a microfiber towel. It is designed specifically to be washed and reused over and over again. That said, over time, the strength of the towel’s charge will lessen, and it’ll become less effective. Which is why maintenance improves the longevity. If you purchase a quality microfiber towel and care for it with the proper washing strategy, it should last you up to three solid years, or 150 washes, according to Druckamiller.
In a nutshell, when your home doesn’t have that clean sparkle after a dusting session, it’s time to buy a new microfiber cloth. Stains, rough texture and fraying edges are all telltale signs that your microfiber cloth is wearing out and should be replaced soon.
Yes, but it is not recommended. Frequent drying will loosen fabric strands and make them prone to fabric pilling. If you do machine-dry, use a low heat setting and skip dryer sheets. While you’re at it, also learn what do dryer sheets do.
Microfiber is a hardy material and can tolerate more than 100 washes, but you can extend its life by using the right cleaner, research indicates. There are detergents created specifically for microfiber, such as the Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Cleaning Detergent. But experts recommend a gentle laundry soap or white vinegar instead.
Lukewarm water is best, and hot water should be avoided at all costs, as it can literally melt the fibers. In case that leaves you wondering, here is the best temperature to wash clothes to keep them looking brand new.
Absolutely. If you take care of your microfiber towels, they will take care of you by keeping your home clean, environmentally friendly and cost-effective for years to come.
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Kaitlin Clark tapped her experience covering laundry advice and clothing care, and then Mary Marlowe Leverette, a fabric-care, stain-removal and laundry expert with more than 40 years of industry experience, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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