Microfiber towels are known for their superior performance and durability, often outlasting conventional towels and mops by up to 300 washes when properly cared for. To maximize their effectiveness and longevity, it’s crucial to follow proper maintenance and cleaning protocols. When treated with care, microfiber towels maintain their ability to trap dirt and moisture, while minimizing streaks and lint.
At Microshine, we believe in giving you the best guidance to ensure your microfiber towels last longer and perform optimally.
Do’s & Don’ts of Washing Microfiber Towels
Microfiber Care is all about preserving the fibers so they can maintain their dirt-trapping ability, maximize cleanliness, and ensure a spotless finish. Here’s how to properly care for them.
✅ Do’s of Washing Microfiber Towels
- Wash in Cold to Warm Water (max 160°F): Washing microfiber towels in hot water can damage the fibers and reduce their efficiency. Stick to cold or warm water to preserve the integrity of the fibers.
- Use Simple Detergents Without Softeners or Optical Brighteners: Avoid fabric softeners as they clog the fibers’ pores, reducing the microfiber’s ability to trap dirt. Optical brighteners, often found in commercial detergents, can fade the cloth’s vibrant color.
- Dry on Low Heat or Permanent Press (max 140°F): High heat shrinks microfiber towels and diminishes their cleaning power. To preserve their effectiveness, either air dry or tumble dry on low or permanent press.
- Use Plastic Dryer Balls to Remove Lint, Hair, and Fur: Microfiber attracts dirt and lint, which can be dislodged by using high-quality plastic dryer balls. You can find great dryer balls at Microshine.
❌ Don’ts of Washing Microfiber Towels
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach is too harsh on microfiber and will weaken the fibers, causing them to shed and create lint. This leads to a reduced lifespan and performance.
- Don’t Store Dirty Towels in Unventilated Bags: Microfiber towels can develop an unpleasant odor if left in closed, unventilated laundry bags. Always store them in breathable environments to avoid germs and mildew buildup.
- Avoid Overloading the Washer or Dryer: Overloading prevents microfiber towels from getting a thorough clean and may result in dirt getting trapped, leading to streaks when used.
- Don’t Wash with Natural Fabrics: Microfiber towels attract lint, which is abundant in natural fabrics. Washing microfiber with cotton towels, for example, will likely result in lint buildup on the microfiber, rendering it less effective.
Residential Microfiber Washing Instructions
Proper storage and washing are key to extending the lifespan of your microfiber towels.
- Store in Ventilated Bags: Store your dirty microfiber towels in Barrier Laundry Bags to minimize bacterial growth.
- Load the Washer Properly: Make sure to load the washer with microfiber towels and other non-linting synthetic fabrics, avoiding an overload.
- Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Use a small amount of detergent, especially if your microfiber towels have been exposed to cleaning chemicals.
- Washing Machine Settings: Set your washing machine to Normal Wash with warm water.
- Drying: Transfer the towels to the dryer and add dryer balls to remove lint and hair. Use Permanent Press (140°F max). Alternatively, line dry for better fabric preservation.
Pro Tips for Washing Microfiber Towels
- Avoid High Heat Cycles: Never use the Towel Cycle, Sanitizer Cycle, or high-heat settings, as these can melt and shrink microfiber fibers.
- Germ-Killing Temperature: For effective sanitization, set the dryer to 135°F for 60 minutes, which is sufficient for germ removal while keeping your microfiber towels safe. Do not exceed 140°F.
- Use Microfiber-Specific Detergent: Rags to Riches Microfiber Detergent strips oils, waxes, and stains, making it an excellent choice for microfiber towels. Only 2 oz per full load is needed. Consider using a microfiber-specific detergent, such as Rags to Riches Microfiber Detergent, available on Microshine for optimal results.
- Whitmor Dryer Balls: Whitmor Dryer Balls help dislodge hair, lint, and debris, making microfiber towels dry faster and fluffier.
- Barrier Laundry Bags: Keep your microfiber towels fresh and hygienic by using Barrier Laundry Bags. Their breathable mesh material reduces the growth of germs and mold during the laundry process.
Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing
| Aspect | Manual Washing | Machine Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Effectiveness | Effective for removing loose dirt | More effective for removing stubborn stains, dirt, grime, and bacteria |
| Fabric Care | Gentler on the fabric, extending lifespan | Can be harsh on the fabric, shortening lifespan |
| Environmental Impact | More environmentally friendly (less water, energy) | Consumes more water and energy |
| Convenience | More time-consuming and labor-intensive | More convenient and less time-consuming |
| Suitability | Unsuitable for washing large quantities | Suitable for washing larger quantities of towels |
Commercial Microfiber Washing Instructions
In commercial settings, microfiber towels are typically exposed to more dirt, grime, and harsh cleaning chemicals. Thus, they require specific handling:
- Detergent Dos: Use a high-solvent detergent for heavy soil. Make sure no alkaline solutions, bleach, or fabric softeners are used.
- Temperature Dos: Ensure you follow specific temperature recommendations based on the type of fabric and load size for optimal cleaning without damaging microfiber.
- Drying Dos: Tumble dry microfiber towels at a controlled temperature for an efficient drying process. Ensure the temperature does not exceed 140°F to avoid damaging the fibers.
For more in-depth care products, visit Microshine for microfiber detergents, laundry bags, and dryer balls that guarantee optimal performance and longevity for your microfiber towels.
By following these detailed washing instructions, you can extend the life and effectiveness of your microfiber towels, ensuring they continue to perform at their best.