How To Properly Clean Microfiber Towels
This Article Written By
Carly C.
Author / Co-Owner
Hi there, my name is Carly! I am a massive New England Patriots fan, I cannot start my day without Starbucks, and… growing up, I was my mom’s messiest kid. Who would’ve thought I would be the one to own a cleaning business.
Hey there! Carly from FreshLee Cleaning Co. here, ready to talk about one of my absolute favorite cleaning tools: microfiber towels. Whether you’re dusting, scrubbing, or polishing, microfiber towels are a total game changer. They’re gentle enough for delicate surfaces but tough enough to handle grime like a pro. But to keep them working their magic, you’ve got to know how to clean them right. If you’re wondering how to keep your microfiber towels fresh, fluffy, and in tip-top shape, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Why Proper Care for Microfiber Towels Matters
First things first—microfiber towels are made from super fine fibers that grab onto dirt, dust, and grease, making them incredibly effective for cleaning. But those same fibers can easily get clogged with detergent, fabric softener, or lint if you’re not careful. Washing them the wrong way can reduce their absorbency and cleaning power, so let’s make sure we’re doing it right to keep them at their best.
Separate Your Microfiber Towels
When it’s laundry day, be sure to separate your microfiber towels from other fabrics. They have a unique texture that can attract lint and debris from other items like cotton towels or clothing. This can leave your microfiber towels less effective and covered in fuzz. To avoid this, always wash them in a separate load.
Pro Tip: Sort them by color, too! Microfiber towels can sometimes bleed color, especially when they’re new.
Skip the Fabric Softener
One of the golden rules of cleaning microfiber towels is to never use fabric softener. While fabric softeners make your other laundry feel soft and smell great, they coat the fibers in microfiber towels, reducing their ability to trap dirt and absorb water. Besides, you shouldn’t be using fabric softener anyway. A simple splash of white vinegar is better anyway. Your plumbing will thank you! This can lead to streaky surfaces and towels that feel slimy. So, even if you’re tempted, skip the softener!
Use the Right Detergent
When it comes to detergent, go for something mild. A small amount of liquid detergent works best—avoid powder detergents, as they can get stuck in the fibers and reduce the towels’ effectiveness.
Also, be mindful of how much detergent you’re using. You only need a little! Overloading your washing machine with detergent can leave residue on your towels, making them less absorbent.
Pro Tip: If you want to give your microfiber towels an extra clean, you can occasionally add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps break down any leftover residue.
Wash on Cool or Warm Water Settings
Heat is the enemy of microfiber! High temperatures can melt or break down the delicate fibers, leaving your towels less effective at picking up dirt. Stick to washing them in cold or warm water—never hot.
Pro Tip: If your towels are extra dirty or greasy, soak them in cool water with a little dish soap before tossing them in the washing machine. This can help cut through grime and restore their cleaning power.
Air Dry or Use Low Heat
Drying your microfiber towels properly is just as important as washing them right. You want to avoid high heat here, too. The best way to dry microfiber towels is to let them air dry, but if you’re short on time, you can toss them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting.
Avoid using dryer sheets for the same reason you avoid fabric softeners—they’ll coat the fibers and reduce the towel’s effectiveness.
Pro Tip: Shake them out before drying to remove excess lint or dust that may have clung to them during washing.
Store Them Properly
Once your microfiber towels are clean and dry, make sure you store them in a dry, lint-free area. You can fold or roll them up and keep them in a designated spot so they’re always ready when you need them. And remember, keeping them separate from other towels or fabrics will help maintain their lint-free goodness.
How Often Should You Clean Microfiber Towels?
How often you clean your microfiber towels depends on how frequently you use them. If you’re using them for heavy-duty cleaning, like wiping up grease or dust, wash them after each use. For lighter jobs, like cleaning windows or countertops, you can wash them every couple of uses. Either way, regular cleaning will keep them working efficiently.
Pro Tip: Got really stubborn stains or odors in your microfiber towels? Soak them in a mixture of water and baking soda for a few hours before washing. This will help neutralize odors and lift tough stains without damaging the fibers.
Need Professional Help?
Microfiber towels are a total cleaning superstar, but like any cleaning tool, they need proper care to keep doing their job. By following these simple tips, you’ll keep your microfiber towels in top condition for longer, so they can continue working their magic in your home.
And if you ever need a little extra help keeping things spick and span, remember that FreshLee Cleaning Co. is always here to lend a hand with all your home cleaning needs!
Happy cleaning, microfiber mavens!