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How to Wash Microfiber Towels
June 28, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Did you know that microfiber towels can hold up to seven times their weight in water? This makes them much more absorbent than cotton. Not only that by they also dry much more quickly, making them to clean and maintain.
What’s the best way to clean microfiber cloths? What kind of detergent should you use? Keep reading for all the answers and more.
How Do Microfiber Towels Work?
Microfiber towels are unique in that they are positively charged. Dirt, dust, and grease, on the other hand, are negatively charged. This means the towel will attract and hold onto the residues like a magnet.
Not only that but they also have an incredible amount of surface area – approximately four times that of cotton. This allows the towel to pick up and remove more dirt and debris compared to a regular cloth.
How Often Should You Wash Microfiber Cloths?
Ideally, you should wash your microfiber towel after each cleaning session. Remember, they’re more absorbent than cotton, meaning they’ll get dirty more quickly.
By washing your microfiber cloths regularly, you’ll be able to prevent grime or dirt from building up. That way, you won’t be transferring them to other surfaces while cleaning.
Lightly soiled microfiber towels can be washed after 2-3 uses.
How to Wash Microfiber Towels the Right Way
Microfiber towels are great in that you can toss them in the washing machine. Or if you want, you can wash them by hand – you just need water, detergent, and a sink.
Machine Washing Microfiber Towels
You can machine wash microfiber cloths with other towels.
Step 1: Give It a Shake
Give the towel a good shake to release excess dirt and dust and place it in the washing machine.
Step 2: Add Detergent
Measure a bit of ACTIVE Detergent powder and add it to the detergent dispenser or tub, depending on the model of your washer.
Do not use fabric softener – it’ll cover the fibers with a waxy residue, which will prevent them from cleaning properly.
Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle
Choose a delicate or gentle setting and wash the towels with warm water – the gentle heat will help to remove contaminants. If you’re washing lightly soiled cloths, however, cold water will suffice.
Avoid using hot water as the high temperature will cause the fibers to break down prematurely.
Step 4: Let Them Air Dry
After washing, let the microfiber towels air dry on a flat surface. You can also hang them on a clothesline or drying rack – that will help keep the towels absorbent. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours for the microfiber to dry completely.
If you’re in a rush, you can also throw them into the dryer. Just make sure to use the low heat setting to prevent damage.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Drying rack
Make sure to separate your microfiber towels from your other items. You don’t want to wash them together as the dirt, dust, and grease can transfer to the rest of your garments.
ACTIVE Detergent
Deep cleaning detergent removes grime from microfiber towels to keep them absorbent and effective.
Hand Washing Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
You can also wash your microfibier cloths by hand in the sink. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Start by filling a sink with warm water. Next, add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent powder.
Swish the water with your hand a few times until the powder is completely dissolved – you should end up with a bubbly solution.
Step 2:
Carefully place your microfiber towels into the detergent mixture and let them sit and soak for 10 to 15 minutes – that will give the fabric time to absorb the water and detergent.
After soaking, agitate the water with your hands – that will help release any dirt or dust from the cloth.
Step 3:
Rinse the microfiber cloth with clean water and continue until there are no more soap suds and the water runs clear.
Step 4:
Gently squeeze the excess water with your hands and place them on a clean, flat surface or drying rack to air dry.
You can also machine dry the towels on low heat with a few dryer balls.
How to Clean Stinky Microfiber Towels With Vinegar
Vinegar is mildly acidic and can help eliminate odors.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
Step 1:
Fill the washing machine with water, then add 1/4 a cup of white vinegar.
Step 2:
Put the microfiber towels in the washing machine and let them soak for 30 minutes before proceeding with a wash cycle.
If necessary, you can also add half a cup of baking soda to the drum for extra deodorizing power.
How to Clean Stinky Microfiber Towels With Bleach
If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use bleach – it’s just as effective.
Supplies:
- Bleach
Step 1:
Fill the washing machine with hot water, then add one cup of bleach.
Step 2:
Put the microfiber cloths in the washer, making sure it’s immersed in the bleach solution and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Run a regular wash cycle afterwards.
How to Prevent Your Microfiber Towels From Smelling
The key to preventing stinky towels is to dry them properly.
Supplies:
- Dryer (optional)
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Take the microfiber cloth out of the washer immediately after washing.
Don’t leave it in the machine as that will encourage mold and mildew growth.
Step 2:
Tumble dry on low heat or let it dry on a drying rack or clothesline in a well-ventilated area.
You can also air dry them outdoors. The sun’s ultraviolet rays will help remove contaminants that are on the fabric.
Never use fabric softeners – it will only make your towels smell. Similarly, you want to avoid dryer sheets.
Knowing How to Properly Wash Microfiber Towels – FAQs
How do you wash a microfiber cloth properly?
The key is to use the right type of detergent – we recommend using ACTIVE Detergent as it’s specially formulated for synthetic materials such as microfiber.
Not only that but make sure to skip the fabric softener – it’ll do more harm than good to your cloths.
Can you wash microfiber towels together with other items?
No, it’s best to wash microfiber cloths separately. That’ll prevent dirt, dust, and debris from transferring onto your other items.
Not only that but microfiber cloths should be washed with warm water – a setting that may not be suitable for some clothing.
Is it better to machine wash or hand wash microfiber towels?
Both options are safe and effective as long as you take the proper steps.
What’s the best way to clean stinky microfiber towels?
White vinegar is highly effective at eliminating odors. There are two ways to use it – you can either add it to the washing machine and run a full cycle without detergent or you can let the microfiber cloths soak in a vinegar solution.
What’s the best way to remove stubborn stains from microfiber clothes and towels?
We recommend pre-treating the stain before washing. For example, you can pre-treat the area with ACTIVE Detergent. Simply dissolve a bit of the powder in warm water and apply it to the stain using your finger or a soft bristled brush.
Let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with cold water.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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