Microfiber for cleaning and more: How does it work?

Microfiber sheets, clothing, and upholstery are softer than cotton, but they’re not as breathable. They resist pilling better, but they wear — and sleep — warmer. It also doesn’t shrink or wrinkle like cotton does, and it’s more durable and affordable.

If you have sensitive skin or often overheat, microfiber clothes and sheets may be uncomfortable for you.

Brushed microfiber, which is especially popular for sheets, couches, and blankets, is more velvety, thanks to the brushing that lifts the fibers to make them softer and fluffier.

Cotton cleaning cloths are less expensive, but they don’t pick up and hold onto dirt — mostly, cotton just pushes dirt around. Since cotton cloths are made with organic rather than synthetic materials, they harbor odors and bacteria.

Cotton dries slower and leaves lint behind too, which is a special kind of drag when you’re cleaning glass.

Microfiber has a longer cleaning life than cotton — and a much longer lifespan in general, since it’s made from plastics that can take centuries to biodegrade.

Microfiber is more effective than any other cloth at removing dirt, most bacteria, and some viruses from surfaces around the house, including your dishes — and it doesn’t require any chemical disinfectants or harsh cleaning solutions to do it.

In fact, soaps and detergents reduce the effectiveness of it. All it needs to do its job is water, and not that much of it.

It’s also lint-free, which makes it ideal for cleaning glass stovetops, cleaning windows, mirrors, and the housings of your electronics.

Typical microfiber cloths aren’t static-free, though, so don’t use them inside your electrical devices — unless you purchase a special, static-free cloth for that specific purpose.

It doesn’t scratch glass or leave lint or streaks behind.

Soak a microfiber cloth in hot water, then wring out as much water as you can. Wipe down mirrors and windows with the barely-damp cloth until they’re crystal-clear — no streaks!

It won’t scratch your car paint, either.

To wash your car with microfiber, use one clean, damp cloth to wash the exterior and another to dry and buff it to a streak-free shine. Use a third to first clean the interior windows and then wipe down the hard surfaces inside the car.

A dry microfiber cloth removes dust from nearly any surface in your home, but a microfiber duster makes it easy to reach up high and get in all the nooks and crannies.

These dusters come in all shapes and sizes, including a removable, washable microfiber pad affixed to an extendable pole.

A microfiber mop uses way less water than a regular mop and removes far more dirt and bacteria from your floors.

These mops generally have a removable, washable pad. Dampen the pad, wring it out, and mop. When you’re done, toss it in the laundry.

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