How to Wash Microfiber Cloths the Right Way

Microfiber cloths are like magnets. Nothing is quicker for picking up dirt, dust and hair, but because the synthetic fibers cling to those materials so well, they can be hard to thoroughly clean.

Washing microfiber the wrong way can ruin what makes them effective. It can bind hairs into the fibers or trap molecules that make the cloth produce streaks instead of shine. Doing it the right way isn't complicated; follow the simple steps outlined below, so your microfiber rags and cloths don’t have to quit their day job.

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Microfiber Cloths

Some consumers struggle with using microfiber cloths instead of an old cotton towel or other type of rag. If you’ve ever felt that your microfiber cloths weren’t absorbent, it could be because you've already damaged the material.

Microfiber is made of very fine synthetic fibers. (Most cloths range from 70% to 100% polyester.) By design, it grabs and holds onto dirt. The fibers also trap detergent residue, oils and lint if they’re washed with the regular laundry.

• Avoid washing microfiber cloths with lint-heavy fabrics. Cotton towels and clothing shed lint that clings to microfiber and stays trapped in the fibers.
• Avoid adding too much detergent. Too much soap is never a good thing in your laundry. If it doesn’t rinse out completely, excess detergent leaves a coating that makes microfiber cloths feel stiff or greasy.
• Stop using fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering synthetic fibers. These products coat the fibers. Your microfiber cloth might start repelling water instead of absorbing it.
• Don’t wash or dry on high heat. Heat puts the fibers at risk of warping or melting. It won’t collect dirt and dust the same way it did when it was new.
• Don’t store damp cloths. Moisture trapped in folded cloths or microfiber mop pads can cause odors and mildew. If you’re planning to reuse them before washing, make sure they’re completely dry before stacking or storing.

How to Safely Wash Your Microfiber Cloths

1. Shake, shake, shake out any debris. Before washing, shake microfiber items outside or over a trash can. Rags like to hold on to hair and dust; mop pads like to hold on to sand and crumbs. Your goal is to get them as clean as possible before they go into the washing machine.
2. Wash microfiber cloths separately. Save up your cloths until you have enough to substantiate a small load of only microfiber. Separating them from cotton towels and clothes keeps them lint-free. It also makes it easier to adjust your use of normal detergents.
3. Use cold or warm water. Cold is best for lightly soiled cloths. Warm water helps break down oils from kitchens and floors. Skip hot water.
4. Only use a small amount of mild detergent. Less is better. Too much detergent leaves residue that clogs the fibers. It's best to avoid using regular powdered detergent, just in case it doesn’t dissolve fully in cold water.
5. Skip fabric softener and bleach. Neither is a friend to microfiber. Fabric softener coats the fibers and makes them repel water. Bleach weakens them and shortens their lifespan.
6. Choose a gentle wash cycle. If the water level in your machine doesn’t fully submerge the cloths due to weight, choose a “deep fill” setting.
7. Dry on low heat or air dry. High heat risks melting microfiber. Low heat works fine and air drying is even safer. Remember: Don’t use dryer sheets for the same reason you skip fabric softener.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash microfiber cloths with vinegar?

We’d say that it’s okay to do it occasionally. (There's a reason laundry stripping is so effective.) White vinegar can help remove detergent buildup and odors if you think your cloths were oversaturated during a previous cycle. That said, we’d add it to the rinse cycle, not the wash cycle, so it won't combine with detergent in the same compartment. Remember: Never mix bleach and white vinegar in the laundry.

How can I tell if my microfiber cloth is ruined?

If your cloth or mop head isn’t absorbent, doesn’t cling to dirt or dust or if it transfers lint onto surfaces that you’re dusting, the fibers are probably damaged beyond repair. At that point, it’s better to retire it to messy jobs and invest in a new one.