Are microfiber cloths really that much different from other standard cleaning cloths? Yes, in nearly every way. Microfiber requires less manual labor to clean the same area, they clean thoroughly with only water, and they can be washed and reused hundreds of times before starting to show signs of wear.

Many cleaning professional and healthcare facilities clean exclusively with microfiber, but we still don’t see microfiber used in the average household as much as we should. While microfiber is very common in Europe, Americans are just now starting to learn about the amazing benefits of these products.

How is a Microfiber Cloth Different From a Cotton Cloth?

Microfiber cloths are made of polyester and nylon, as opposed to cotton, like most cleaning cloths are. The key advantage here is that the fibers are split to over 100 times smaller than a human hair, creating a larger volume of fibers touching a surface area and making microfiber significantly more absorbent. Microfiber also has a natural static charge built up that attracts dust particles and forces them to cling to the cloth.

Let’s say you needed to sweep up a dusty garage. Would you opt for a brush/broom with more or less bristles? You’d likely choose a broom with as many bristles densely packed together because it would make the job much easier. The same principle applies to cleaning cloths. Microfiber can pick up even the tiniest patches of dirt and grime because there are millions of tiny fibers scrubbing the surface.

Microfiber is the better alternative for people interested in green cleaning and reducing the total amount of chemicals used in their home. When cleaning with a microfiber cloth you only need to add water and let the fibers do all the work. Microfiber cloths save you time spent on cleaning and money spent on chemicals that aren’t necessary.

How to Clean With Microfiber

Since cotton cloths are inferior cleaning materials, you have to rely on chemicals to do most of the cleaning. We’ve become so accustomed to this way of cleaning that it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way. But there is a better way — with microfiber! Using a microfiber cloth to clean surfaces only requires a little bit of warm water. You can use mild cleaning chemicals if you want, but they really aren’t necessary.

Microfiber is incredible for dusting. You don’t need any polish or any other cleaning agents, just a dry microfiber duster or cloth pick up ALL of the dust and leave a shiny surface behind. Since you aren’t leaving any chemical residue behind to attract dust you’ll find that you no longer have to dust as often.

Cleaning hardwood and tile floors is much easier with a microfiber mop. You don’t need any chemicals and you will use much less water, which is great for laminate floors because they warp easily from too much water exposure. To clean you simply go over the surface with a dry mop to collect all of the dust, hair, and dirt. Then you want to dampen a microfiber pad with warm water and wring it out thoroughly. Mop the floor with the damp pad and then you can throw both pads in the washing machine to get them clean as new again.