What Are Microfiber Cloths Made Of?

As the name suggests, microfiber cloths are made from very small fibers. If you’re trying to get a sense of scale, microfibers are smaller than a strand of silk. They make the fibers in cotton cleaning cloths seem downright bulky and cloddish.

Now, take a glance at the label of the microfiber cloths you use for cleaning. Oftentimes they’re made of a blend of polyester and polyamide or nylon. In short, this means the cloths are made of plastic. The polyester and polyamide are combined in such a way that the fibers are split. In addition to creating more fiber surfaces with which to clean, this makes the cloths very porous. When you use microfiber cloths for cleaning, you benefit from both of these factors.

How Do Microfiber Cloths Work?

Because of the makeup of the microfibers, using microfiber cloths for cleaning can make cleaning easier and more effective.

Cloths not made from microfiber tend to push dirt and gunk around on surfaces, so cleaning can be a real bear. The beauty of microfiber cloths is that the split fibers they’re made up create more surfaces that can hook onto dirt, dust and even bacteria. Many viruses are a bit too small to be scooped up by microfibers, but still — a cloth with fibers so small it can snag bacteria is pretty impressive, right? Because of this, you can use microfiber cloths for cleaning many surfaces with nothing more than water.

Have you ever wiped down your kitchen counter with a cotton cloth and then had to go back over it with a paper towel to get rid of the moisture and left-behind debris? Well, microfiber can be used dry, so you eliminate the need for that second round of swiping. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, polyester and fats play well together, which means microfiber is great for lifting grease and oil off surfaces without the aid of strong chemical cleaning agents.

In addition, the porous nature of microfiber cloths means that they’re very absorbent and dry quickly. (if you’ve ever stepped on a microfiber bathmat after showering, you have firsthand experience to how fast-drying this material is.) Therefore, even if you do dampen the cloths for cleaning stubborn smudges, they’ll barely leave a trace of liquid behind.

Properly Using Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning

Obviously, microfiber is a dream cloth. However, it won’t work if it’s not used or maintained properly. Keep in mind that if you oversaturate a microfiber cloth, it’s not going to work very well. Unless your goal is to push dirty water around on a surface, you’ll only want to lightly dampen microfiber cloths as you clean.

Additionally, you need to launder your microfiber cloths regularly. Doing so not only ensures that you’re being hygienic, it makes your microfiber cloths last longer.

Now that you know how microfiber cloths work, you may be wondering why microfiber isn’t used in more cleaning tools. But it is! You can also find microfiber mops, ceiling fan cleaners, blind cleaners, and even kitchen sponges.

Hate cleaning your house? We don't blame you! Many of our customers say they especially don't like scrubbing toilets or trying for hours to remove the soap scums on their shower glass doors.

Enter your professional house cleaner—here to save you from yourself!

If you're hiring a house cleaner to do the hard work, don't make the job even harder. Here are some insider tips from the cleaning experts at Dynamic House Cleaning to help you save some cash and ensure your status as a decent human being!

1. Please be realistic about time

We are professionals, but not magicians. It's up to you to recognize that you want the job done right and that means letting us spend enough time on each task. Think about how long it would take you to do the same work; even a professional won't be able to do much better. You are paying for attention to detail and time. Don't rush the process.

2. Clutter makes the job harder

If we need to spend a chunk of time on uncovering the actual surfaces that need cleaning, it will make the job more difficult, take longer, and cost you more money. Dusting around knick-knacks is one thing, but you can make the whole process so much more efficient if you do your own clutter sweep before we arrive.

3. Please give proper notice

There's a reason that doctors and hair stylists require notice for cancellations--it costs them money to have empty appointment slots (that could have been filled by someone else with more notice). Same goes for your house cleaner. If you have to cancel, let us know ASAP so your spot can go to someone else. Just speak up! It's the polite thing to do.

4. Please tell us how you like things done in a certain way

We want you to be happy so you'll stay a client, but we are not mind readers. If you have some specific requirements about how your home is cleaned, you need to say so beforehand (not after when we will have to redo it). It will save you money and frustration.

5. Don't be shy to keep an eye on us

Come home unexpectedly every once in a while and see what we're doing. Good house cleaners won’t watch your TV, turn on your radio, use your kitchen, talk on the phone, or eat on your bed.

6. After I leave, check the base of the toilet and the top of the fridge

If they're clean, you know the cleaner was thorough. Any professional cleaner can tell you that kitchens, bathrooms, and floors are customers' top priorities. So, good cleaners do not normally miss things in these rooms. If they forgot to dust one of the blinds or push the chairs back in, it was likely an honest mistake. Just let them know and they will appreciate the feedback for next time.

7. If you're worried we might take something from you, test us

When using a new maid service, leave a few dollars hanging out of a pants pocket or lying on the counter. If we take a dollar or two, you'll know we're probably going to take other things. This is why it's so important to work with cleaning companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured. They are not going to just put warm bodies in the field, because they have a reputation to protect and policies that prevent and address these types of situations.

8. Deal with your pets, please

Your dog runs in terror when you turn on your Dyson, so why would you leave it home alone when all the floors are getting vacuumed? If you already know your pet hates strangers or loud noises, at least put it in the backyard or a comfortable space. Aggressive pets can also mean your house doesn't get cleaned: house cleaners aren't expected to sacrifice their own safety to clean your home.

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What is a Microfiber Cloth?