What It Is and How It Works
Microfiber is a synthetic yarn that is 0.2 denier. (Denier is a measure of linear density and often used to describe of the size of a fiber or filament. Nine thousand meters of a one-denier fiber weighs one gram. Each fiber is approximately 1/20th the diameter of a strand of silk and 100 times finer than a human hair.
Microfiber is a blend of polyester (the scrubbing and clinging material), and polyamide (a nylon by-product, the absorbent and quick drying material). These materials are split and combined during manufacturing creating a fiber with greatly increased surface area. This increased surface area and the structure of the newly combined fibers is what gives microfiber its special cleaning abilities.
How does it work?
Imagine a microscopic plastic wire that cuts through and breaks apart dust, dirt, grime and moisture, then picks it up like a magnet without scratching the surface. Microfiber absorbs up to seven times its weight in moisture and can be used safely on any surface.
Microfiber products used for consumer cleaning are generally constructed from split conjugated fibers of polyester and polyamide. Microfiber used for commercial cleaning products also include many products constructed of 100% polyester microfiber. Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape very well. When high quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in water. They are also used for some cleaning applications, because of their exceptional ability to absorb oils.
Microfiber Towels are also widely used by auto detailers to handle such tasks as removing Car Wax, Quick Detailing, Cleaning Interiors, Cleaning Glass, as well as drying. Due to its fine fibers which leave no lint or dust, microfiber towels are a popular choice for avid auto detailers and car enthusiasts.
Care should be exercised when using microfiber for cleaning of sensitive surfaces. By nature it accumulates dust, debris, and particles inside its material. Sensitive surfaces (such as all high tech coated surfaces e.g. CRT, LCD and plasma screens) can easily be damaged by a microfiber cloth if it has picked up grit or other abrasive particles during use. The cloth itself is generally safer to use on these surfaces than more common cloths, particularly as no cleaning fluid is required for cleaning such surfaces. One way to minimize the risk of damage to flat surfaces is to use a flat, non-rugged microfiber cloth, as these tend to be less prone to holding for example sand grains.
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Cross section of microfiber and cotton threads. Principle of action, illustrated with the movement to the right. Microfiber leaves no residue, contrary to cotton.
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How should I use Microfiber? (Directions)
Microfiber can be used damp or dry depending on your cleaning needs. To use damp get the towel wet with water, wring it out and it is ready to use. If it leaves streaks while cleaning it is either too damp or it is too dirty and needs to be washed (see cleaning instructions below). For dry use just wipe! Watch the dirt, dust, grime, and moisture diappear.
How should I clean the Microfiber towels? (Cleaning Instructions)
Cleaning textiles made of microfiber must only be washed in regular washing detergent, not oily, self-softening, soap-based detergents. Fabric softener may not be used. The oils in the softener and self-softening detergents will clog up the fibers and make them less effective until the oils are removed by washing.
Always wash prior to use. Wash with warm, soapy water, and rinse well. Can be cleaned in a washer and dryer. DO NOT IRON.
