Did you know that microfiber can absorb more than seven times its weight in water? It’s no wonder this material has gained massive popularity as a towel in the last 20 years.
These microfiber towels come in very handy, but homeowners can ruin them through incorrect washing habits and failing to treat them with appropriate care.
Continue reading to learn how to best wash microfiber towels at home.
How Microfiber Towels Work
Microfiber is a synthetic textile consisting of a dual combination of extremely thin yarns. Polyester and nylon are fused together by heat before being split apart into microfibers.
A high-quality microfiber towel absorbs liquid and is capable of picking up dirt and thus. Thus, it has grown in popularity as a cleaning product in the kitchen.
They are soft due to the finely woven materials that make up their composition. They’re strong and durable, lightweight, resist wrinkling and retain shape. The better you care for them, the longer your towels will last.
If you’re looking for more comfort, organic towels offer an ultra-soft and highly absorbant alternative. Just make sure never to wash them alongside your microfiber towels.
How to Wash Microfiber Towels
Being gentle with your microfibre towels is the best way to extend their life. Therefore, it is better to hand wash them when possible instead of subjecting them to a spin cycle in the washing machine. You can check the tag first to see which method is recommended.
The microfiber cloths and towels will break down quicker if you fail to be gentle with them. Take extra care with these towels because they are synthetic and can send microplastics into the environment.
Separate them from other clothes and materials before washing them. And never wash microfiber towels with cotton because even the tiniest lint particles can clog the fibers.
Wash the towels with cold water and use a gentle detergent, whether you’re washing by hand or a machine. Use a detergent with zero additives, fragrances, colors or dyes, or anything else that can potentially damage the microfiber.
Microfiber towel soap is specifically designed to clean your towels, although a regular detergent can usually do the job just as well.
Instructions for Washing by Hand
It’s usually best to wash your towels the old-fashioned way. Not only will it preserve your towels, it’s more environmentally friendly, and washing your belongings by hand will also save you money.
By following these simple steps, your microfiber towels should last for hundreds of washings:
1. Shake out loose dirt and dust from your towels.
2. Place the towels in a bucket of cool water and add two tablespoons of a gentle detergent.
3. Let them soak for 30 minutes or more.
4. Scrub the towels on a washboard or use a handheld tool to eliminate the dirt. Repeat the process if they are not yet clean.
4. Rinse with plain water and use your hands to wring out the water.
5. Air dry the towel or use a dryer if necessary.
Instructions for Machine Washing
For whatever reason, you may want to use a washing machine instead. If so, be sure to avoid washing the microfiber towels with cotton or any other material.
1. Shake out loose dirt and dust from your towels.
2. Set the washing machine to cold with no more than two tablespoons of a gentle detergent.
3. Air dry the towel or use a dryer if necessary.
How to Dry Your Microfiber Towel
It’s recommended to air dry your towels on a clothesline or something similar. That’s because heat from a dryer can damage the microfibers. The drying time is very fast, taking a third of the time that conventional towels require.
If you cannot find any space to air dry and must use a dryer, it’s essential that you follow these rules:
1. Don’t include any other types of clothing or fabrics in the dryer.
2. Before drying the towels, remove lint from the lint trap and ensure there is no errant lint left in the dryer.
3. Place the dryer on its lowest heat setting or no heat at all.
What to Avoid Doing When Washing Microfiber Towels
There are some golden rules you must follow to keep your microfiber towels in good shape:
- Don’t use fabric softener because it will clog the open spaces in the microfiber, making the fabric useless
- When washing microfiber towels, the temperature should never exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Avoid heat if using a dryer and always wash in cold water
- Never use fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets
- Like anything you wash, separate your light-colored microfiber from your dark-colored microfiber
- Avoid washing the towels with any clothing made from cotton
When Do I Need to Replace My Microfiber Towels?
If handled correctly, a microfibre towel can be a long-term companion. The longevity of your towels will depend on a host of factors, such as how often they are used, what they are used for, and how well they are looked after.
You’ll know that they are becoming worn out when the fibers begin to clump together or flatten. They will also lose their softness and become rough to the touch.
Take Good Care of Your Microfibers
Now you’re an expert on how to wash microfiber towels. Follow the simple steps provided above, and you won’t go wrong.
Be gentle, and they will last for years. Be unnecessarily reckless, and you’ll likely disrupt the fibers and render your towels useless.
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