Microfiber cloths are a cleaning marvel that tackle dust, grease, and spills with an almost magnetic pull. They become stiff, non-absorbent, and useless when washed incorrectly. We want to make sure that never happens to you.
The secret to how to wash microfiber cloth items correctly isn’t hard but requires specific steps. If you only remember five things, make them these key rules.
- Wash Separately: Only wash microfiber with other microfiber. Other fabrics will leave lint that clogs the fibers.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Pick a liquid detergent with no dyes, fragrances, or softeners.
- Choose the Right Temperature: Use cold to warm water. Hot water will damage the cloths.
- Say NO to Additives: Never use fabric softener or bleach. These ruin microfiber completely.
- Dry on Low or No Heat: Air drying works best, but a machine on its lowest setting is okay.
These rules will keep your cloths working well. In this guide, we’ll explain why these rules matter, show you how to wash them step by step, and teach you how to fix cloths you thought were ruined.
The Science of Clean: Why Proper Washing Matters
To wash microfiber cloths correctly, you need to know what makes them special. These aren’t just regular cloths but highly engineered cleaning tools.
Most cleaning microfiber blends polyester and polyamide in an 80/20 or 70/30 mix. The polyester helps scrub surfaces clean. Polyamide makes the cloth super absorbent. These fibers are split into tiny strands during making, which creates a huge surface area for cleaning.
Each strand works like a tiny hand with millions of microscopic fingers. These “fingers” grab and hold dust, dirt, and liquid using an electrostatic charge. Washing microfiber the wrong way damages these structures forever.
What happens when you damage microfiber? Let’s look at the details.
| Improper Method | What Happens to the Microfibers | The Result |
|---|---|---|
| High Heat (Hot Water/Dryer) | The fine polyamide fibers melt and stick together. The static charge gets destroyed. | The cloth becomes stiff and loses its softness. It can’t absorb liquid or grab dust anymore and just pushes dirt around. |
| Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets | These coat fibers with a waxy, oily film meant to reduce static. | This film blocks all the tiny gaps between fibers. The cloth becomes useless for soaking up liquids. |
| Washing with Cotton/Linty Items | Microfiber’s static charge pulls fibers from cotton towels and clothing. | The cloth fills with lint. There’s no room left to pick up dirt from your surfaces. |
Now you can see why the rules matter so much. We’re helping you keep the special technology in these cloths working properly.
How to Wash Microfiber Cloths in a Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Most people use a washing machine to clean microfiber. Follow these steps to keep your cloths soft and effective every time.
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Before you start, shake the cloths outside or over a trash can. This removes loose hair, crumbs, and surface dirt so your machine has less to clean.
For genuinely Soiled cloths—especiallyy those utilise foor car detail withwax or grease—you shoould pre-soak them . Fill a bucketful with warm piss and add a little Quantity of microfiber-safe detergent or a cup ofwhite aceetum . let tuem dowse for 30 to 60 minutee . A pre-soaak with white acetum assist stop down stuck-on grease annd scent before moisten .
Step 2: Load the Washer Correctly
This rule is critical: wash microfiber by itself. If you mix it with cotton towels or clothes, the microfiber will get covered in lint and won’t work well anymore.
If you don’t have enough cloths for a full load, put them in a mesh laundry bag. This keeps them separate from other items in the same wash.
Don’t stuff too many cloths in the machine. They need room to move around so water can flow through them. This helps rinse out all the dirt and soap. A medium-sized load works best.
Step 3: Choose Your Detergent Wisely
The right detergent is simple: use a mild liquid soap without dyes, fragrances, or fabric softeners. These extras leave behind residue that clogs microfiber. “Free & Clear” versions work great.
Special “microfiber wash” products exist and work well but aren’t necessary if you have a good regular detergent.
Use less detergent than normal—about half the amount you’d use for regular clothes. Too much soap leaves a residue that makes the fibers stiff.
Step 4: Select the Right Machine Settings
Use these settings for best results:
- Water Temperature: Choose Cold or Warm. Cold water works fine for most cleaning and saves energy. Use warm water (never hot) for very dirty or greasy cloths.
- Wash Cycle: Use a Gentle or Delicate cycle. This prevents rough spinning that can wear down the fibers over time.
- Extra Rinse: If your machine has this option, use it. This helps remove all soap residue, keeping your cloths absorbent.
How to Hand Wash Microfiber Cloths
No washing machine? Need to clean just one cloth like the one for your glasses? Hand washing works great.
This method is perfect for small amounts, delicate lens cloths, or when traveling.
- Rinse First: Hold the cloth under cool or lukewarm running water. Gently rub it against itself to flush out loose dirt.
- Soak and Soap: Fill a clean sink with lukewarm water. Add a few drops of mild, clear detergent.Expert Tip: What Soap is Safe?Use a small amount of “Free & Clear” liquid laundry detergent or plain dish soap like original Dawn. Avoid soap with moisturizers, softeners, or strong scents.
- Agitate Gently: Put the cloth in the soapy water and swish it around. Gently squeeze and rub it against itself to work the soap into the fibers. Don’t scrub hard or twist the cloth, as this can stretch it.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water. Rinse under clean running water until no more suds appear. Squeeze gently—don’t wring—to remove extra water before drying.
The Final Step: Drying Your Microfiber for Maximum Fluff and Function
You’ve washed your cloths the right way. Don’t ruin your work during drying. Bad drying damages microfiber just as much as using the wrong soap or too much heat.
Method 1: Air Drying (The Best & Safest)
Air drying is always the best choice. It has zero risk of heat damage and costs nothing.
Hang your cloths on a drying rack or clothesline. Dry them indoors or in a shaded spot outside. Direct sunlight can make the fibers stiff over time. They will dry very quickly.
Method 2: Using a Machine Dryer (The Fast Way)
If you need dry cloths in a hurry, you can use a dryer if you follow these rules exactly.
Warning: The Golden Rule of Machine Drying
You must use the LOWEST heat setting on your dryer, or better yet, a NO HEAT / AIR FLUFF cycle. Heat destroys microfiber.
Even the “low” setting on some newer dryers can be too hot. When in doubt, use a 15-minute “no heat” cycle first. You want to tumble them dry with moving air, not heat them up. Check them often.
Before starting, make sure the dryer’s lint trap is completely clean. This prevents lint from sticking to your freshly washed cloths. And remember: absolutely NO dryer sheets. They will clog the fibers and ruin all your washing effort.
Troubleshooting & Reviving Your Microfiber: From Stiff to Soft Again
Have cloths that lost their softness or don’t absorb well anymore? Don’t throw them away yet. The right treatment can often bring them back to life. Here are solutions for common microfiber problems.
| The Problem | Likely Cause | The Solution |
|---|---|---|
| My cloths are stiff, scratchy, and no longer absorbent. | Soap residue, fabric softener buildup, or hard water deposits clogging the fibers. | The Restoration Soak: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Let it cool 5-10 minutes, then soak your cloths for 15 minutes to open the fibers. Do NOT boil the cloths directly. After soaking, wash normally with an extra rinse. Alternative: Soak cloths for one hour in a mix of 1 cup white vinegar per gallon of warm water before washing. |
| My cloths smell musty or sour, even after washing. | Bacteria or mildew from leaving them damp too long before washing. | The Sanitizing Wash: Add a half-cup of white vinegar to your washer’s fabric softener dispenser. It will release during the rinse cycle. Or use an oxygen-based laundry sanitizer (like OxiClean Sanitizer) with your regular detergent. |
| My car cloths are greasy or have wax residue. | Heavy buildup from car detailing products that normal washing can’t remove. | The Detailing Pre-Soak: Use a microfiber-specific detergent (like Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash) in warm water. Soak the cloths for at least one hour, stirring occasionally, before washing them in a heavy-duty cycle. |
FAQ
- How often should I wash microfiber cloths?
Wash microfiber cloths after each use or when visibly dirty. For light cleaning tasks, you can reuse them 2-3 times before washing. Never leave dirty microfiber cloths damp for extended periods as this promotes bacterial growth. - Can I use bleach to disinfect my microfiber cloths?
No, never use bleach on microfiber cloths as it damages the fibers’ structure. Instead, use white vinegar or an oxygen-based sanitizer which effectively kills germs without harming the microfiber material. - Why did my microfiber cloths become stiff after washing?
Microfiber cloths become stiff due to soap residue, fabric softener use, washing with cotton items, or exposure to high heat. Try our restoration soak method using white vinegar or hot water to revive stiff cloths. - What’s the best detergent for washing microfiber cloths in 2025?
The best detergent is a mild liquid soap without dyes, fragrances, or fabric softeners. “Free & Clear” formulas work excellently, or you can use specialized microfiber detergents that have been developed specifically for technical fabrics. - Can microfiber cloths be washed with other laundry items?
No, microfiber cloths should always be washed separately or only with other microfiber items. Washing with regular fabrics, especially cotton, will result in lint transfer that clogs the microfibers and reduces their effectiveness.
