Microfiber cloths have bourgeoned in popularity in recent years. I’ve heard them described in a number of ways: amazing, awful, soft, rough, environmentally friendly, bad for the environment, etc. With descriptors that are this conflicting, it’s hard to determine if these cloths are something you should be using.
While I’ve had several microfiber cloths for the last few years, I’ve only used them on occasion. When I first acquired them, all I knew of their utility was that they could be used to clean glass. Having heard so much hype in recent months, I decided to take a closer look.
What are microfiber cloths?
Microfiber cleaning cloths are made of microfiber fabric comprised of polyester and nylon. Microfibers are much thinner in diameter than human hair. Those used in cleaning textiles are split in a way that creates spaces within each fiber. Regular microfiber, such as 
that used on furniture or in clothing, is soft but not useful for cleaning because it is not absorbent. Conversely, the spaces within the split fibers in split microfiber can absorb up to 8 times their weight in liquid and trap dust and germs so they are not spread around or released into the air. Studies have found split microfiber products can reduce the bacteria count on surfaces much more effectively than cotton (read more about this here). Check a product’s packaging to determine if it is split microfiber or not. If it’s not labeled, you can check by running your hand over the cloth. If it doesn’t grab at the imperfections of your skin, then it’s not split microfiber.
Uses for microfiber cloths
- Dusting surfaces. Simply wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth. No sprays are needed because a static electric charge that attracts and traps dust develops when the cloths are moved across a surface.
- Cleaning mirrors and glass. Slightly dampen a portion of a cloth and rub the glass surface with it. Once you’ve removed any spots or smudges, use the dry portion of the cloth to dry and polish the surface.
- Cleaning counters. To superficially clean counters, use dry cloths to pick up surface dust, dirt, and hair. To deeply clean counters, slightly dampen a cloth and use your usual cleaning spray.
- Washing dishes. Use just as you would any other dishcloth.
- Mopping floors. You can use a dry cloth to pick up surface dust, dirt, and hair or a slightly damp cloth to wipe down your floors with your usual cleaning solution. You can also purchase mop heads made of microfiber fabrics. Many people who own Swiffer-type mops designed for disposable mopping pads simple attach a microfiber cloth to the mop instead of a disposable pad.
Cleaning microfiber cloths
If you take good care of your microfiber cloths, they should continue to perform at their peak for years.
- Remove trapped dust, dirt, and hair by presoaking the cloths in water and a mild detergent.
- Wash the cloths in cold water (hot water damages the fabric so it is no longer effective). Only wash the cloths with similar fabrics because they will pull lint out of cotton or other materials during the washing process. Bleach and fabric softeners shouldn’t be used (bleach deteriorates the fabric and fabric softeners clog the spaces in the microfibers so they are no longer absorbent).
- Line dry the cloths or use the lowest heat setting on your dryer and do not iron them. This prevents heat damage to the microfibers.
Environmental ramifications
There is debate over the extent to which microfiber cloths are environmentally friendly. They are beneficial to the environment in that they aren’t tossed out in the trash after each use like paper towels, nor do they need replaced as frequently as cotton cloths. Moreover, they significantly reduce the amount of water and cleaning products needed when cleaning (read more about this here).
Despite these advantages, microfiber cloths are made from nonrenewable resources and are not biodegradable. There is also concern about their role in microplastic pollution. This sort of pollution occurs when tiny bits of polyester and acrylic rinse off of fabrics during washing and end up collecting on the coastlines of densely populated areas. Fish can ingest the harmful debris, as can humans when they eat affected fish (read more about this here).
Because consensus regarding the environmental friendliness of these cloths is lacking, it’s probably best to consider your particular habits (such as what equipment and chemicals you use while cleaning) to determine if using these cloths is a good or bad option. Considering my current habits, I believe it is beneficial for me to continue using them (you can see the two types of cloths I use here
Do you use microfiber cloths when you clean? What benefits and drawbacks have you found when using them?
Shared on the following link-ups:
Thrifty Thursday, Works for Me Wednesday, Titus 2 Tuesday & Living Proverbs 31.
I have a couple of microfiber cloths that I use when dusting and wiping down counters.
My husband actually bought them for using on the cars when he cleans them, but I saw how they worked for him and “borrowed” a few!
“Borrowed” them, huh? 🙂
I have several that I use all of the time. I have had them for quite some time and use them regularly. They work well, especially in the dusting area of house keeping and cleaning the cars. They save me a lot of money in that I use fewer paper towels for cleaning glass, basins and tubs. They seem to wear like iron and continue doing the job. They may out live me! LOL
I guess we’ll see just how much longevity they have!
I, too, use fewer paper towels when I have these on hand.
I have been using microfibre cloths for a number of years. They have been very good. However, I only recently learnt of their impact on the environment and will not be buying replacement cloths. The short term gains from using the cloths is not worth the damage their fibres does to sea life in the long term.
Hi Jane,
Thanks for sharing about your decision.
I think we also need to take into consideration what chemical cleaners are doing to our environment and to our health–and to the fish! Microfiber cloths of good quality trap up to 99% of viruses/bacteria with just water and no chemical cleaners are needed.
Most of our clothing is polyester, acrylic, etc. and contribute much more than a few cloths do to harm the fish. A broader look and more research on the subject would be good I would think, as there is still “no concensus” even among scientists.
I have some of these cloths and didn’t realize they are basically plastic. I haven’t had to dispose of any yet and hadn’t considered the environmental impact. Thank you for the information. I will not be buying them again or the microfiber towels that I have and love!
This was fascinating to read. I have a few microfiber cloths. Now I will use them more. Thank you!!
It’s great to have a better understanding, isn’t it?
Thanks for the thorough review! I have read articles raving about the cleaning power of microfiber cloths but never addressing the question of their environmental impact…and I am sad to hear that it’s just like I suspected.
We have a microfiber cloth that we got a long time ago. We only use it for the tasks where that’s kind of the only thing that will work, for example dusting the surface of an oil painting that isn’t under glass–if you use a light touch, a microfiber cloth will remove the dust without flaking the paint.
I can imagine the microfiber cloth is great for dusting an oil painting.
It’s unfortunate that the cloths can have a negative environmental impact because they work so well!
Very interesting article. I sure do love cleaning {not} but I do blog about it, and I’ve recently started using mostly microfiber. I never understood it particularly. I am adding this to my social media, but I didn’t see a twitter account to tag. Either way, know I thought it was helpful.
Hi Hilary,
I’m so glad you found it to be helpful!
I’m not on Twitter, so that’s why you couldn’t find my account. 🙂
Thanks for posting this. I was on unsure about microfiber cloths and this is exactly want I needed and wanted to know.
Hi Anna,
I’m so glad you found the post and that it was useful to you.
Fish lives in water , we live with water , fibres flood in water means it gets everywhere not only into fish tummy
Good point, Bindu. It ultimately impacts us, as well.
I have been on the fence about buying more microfiber cloths, the ones I have were good at first but now they are useless and I am not organized enough to police microfiber towels. Now I have learned two things from this post: there is bad information on the web for taking care of these towels. On one website they said when the towel gets foul and smelly to boil them with baking soda
for 15 minutes. I could be wrong but I dont think plastic can be boiled. Next thing I learned is that this plastic is finding its way to sea life and while yes, we all have acrylic clothes and other things that find there way to the sea as well but do we have to keep piling it on like that? Very informative website and the best I have seen so far. Thanks
I’m glad you found the info to be helpful, Rosie!
I have been a stay at home Dad for over 8 years and I read this article a while back and used to use microfiber towels around the house. I have tried to use less and less paper towels everyday. The non eco-sustainability and non environmentally friendly part of micro fiber towels has always been a key part in making a recent change. I found a multi-purpose cloth that is both eco-sustainable and eco-friendly ….it’s called DURAFRESH cloth. I simply wipe, rinse, and reuse. Simple as that!!!!
Adam
Thanks for the recommendation, Adam.
I love my microfiber cloths, I use them for everything. I have eliminated the need for harmful cleaners. I use dishwasher to clean my counters and wipe clean with microfiber. I use vinegar and water to clean stainless steel and mirror with a microfiber cloth. I use a spray attachment on rubbing alcohol for serious bacteria cleaning with a microfiber cloth. Only wash in cold water and hang to dry. The dryer ruins the finish of the soft fabric and changes the shape. Keep folded in laundry room and use as needed. I have cut down on the use of paper towels so much. Mine have lasted for years.
Thanks for sharing about your experience, Raylene!
I find most people say they care about the environment but really don’t. They care more about their convenience than anything. Like justifying using microfiber even though it’s proven to not break down in the environment.
I think it’s fair to say that most people struggle between what is best for the environment and what is convenient for them. It’s not just microfiber cloths…consider cloth diapers vs. disposable, gas-guzzling vehicles vs. more fuel-efficient ones, etc.
Moreover, sometimes the choice isn’t cut and dry. With microfiber cloths, for example, some people like that they allow them to use fewer cleaning products, many of which are bad for the environment. I think we have to look at all the available info and then start taking steps to do things that are better for the environment.
“I think it’s fair to say that most people struggle between what is best for the environment and what is convenient for them.”
As long as we allow convenience to be a reasonable excuse for not taking care of the environment, we are doomed.
This is definitely something to be concerned about. I’m curious if you can think of effective ways to motivate change when it comes to being more environmentally friendly? What are good ways to help people see that caring for the environment is more important than their personal convenience?
Thanks for such a great article! I too have struggled with do I use microfiber or not. The household cleaners I use are 100% toxin free and I clean with some cut up old t-shirts or cut up old towels. Do I have microfiber ones? Yes I do but I don’t like using them knowing they are bad for the environment plus they dry out my hands when I use them. Is there a way we can get rid of these cloths safely?
Hi Diane,
Everything I’ve read indicates that microfiber cloths are non-recyclable microplastics. 🙁
This is one reason why the issue of using them or not is so complicated. You either have to toss them out like non-recyclable trash, continue to use them, or let them sit there somewhere in your home.
I will do some more research and see if there are any better solutions available.