Microfiber Fabric - The Best Choice for Streak-free Window Cleaning

Introduction to Microfiber Fabric

Microfiber fabric, often referred to simply as microfiber, has become one of the most popular types of fabric for cleaning and dusting. Microfiber gets its name from the very fine fibers that the fabric is made from. These polyester and polyamide fibers have a diameter thinner than one denier, which is about 1/10th the size of a human hair.

The thin fibers in microfiber fabrics create a soft, smooth surface area that is great for cleaning. Microfiber is also very absorbent and fast drying. All of these beneficial properties make microfiber fabric ideal for crafting high quality cleaning tools like cloths, mops, and dusters.

Key Properties of Microfiber Fabric

There are a few key properties that define microfiber fabrics:

• Extremely fine fibers - thinner than 1 denier
• Lightweight and soft to the touch
• Very absorbent - can hold up to 8 times its weight in liquid
• Fast drying
• Lint-free
• Durable and long-lasting

These traits make microfiber perfect for holding onto and trapping dirt, grease, and moisture without leaving behind lint or damaging surfaces. Microfiber cloths can clean using just water, without the need for cleaning chemicals in many cases.

Common Uses for Microfiber

With its excellent cleaning abilities, microfiber has found use in many cleaning applications:

• Window and glass cleaning cloths
• Dusting and detail cleaning cloths
• Mops
• Dusters
• Cleaning pads

Microfiber is also popular for use in towels and bath mats. It offers softness, absorption, and durability when used for personal hygiene and bath applications.

Using Microfiber for Window Cleaning

One of the most popular uses for microfiber fabric is for cleaning glass surfaces like windows, mirrors, lenses, screens, and more. The fine fibers and absorbent, lint-free properties of microfiber make it the ideal choice of fabric for getting a perfectly clean, streak-free shine on delicate glass.

Microfiber vs Paper Towels

Paper towels have traditionally been a common go-to option for window cleaning tasks. However, microfiber offers some important advantages over paper towels:

• More absorbent - Holds significantly more liquid than paper towels.
• Reusable - Microfiber cloths can be washed and reused over and over.
• Greener - Reusable microfiber reduces waste compared to disposable paper towels.
• Lint-free - Does not leave behind fuzz that causes streaks and smudges.

With their superior cleaning power and reusability, microfiber cloths are more economical and better for window cleaning vs traditional options like paper towels.

Microfiber Window Cleaning Methods

Microfiber window cloths are easy and straightforward to use. Here is a quick 3-step process:

1. Wet the microfiber cloth in clean water. No chemical cleaners are required, but distilled water works best to prevent mineral deposits from tap water.
2. Wring out any excess moisture so the cloth is damp but not dripping.
3. Gently wipe down the glass surface in a swirling or circular motion, lightly overlapping strokes as you clean. Allow the microfiber to do the work of grabbing and absorbing dirt - no need to press or scrub hard.

It is important not to use a dirty microfiber cloth when cleaning windows, as grease and debris previously picked up could get deposited back on the glass. Make sure to rinse excess dirt out of window cleaning cloths between uses.

Choosing the Best Microfiber for Windows

Not all microfiber fabrics are created equal when it comes to the specialized task of window cleaning. Some types are better suited for glass and delicate surfaces than others.

Microfiber Weaves and Textures

Microfiber window cloths usually utilize an extremely fine 80/20 blend of polyamide and polyester fibers, even finer than general purpose microfibers. This thin microfiber is then woven into differing patterns, offering different surface textures.

For glass cleaning uses, smooth woven microfiber is the top choice. It will not scratch delicate surfaces like screens and lenses. Some options like waffle weave microfiber have more nooks and crannies to trap dirt, but the texture is less ideal for glass and windows.

Color Considerations

Light-colored window cleaning microfibers are best, like white, yellow, blue, or light green. That allows you to see dirt and grime easily to monitor how clean the windows are getting.

Dark microfiber might look dirty even when the glass is clean. Plus light colors heat up better in the dryer to sanitize cloths between uses.

Microfiber Thickness

Microfiber window cloths are usually on the thinner side - a thinner fabric allows for more direct contact between the tiny microfiber strands and the glass for superior cleaning action.

However, a too-thin microfiber could be prone to rips or tears over time with repeated use and washing. Strike a balance by selecting mid-weight microfiber window cloths around 200-300 gsm thickness.

Caring for Microfiber Window Cloths

With proper maintenance and care, quality microfiber window cleaning cloths will provide reliable service for years before needing replacement. Here are some microfiber cloth care tips:

• Machine wash cloths frequently using mild detergent
• Use hot water settings in washer and dryer cycles
• Do not use fabric softeners or bleach - this coats microfiber fibers reducing cleaning capabilities
• Replace cloths once they start appearing worn, ripped, overly dirty, or no longer absorbent
• Avoid scrubbing glass or windows aggressively with microfiber to prevent scratches

By washing microfiber window cloths regularly in hot water without softeners, you can keep them like new while removing dirty buildup for effective ongoing glass cleaning.

Storing Microfiber Cloths

It is best to store clean microfiber cloths in an airtight container or sealable bag. Keeping them covered preserves the positive static charge on the fine fibers that attracts dirt and dust particles. Microfiber window cleaning cloths stored properly will be ready to tackle glass surfaces when it is time for your next cleaning session.

FAQs

Can I use microfiber cloths for cleaning exterior windows and mirrors?

Yes, microfiber window cleaning cloths work extremely well on exterior glass surfaces like house and car windows. Just be sure to rinse out the cloths frequently when cleaning outdoors, so grit and debris from outside does not scratch the glass.

How many times can microfiber cloths be reused?

With proper care, high-quality microfiber window cleaning cloths can be washed and reused regularly for up to a few years. Replace the cloths when they appear worn, are no longer absorbent, or begin to leave streaks behind.

Is it okay to use chemical cleaners on microfiber?

Harsh cleaning chemicals can degrade microfiber cloth fibers over time. For simple window cleaning, water is all you need along with the power of microfiber. If using chemical cleaners, thoroughly rinse out cloths afterwards.

Can I wash microfiber window cloths with regular towels and fabrics?

It is best to wash microfiber separately from other laundry using a gentle detergent, hot water, and no fabric softeners or bleach. Washing together could lead to lint sticking to the microfiber reducing cleaning performance.