How to Wash Microfibre Cloths
Microfibre cleans by physical entrapment in split-fibre microchannels. Fabric softener fills those channels permanently. Wash separately from cotton at 40°C maximum with no softener.
The Chemistry
Microfibre is not a single material — it is a manufacturing process applied to polyester and polyamide (nylon). Two polymers that don't bond to each other are co-extruded into a single filament and then mechanically split by high-pressure water jets or a chemical dissolving process. The result is a fibre divided into 16 to 64 wedge-shaped segments — the individual segments are typically 0.1 to 0.5 denier, finer than a strand of silk. The cleaning mechanism of microfibre is primarily physical, not chemical. The wedge-shaped segments create a dense capillary network with a surface area approximately 100 times greater than a conventional cotton fibre of the same weight. When a microfibre cloth is drawn across a surface, the electrostatic charge differential between the fibre and the surface (dust particles, bacteria, and oils are typically negatively charged; the polyester fibre surface is positively charged) causes particles and microorganisms to be drawn into the microchannel spaces and physically held there rather than pushed around. Fabric softener permanently ruins microfibre cloths. Standard fabric softeners are cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium compounds) — they deposit a thin film on fibre surfaces that reduces static and makes the fabric feel smooth. On microfibre, this film coats and fills the microchannel spaces that give the cloth its cleaning performance. The coating cannot be removed by re-washing. A single softener wash can reduce a microfibre cloth's absorption capacity by 50–70% permanently. High wash temperatures also damage microfibre. The polyester fibres have a glass transition temperature of approximately 80–100°C — above this point, the amorphous polymer chains become mobile. Repeated washing above 60°C progressively softens and partially fuses the fibre splits, reducing the number and depth of the microchannels. This degradation is cumulative and irreversible. Lint contamination is the other major issue. Cotton and natural fibres shed short fibre fragments. Microfibre's electrostatic charge actively attracts these fragments into the microchannel structure. Once lodged, lint fragments are very difficult to remove by re-washing because the same electrostatic mechanism that makes microfibre an effective cloth also makes it retain lint aggressively.
Step-by-step
- 1
Wash microfibre separately from cotton
Never wash microfibre cloths with cotton towels, cotton clothing, or any natural fibre. The electrostatic surface of microfibre attracts lint aggressively — a single co-wash with cotton can embed lint in the microchannels that significantly reduces cleaning performance. Wash with other synthetics only, or alone.
- 2
Use cold or warm water — maximum 40°C
Wash at 30–40°C. This is warm enough to remove oils and bacteria effectively while staying well below the temperature range that starts to fuse fibre splits. High-temperature washing is not needed for microfibre because cleaning relies on physical entrapment, not detergent action.
- 3
Use a small amount of liquid detergent with no softener
Liquid detergent is preferable to powder — powder can leave insoluble residue in the microchannels that reduces absorption. Use a small amount (half the normal dose). Crucially: set your machine to skip any automatic fabric softener dispenser. Softener permanently clogs microchannels.
- 4
Never add fabric softener — ever
This cannot be overstated. Fabric softener — liquid or dryer sheet — permanently degrades microfibre in a single use. The cationic surfactant deposits cannot be washed out by subsequent washes. If a cloth has already been softener-washed, performance is permanently reduced. Keep microfibre completely away from softener.
- 5
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat only
Microfibre dries extremely quickly due to the high surface area — air drying takes 30–60 minutes at room temperature. If using a tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting or air-only. Never use high heat — repeated high-heat drying progressively fuses the fibre splits and reduces long-term performance.
- 6
Restore a clogged cloth with a hot rinse (no detergent)
If a microfibre cloth has lost absorption due to product residue (from cleaning sprays, wax, or polish), rinse it under hot running water (60°C+ from the tap) while scrubbing with your fingers. The hot water softens the waxy residue enough to flush it from the channels. This does not restore softener damage but does help with waxy product build-up.
Microfibre cloth types
| Type | Construction | Best use | Wash note | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General-purpose (Terry weave) | Loop pile structure — high surface area both sides | Dusting, wiping, general cleaning — grips dust in loops | 40°C, no softener, air dry | High heat, softener, washing with cotton |
| Glass / polishing (waffle weave) | Flat weave with waffle texture — lower lint release | Glass, chrome, screens — streak-free finish | 30°C, no detergent if possible — rinse only after use | Detergent residue (causes streaking), any softener |
| Automotive detailing | Ultra-soft long pile, usually 500+ GSM | Paintwork, wax removal — very soft to prevent scratching | Cold wash, no detergent (or specialist microfibre wash), air dry only | Any heat, softener, detergent residue, washing with abrasive fabrics |
| Kitchen / antibacterial | Flat weave, sometimes silver-ion treated | Food preparation surfaces — silver ions supplement antimicrobial action | 40°C to preserve silver treatment; hot wash (60°C+) deactivates silver ions | Bleach (degrades silver coating), high heat, softener |
| Flat mop pads | Looped microfibre pile on a backing fabric | Floor cleaning — absorbs and retains floor solution | 40°C, machine wash in mesh bag, air dry | Softener, drying with cotton mop heads that shed lint |
Frequently asked questions
Can you use fabric softener on microfibre cloths?
Never. Fabric softener permanently destroys microfibre performance. The cationic surfactant deposits coat and fill the microchannel spaces between split fibres — the same channels responsible for cleaning by physical entrapment. The coating cannot be removed by re-washing. Even one softener wash can permanently reduce absorption capacity by 50–70%.
Why do microfibre cloths stop being absorbent?
Usually from one of three causes: fabric softener coating the microchannels, wax or cleaning product residue filling them, or lint from cotton fabrics filling them via electrostatic attraction. For wax and product residue, try rinsing under hot water while scrubbing. Softener damage is permanent. Lint from co-washing with cotton is very hard to remove.
What temperature should I wash microfibre cloths at?
30–40°C is ideal. Cold wash removes oils and bacteria effectively through physical detergent action. Above 60°C, the polyester fibre begins approaching glass transition temperature, and repeated high-heat washes progressively fuse the split fibre structure. 40°C is the maximum for routine washing.
Can microfibre cloths go in the tumble dryer?
Yes, on the lowest heat setting only. Microfibre dries quickly at room temperature anyway — typically 30–60 minutes air dry. High heat in the dryer accelerates the fusing of split fibre edges, reducing the depth and number of microchannels over time. Never use high heat or a heated dryer setting with microfibre.