Everything You Need to Know About Best Microfibers by CleansGreen

Learning about microfiber and your cleaning supplies will help save you money when you know how to make your cleaning supplies last longer. For instance, selecting a fiber (a.k.a., split microfiber) for your cloths that ultimately lasts longer than say the go-to cotton rag, as well as taking proper care of the that fiber has the potential to double its longevity.

Microfiber has caused a stir in the industry because it is one of the newest technologies that have entered the cleaning world. This versatile and highly absorbent material has quickly become the cleaning and polishing fabric of choice in all facets of cleaning thus replacing traditional cleaning techniques. Furthermore its popularity has skyrocketed as more and more people understand the value of the product. Because you can use fewer (or none) of the traditional (and toxic) chemical cleaners yet still clean (even remove dangerous germs), split microfiber cleaning tools are classified as green cleaning products. A safe green clean with the use of microfiber (in all forms) is desirable for a multitude of reasons:

• Uses less energy and effort to achieve the same clean results than you do with the traditional cleaning methods
• Reduces (or eliminates) the need for additional chemical cleaners, many of which are harmful to you, your loved ones, your pets, and our planet
• Proves to be cost effective when considering both the resulting chemical inventory reduction coupled with the lifespan of the best microfibers
• All of the products are lightweight to begin with, so when they absorb at least seven times is its weight in liquid they eliminate the potential strain on you while you are cleaning.  Thus contributing to proper ergonomic practices for the task at hand.
• Allergy resistant. Because microfiber is hypoallergenic it is the fiber of choice for those that have allergies and are sensitive to different things that may cause an allergic reaction

Dust and Dirt

While dirt may be more obvious since we see “the mud on our shoes”, etc. understanding the sources of “dust” and the Science of Dust Bunnies helps you to know why it is so important to dust and how to use the best microfibers for your cleaning. Despite the popular belief, of “No Need to Dust, It is Harmless”, dusting can be harmful and it is a necessary, if undesirable task.

As such it helps to understand first, what is dust (Dust is typically considered to be any finely divided solid material that is 500 microns or smaller in diameter.) and then what some of the more common dust sources are.

• Fabrics with their tiny fibers that get rubbed off, float away, and settle
• Our skin that is constantly flaking off becomes about 70% of dust
• Pet danger, the dead skin that our pets shed, fur or feathers can also become a significant source of dust
• Anything with a pile (rugs, entry mats, even furniture upholstery) will grab and collect dust
• Tiny particles of “dirt” and sand that we bring in from the outside
• “Dust mites”, cockroaches, and other small critters that leave excrement and insect shells during their life and then die in our homes and offices
• Pollen, the fertilizing element of flowering plants, consisting of fine, powdery, yellowish grains, sometimes in masses
• Mildew and mold spores. These are fungi that can spread by wind in dry climates, as well as with fog and dew in moist ones
• Paper fibers

“Dust Collectors”

Knowing what items contribute to dust formation will help you to manage the situation and in some cases eliminate it. While some of these create dust, they also capture dust until released by disturbance (small or large).

• Fabrics
• Rugs and carpets
• Upholstery and cushions
• Drapes
• Furnace filters that have been in place too long
• Door Mats

How to Eliminate the Dust

Coupling knowledge of where dust comes from and where it may be stored helps to understand how to remove and/or avoid dust collection.

• Frequent changing of furnace filters. (Using a “pleated electrostatic filter” for your furnace is the best strategy.)
• Storing clothes rarely used in garment bags.
• Washing bedsheets/pillows weekly. As well as shaking blankets and bedspreads frequently.
• Vacuum all upholstered furniture weekly.
• Eliminating dust collectors (i.e., rugs, excessive décor, upholstery, and drapery) and replacing them with hard surfaces (e.g., selecting hard floor, leather, blinds, and removal of knickknacks). For example: Replacing carpet with hardwood or tile and upholstered furniture with leather.
• Turning on the fan of your heating system to filter the air while cleaning “kicks it up” so that you can pick it up.
• Practicing good hygiene for us and our pets, i.e., wash the dead skin from your pet release it down the drain.
• Placing door mats near entry doors to trap dirt from the outdoors coupled with frequent cleaning.
• Controlling when the windows are open.  For instance, keeping the window closed during blooming season will reduce pollen and closing windows when it is windy will minimize dust and dirt being brought inside.
• Lowering your home humidity below 50% will eliminate (or at least reduce) dust mites, according to the American Lung Association.
• Washing your bedding regularly in hot water and mopping floors also helps.

Explaining What is Microfiber

As mentioned leveraging split microfiber in your cleaning tools (such as cloths, dusters, mops, mitts) is the way to go. It is not only popular, but more importantly it is effective. Understanding what microfiber is will help ensure you select only the best microfibers.

Microfiber is a textile fiber that is VERY fine yet very strong. While microfiber is used for clothing, what is used for cleaning and cleaning products has a very different characteristic and thus should not be confused! The best microfibers for cleaning has several distinct features:

• The best fiber is a blend of Polyester and Polyamide (a nylon byproduct). The polyester is the scrubbing fiber and the polyamide is the absorbing and quick drying fiber. Additionally Polyester is lyophilic, i.e., attracting oil and grease which will bond directly within the fibers until it is washed out. Whereas, Polyamide is hydrophilic, which means it has a chemical affinity to water. The best microfibers for cleaning products are an 80% mix of polyester and a 20% mix of polyamide. Yes, other combinations are available, but seek the best microfibers, i.e., an 80-20 mix.
• The fiber itself is extremely fine. Finer than other textile fibers, including silk. Technically to be classified as “microfiber” it must be less than 1 denier. Fabrics with a low denier count tend to be sheer, soft, and silky. Most split microfiber used in the cleaning and JanSan industry is even finer, 0.2 denier or less. (A denier is a unit of linear weight by which the fineness of a fiber (silk, rayon, or nylon yarn) is measured, equal to the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of the yarn and often used to describe the thickness of hosiery.) Compare split microfiber at 0.2 denier to a single strand of silk at 8 denier, or a human hair at 20 denier. To put this into perspective, microfiber is smaller than 1/20th the diameter of silk and 1/100th the diameter of human hair. This is tiny – typically you can find around 200,000 fibers in per square INCH of a material!
• The best microfibers are split. These are split DURING the manufacturing process.
  Manufacturing creates a very thin filament that has been extruded with the two synthetic polymers (Polyester and Polyamide) before being processed mechanically and chemically to be broken into finer parts. Looking at a cross section of an individual fiber it looks like an asterisk (or a bunch of splits on a single strand of hair). This provides lots of spaces in the fiber. It is the split conjugated fiber with lots of spaces between the splits that does the work of picking up dust and dirt, as well as absorb the liquids involved in cleaning up.
• This network of fibers is then woven, knit, and manufactured in distinct ways, producing different varieties for a myriad of uses, including cloths, towels, mops, mitts, and dusters.

Note: Microfiber that is processed and is neither of a mixed fiber content nor split is known as a “flat weave.” It will actually repel water rather than absorb it. This is used in the textile industry for a variety of applications you may be familiar with and found in clothing, watchbands, and furniture. While they may be amongst the best microfibers, they have been specifically designed for these purposes because they NOT absorbent. While this lack of absorbency is beneficial to you the textile owner, as they have a lower tendency to stain yet are still soft to the touch, it is of little use in cleaning.

Simply put, microfiber cleaning products work because each tiny little fiber has an incredible amount of surface area. This means there is more space for dirt and liquid to bond to. Furthermore, the smaller fibers can reach the cracks and crevices that are too small for other materials.

How to Know the Best Microfibers

For obvious reasons in using specialized cloths, as we are discussing, you want the highest quality and best microfibers available. While you should not rely on a single test, a combination of  easy-to-perform tests will increase your confidence of the product quality.

First and foremost the fiber must be split for all of the reasons described above. After all you do not want to clean with your clothes do you? Since you will not pull out a microscope each time you are in the market to purchase a microfiber cleaning product, you must rely on the manufacturer’s information. Do not assume that the fibers are split if it is not marketed as such. When “trained” you often can feel the split fibers by rubbing the cloth over your skin. Does it grab the imperfections in your skin? If so, you have split fibers in your hand. By the way, if the fiber is not split its effectiveness will not be any better than your standard cotton rag.

Another test is the stretch test of woven cloths. Generally if it stretches like a rubber band, it is not a good sign since you want a superior woven product, not one that looks good (especially the terry form of microfiber products), but does not perform as desired.

Next simple analysis is the weight and the density of this green cleaning product. Your goal is to have lots of microfiber in each towel so that you have the largest amount of surface area with which to clean. If you hold up the cloth to a light source and see light seepage as you would with muslin or cheesecloth, you will know immediately it is not a high density weave. While you may not want to physically weigh your microfiber products, the heavier it is, the higher quality it will be. There is a direct correlation. This is because the heavier it is the more microfiber it will have. More microfiber means more cleaning power, more absorption, and greater durability. Furthermore less dense cloths are more abrasive to delicate surfaces. The best microfibers (towel or cloth) will have at least 250 grams per square meter.

Finally – How absorbent is the cloth? Create a small “puddle of water” and see how the cloth reacts as you bring it to the spot of water. The way the best microfibers work is that it will “suck up the water” like a vacuum and then wick it through the cloth. You do not want to see the cloth “push” the water away. The “flat weave”, a.k.a. not split fiber, loses over half of its absorbing and cleaning ability. (Note, sometimes a new split microfiber cloth requires “priming”, i.e., thoroughly wetting it and letting it dry a couple of times, before it achieves its greatest efficacy.)

Using these simple tests, will assist in building your confidence that you are making an economically smart purchase decision.

Why Split Microfiber Works for Cleaning

The edges on each fiber that is created during the splitting process acts like millions of tiny hooks (created by the splitting process) or microscopic squeegees, thus “scraping” up the dust and dirt (whether wet or dry) while the open spaces between the splits holds the dirt and dust particles, trapping them inside the towel and not letting it go until it is washed (or shaken HARD to break the natural positive-negative charge/bond) to release it.

The split fibers provide significantly more surface area for each fiber. When split each of the hundreds of thousands of fibers have multiple edges which pick up and hold dirt and dust. Furthermore, unlike traditional rags, the smaller fibers of microfiber can get into the nooks and crannies that other materials cannot. With the more spaces that result in a split microfiber, more dust, dirt, and liquid is picked up than with traditional cotton, disposable cleaning towels, or low quality microfiber cloths. Additionally, water and/or your favorite liquid cleaner loosens the dirt making it easier to remove (and hold) it while cleaning.

Dust holds negative charge while each of those tiny fibers is positively charged (as you often experience with static electricity in your polyester clothes). The attraction that results is like dust leaping up towards the microfiber, just as paper clips will leap towards a magnet. While this is not the only reason why microfiber is so effective, it certainly is a contributing factor.

As the wisdom of a North American Proverb reminds us, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”  It is important that we adopt and integrate into our daily living as many earth friendly behaviors as possible.  All of features outlined above contribute to ensuring the microfiber selected to be one of the best green cleaning products available. Enabling you to also protect the environment and YOUR health.

In summary, as explained in the CleansGreen® video, microfiber is effective when used dry or with water because it cleans surfaces mechanically, not chemically.

Why “Just Water” Works so Well with Microfiber

Have you ever wondered why microfiber works so well as a chemical free cleaner? Traditional cleaning textiles depend on absorbing. A standard cotton mop works by absorbing the cleaning chemical and water, which emulsifies the soil. Split microfiber with its microscopic “squeegees”, however, adds a mechanical action to any chemical action to remove soils from surfaces.

Furthermore regular tap water is a slight solvent and able to naturally dissolve and help remove soils and contaminants from all types of surfaces. The water assists in dissolving the grime and soils coupled with the split microfibers that provide the necessary agitation to loosen and then remove the dirt from the surface being cleaned. Using the best microfibers, the result is even better.

Note: Sometimes chemicals may still be required for certain applications, including when the soil is stuck onto the surface. The majority of soils can be removed with water and the best microfibers alone.

Why Microfiber is Best for Allergy Sufferers

Millions of people suffer year-round from allergy symptoms that have been caused by a variety of indoor allergens, including dust, dead skin, animal dander, dust mite & cockroach droppings, molds, and pollen. Having allergies is difficult and can make life unpleasant at a minimum and potentially prove to be lethal at their worst.  As a result, “Dusting is Hard with Allergies and Asthma.”

It has also been found that household dust absorbs toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances, thus further exasperating those that are already sensitive. Split microfiber is hypoallergenic since it actually traps and removes dust (not just move it around as other fibers do). Because the microfiber filaments are positively charged and dust/dirt carry a negative charge using the best microfibers will literally pick up and remove the dust.

Furthermore since the best microfibers are effective with or without chemicals, it is an even better cleaning choice. Michael Archibald, Director of the study conducted by the prestigious Royal Roads University, in Victoria, British Columbia, concluded, “This system is simple, efficient, and effective, and represents the next generation in cleaning systems. Lastly, this system is as effective as cleaning with chemicals.” These are strong words from a university that states its goal “is to become a global leader in environmental sustainability through innovative strategies, which foster the protection and preservation of the environment.”

For allergy sufferers, the best microfibers may reduce the health risks from asthma and chemical insensitivities.

Microfibers Have Antimicrobial Properties

The best microfibers also have antimicrobial properties. Microfiber fibers are so small that they clean on a microscopic scale. Microfiber, with all of its tiny surfaces that were mechanically created as a result of the splitting process, can pick up (and remove) bacteria. Rayon and cotton fibers are large round fibers and are not able to pick up the bacteria in the same way. According to tests using microfiber to clean a surface, the number of bacteria remaining on a surface that has been cleaned with a split microfiber cloth is reduced by 99%.  In comparison, with a conventional cleaning material, it has been found to reduce the number of bacteria by only 33%.

How to Most Effectively Use the Best Microfibers

Having tips and tricks for a product that may be new to you will enable you to get the most out of your purchase and to ensure the best cleaning result.  Several articles that provide these are available, such as “How to Dust Better | 8 Eco Tips from Green Cleaning Products” and “15 How To Dust Tips and Tricks for Green Cleaning”.

Microfiber works equally well dry as it does wet. Used dry, the split microfibers act like a dust magnet. Used wet, with simply water or maybe a tiny amount of detergent, the fibers become formidable scrubbers, easily tackling the toughest grime. Obviously cleaning effectiveness will be greatest when the technique appropriately matches the situation.

Using a clean cloth will ensure an even better result. This can be accomplished by folding your cloth rather than just wadding it up and wiping. The best scenario on folding it is to start with a large 16” by 16” cloth and fold it into quarters. In doing so you will then have EIGHT clean surfaces that you can use on the same cloth. It may take some practice to break the habit of just wadding it up, but it works! Note: When the cloth made of the best microfibers begins to streak, it is likely the time to change the cloth since that is an indication that those tiny spaces are becoming overloaded.

Because it is split and so soft the best microfibers are the ideal choice for gently buffing dirt particles off delicate glass and paint surfaces, without fear of abrasion. Imagine cleaning and buffing with a fabric that is softer than the finest silk.

Staring with the dry method will allow you to dust or polish, as well as cleaning windows and mirrors and so much more.

Because the microfiber is so absorbent, if you choose to use a cleaner of your choice, use the chemical sparingly. Ideally spray the cleaning surface to dampen it and then use the cloth to buff it dry.

When the dry cloth is “full” or becomes damp from the cleaner, rinse it out to release this dust and dirt then wring it so it is just damp. Then continue cleaning using the wet method with your cloth; again with your 8 clean surfaces. The wet (a.k.a. damp) method of cleaning is best for cleaning appliances, cleaning the car, scrubbing bathrooms, wiping down kitchen counters and cabinets, washing windows. Namely the damp cloth will remove smudged dirt, grease or stains. Because the best microfibers are so absorbent it allows you to clean surfaces like mirrors, windows, and counters without streaking. You would be amazed how far a single cloth will take you.

When using the “wet” method if you do not wring it out there is a reduction in how much more it can absorb. Since the split microfiber is so absorbent it becomes superior for cleaning up spills allowing you to forgo the traditional disposable products, such as paper towels. A good mantra when using this method of cleaning is to Wet ~ Wring ~ Wipe.

When cared for properly obtaining several hundred washings out of a single cloth is not unusual. In fact it will last significantly longer than a cotton rag there the fibers ultimately break down and the rag begins to look more like Swiss cheese than a usable cloth with all of the holes that form.

Color Code Your Microfiber

Microfiber typically is available in a variety of colors. Besides the fun of using the different colors, there is real benefit for doing so. Color coding your microfiber by selecting different colors for different tasks will minimize transferring bacteria from one area to another.

Preventing this transference of bacteria from one area to another is known as cross contamination and is critically important. After all, you probably would not use a cleaning cloth on a toilet and then go use it to wipe down your kitchen counters, at least not on purpose.

Cross contamination causes infections. Preventing cross contamination is a big part of commercial cleaning.

You can select whatever color scheme you want. For instance use one color in the kitchen (such as yellow), another color microfiber in the bathroom (perhaps green), and a third color for general cleaning (maybe navy blue).

Some color combinations that are often implemented are:

• Hospital setting: The services staff might use blue and pink microfiber towels in a maternity ward, burgundy microfiber towels in an operating room and orange microfiber towels to clean the lobby.
• Auto detailer: They might choose to use black microfiber towels to clean wheels, gray microfiber towels to clean a car’s interior and white microfiber towels to clean windows and mirrors.

How to Best Lengthen the Effectiveness of Your Microfiber

The high density of fibers found in split microfiber material results in a fabric that is durable enough to withstand hundreds of washings. Since microfiber cloths, rags, towels, dusters, and mops are highly re-usable and will withstand many more washings than typical alternatives, they prove to be extremely cost effective, especially when proper care is used.

First and foremost is to make sure that the split microfiber is never ever washed or dried with fabric softener. This means fabric softener in any form during either the wash or dry cycles, whether the fabric softener is liquid, included in the laundry detergent, or as a “dryer sheet”. Do NOT use these products when washing our microfiber. Fabric softener works on our clothes because it effectively COATS our clothes giving us the perception that it is softer and has a “fresh clean smell”. Because fabric softener is designed to coat the fibers, it effectively clogs each of the open spaces between the splits in the fiber to render the product useless. Furthermore, fabric softener also is designed to remove static electricity. When there is no longer a static charge between the fibers and dust, the microfiber will not be as effective in “grabbing” the dust and dirt particles.

Secondly, it is best not to use bleach. Bleach is a strong “base” or alkaline, usually with a pH around 12. It is corrosive. As a result bleach will break down the fibers. While bleach can be used washing microfiber, realize that its life span will shorten. (Note: If you are using a color coded microfiber system, you may wish to use bleach to disinfect the bathroom with the understanding that the cloth used will not last as long as similar microfiber cloths.)

It is smart to keep any split microfiber product away from excessive heat due to the nature of the fiber’s composition, namely Polyester and nylon (Polyamide). Because of the potential for high heat in a dryer, establishing a practice of air drying the microfiber products will lead to the longest life span of the cleaning product. Good news is that microfiber dries fairly quickly.

Cleaning microfiber either by hand or your washing machine is great. Using warm or hot water will help to “open up the split fibers” thus enhancing the opportunity for the dirt and dust that was trapped to be released. Rinsing thoroughly will ensure a soap residue is not left.

A soft bristle brush can be used to scrub stains when needed. That said, although it may be counterintuitive, microfiber will still work just as effectively when it is stained.

Some fabrics are lint givers and other fabrics are lint grabbers. Microfiber is notoriously a lint grabber. As a result it is helpful to plan to only launder microfiber with microfiber. If, however, you do mix microfiber with other items in the laundry stay away from anything made of cotton, especially terry towels, flannel sheets, and socks. Alternatively since microfiber dries so quickly air drying or drying microfiber with microfiber on low (or no) heat is a good practice to minimize the lint that may be picked up.

Where Microfibers Are Not the Best Application

As advantageous and valuable as the best microfibers are for cleaning, there are some applications where microfiber is not the appropriate material to pick.

For instance, some chemicals are incompatible with microfiber, especially chemicals with strong pH (acidic or alkaline). These chemicals (such as bleach) can attack and break down the fabric material itself.

Microfiber does not work well for heavy, liquid soils. Even though microfiber is highly absorbent, it is not recommended for mopping up big spills or transferring large amounts of liquid.

Another job where microfiber is not appropriate is on an ultra-high-speed machine. Since microfiber, when split, has a lot of surface area it builds friction. This might burn the surface or damage the machine’s motor.

Microfiber does best on smoother surfaces. Rough concrete or roughhewn wood is not the best surface for microfiber because it will tear up the pad or duster, thus shortening its lifespan.

Microfiber Cleaning Tools Ensure a Safe, Green, Clean

Microfiber tools are the latest invention in the cleaning industry, especially if you are seeking a method to reduce the exposure to the traditional, toxic cleaners.  Microfiber is extremely effective in dusting, polishing, and cleaning due to the unique fiber design. The individual fibers of any microfiber cleaning product are split as well as being up to 100 times finer than a human hair. These tiny fibers grab and hold dust and dirt as no other fiber used in the cleaning industry does.

Green Cleaning Products LLC offers a wide variety of the best microfibers for your cleaning applications whatever it may be.

Best Microfibers Available in Many Forms for Cleaning

Terry Loop Microfiber Cloth

The terry loop is by far the most popular and most common form of microfiber cleaning cloths. They are a great general purpose cleaning cloth and work for any job. It is recommended if you are unsure of which is the best microfiber for your specific application. The majority of professional cleaners use this since it may be more absorbent than some of the other forms.

All-purpose terry microfiber cloths and towels are generally constructed from woven Polyester / Polyamide blend split microfiber. The open spaces in the fibers created by the splitting process are what give the towels its ability to hold dust and dirt as well as its ability to absorb liquid. With hundreds of thousands of split fibers on each cloth or towel, there are several advantages:

• Softest and best of the microfiber options
• No risk of scratching or smudging surfaces
• Lint free terry type that are able to clean aggressively without being abrasive
• Safe to use on windows, smooth and coarse surfaces as well as automotive finishes
• Green, eco-friendly alternative to using a cleaning cloth treated with chemicals or a traditional chemical spray and wipe method
• When cared for properly they last hundreds of washings

The best microfibers cloths will have a 4 thread (not just the standard 2 or 3 thread) overlock border sewn edge, which greatly increases the life of the towel.

Terry loop microfiber towels can be used dry as a duster or damp as a scrubber. When used dry the positively charged split fibers attract negatively charged dust and dirt like a magnet. When using the microfiber towels damp, the squeegee like edges of each microfiber in a microfiber cleaning cloth scrape up the dirt. The open spaces keep the dirt in the split microfiber.

Why these are the go-to form of microfiber:

• A great combination of economy and durability, these are the perfect thickness for nearly all cleaning applications
• Softer, yet more durable, than all other general purpose cleaning option available on the market
• Better absorption and durability than most other cleaning alternatives
• Safe on smooth and finished surfaces, windows, plus more
• Lasts through hundreds of washings, best deal for your money
• Get rid of the harmful chemicals. Cleans and sanitizes both dry or damp without chemicals

For example, in healthcare applications, towels are a perfect complement to microfiber mopping programs. Clean and wipe all touch surfaces in a patient room with a towel damp disinfectant solution. As with microfiber floor mops, depositing the towel in soil container after finishing each room will prevent cross contamination.  These are available in the CleansGreen® Cleaning Kits, such as the Disinfectant Kit by CleansGreen® or the CleansGreen® Kids Cleaning Kit.

Spunlace Microfiber

Spunlace is a non-woven split microfiber towel with no pile. Just as with terry microfiber, the open spaces in the fibers created by the splitting process are what give the towels its ability to hold dust and dirt, as well as its capability to absorb liquid.

These are:

• Durable, yet inexpensive enough to dedicate these cloths for those dirty, hard to clean, one-shot jobs like painting, auto detailing and repair, arts and crafts, and more where the power of microfiber is desired but the job may ruin a woven towel
• They can be rinsed out or can be machine washed. Once laundered they can feel as soft as a chamois (shammy)
• Compared with using paper towels, you will save money and get a much better clean. These are much more absorbent than a standard, store-bought paper towel with the cleaning power of terry loop microfiber
• The edges of the towels are cut so there is nothing that will scratch painted or polished surfaces and nothing that can unravel
• Flexible since there are no sewn borders, thus nothing to unravel, these cloths can be custom cut to fit any application

In addition to the standard application of cleaning windows and mirrors a streak free cloth, other excellent applications are to use it for:

• Biohazards such as medical use where the absorbency of microfiber is needed since it can be disposed after use
• Sensitive surfaces that can easily be damaged by a terry microfiber cloth if it has picked up grit or other abrasive particles during use. The flat, non-rugged spunlace microfiber cloth tends to be less prone to retaining grit

The CleansGreen® Spunlace Microfiber Cloth is available from Amazon.

Microfiber Silk Cloth

Microfiber silk cloths are designed specifically to effortlessly remove finger prints, skin oils, sunscreens, insect repellents, dust and other particles from all smooth surfaces, especially lenses.

Cleaning oils and grease from lenses (and glass/windows) is hard. Other types of fabrics will just spread and smear oils and grease across the surface. Microfiber, especially silk cloths, have the ability to trap the dirt in its many filaments and splits so it does not smear.

While they are not actually silk, they do have a silk like texture and feel. Like other best microfibers, each cloth features hundreds of thousands of tiny microfibers which will lift and remove contaminants.

These are thinner than other microfiber cloths. The thinness proves to be perfect for a variety of applications. Most frequently folks use these to clean their eye glasses and electronics. Like other microfiber cleaning cloth, these will last through hundreds of washings, best deal for your money. Rather than using those expensive throw-away towels or the cheap microfiber that will wear out on you after just a few uses.

Typically these are finished with pinked (zig zag) edges which will not unravel.

Depending on the delicacy of the surface that needs to be cleaned, a suggestion is to first gently use the cloth to lightly sweep away contaminants. Then take the cloth in your fingers to wipe away any remaining contaminants until a clean, clear surface is achieved.

Often these the silk microfiber cloths are received as “give-aways.” It pays to have bunch of them so you will always have one available. Keep one in your pocket, one in the glove box, a few in the junk drawer, one in your glasses case, and one in your computer bag.  Depending on how the cloth is stored, make sure to shake it hard to remove any grit that could scratch your surface.

They are so compact, there is really no reason not to always have them around.

Microfiber Suede Cloth

Microfiber suede cloth is an animal-free imitation suede leather-like product. It is a great microfiber option for cleaning and dusting TV screens, computers screens (desktop, laptop, and tablet), artwork, and other delicate surfaces.

Like the loop terry microfiber cloths, the brushed suede cloth is napped microfiber that are made up of hundreds of thousands of split fibers which allow the cloths to clean aggressively without being abrasive. They are thicker than the silk microfiber cloths, but still feel soft and smooth like suede.

Some other superb specialized applications of microfiber suede cloths are:

• Polishing jewelry, crystal stemware, and flatware
• Industrial critical cleaning; keeping things clean during manufacturing especially when using materials such as plastics, acrylics; and other surfaces prone to scratching
• For backpacking, camp, yoga, and gym towels when in the largest size, because they are so absorbent, compact, ultralight yet quick drying and soft

The best microfibers in suede cloths are constructed from woven Polyester / Polyamide blend microfiber for a nonabrasive, lint-free, quick drying, yet lightweight product.

The CleansGreen® Cleaning Kits include BOTH the Silk Microfiber and the Suede Cloths as bonuses to you.

Microfiber Mops

Until a few years ago, mop design had not advanced. Mop yarn and cloth fiber were pretty straightforward, i.e., large, cotton or rayon threads woven or twisted into usable form. Today more than 90% of the mopping in the United States uses a traditional string mop, yet the microfiber mops continue to gain popularity.

According to a study conducted by the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences, in this traditional mopping system, the water and mop head soil rapidly after the first few dips into the mop bucket. Potential contaminants and soil are thus redistributed to the floor and/or grout lines after the first 1,000 square feet of mopping. This cleaning methodology may damage building interiors, specifically the vertical baseboard grout lines causing a “ring around the building” when the string mop, saturated with dirty mop water, is maneuvered close to the floor edges. Over time, an unintended consequence of mopping lowers appearance-based cleaning scores. Eventually the soiled grout will cost time and money in grout restoration.

When used properly, microfiber mopping systems can clean floors 45% better than traditional string mops, while reducing water and chemical consumption by up to 90%.  Microfiber mops are designed with a flat floor pad coupled with a handle that is ergonomic and lightweight.

Whereas a traditional cotton string mop might be eight or 10 pounds when wet, a microfiber flat mop will weigh less than three pounds wet. To put this into perspective, microfiber tools are often considered appropriate for light-duty work when injured employees return from workers-comp leave.

Flat mops are very versatile and effective. The low profile and “footprint” of a microfiber mop pad allow the mop head to reach hard-to-clean areas such as behind toilets or vertical partitions. This combination results in low-moisture cleaning that is both effective and safer.

Microfiber mops may appear to be more expensive, but when the system is analyzed over time, it is not. While a single cotton mop head is less expensive than a single microfiber mop pad, but over time it is not. Traditional cotton mops are bargain priced, at a few dollars per head, but will last only 50 machine laundering cycles before replacement is required. After repeated laundering, the cotton mop head begins to pill and shred leaving streaking or inconsistent appearance.

For many facilities, this means hundreds of cotton mop heads are being replaced every week. Microfiber mop heads will cost more, but the heads/pads are designed for use even after hundreds of washings and will still remove 99% of surface bacteria.

After factoring in three to six months of replacement costs — including the added cost of laundering microfiber after every use — microfiber surpasses cotton, not only in sanitation, but also in value. As an example, one integrated facilities services company discovered that the switch to microfiber mop heads cut replacements from 12 cotton string mop heads per week to one microfiber mop head every eight weeks!

To recap, microfiber surpasses cotton, in sanitation, weight, flexibility, ease of use, cost, and environmental friendliness.

Microfiber Mitt

A microfiber mitt is a one size fits all large mitten that is made of the same terry microfiber that is used in the general purpose cloths, yet are a customized shape for ease of use in special applications. This permits you to dust and clean anything you can grab.

The best microfibers mitts features plush microfiber material sewn into a mitten shape coupled with a durable elastic cuff for the wrist. The wrist band provides comfort to the user while also being, as well as can be used on either hand equally effectively. Like other microfiber, the mitt serves as a great duster that works extremely well with or without adding any chemicals or cleaners.

The mitt is perfect for:

• Dusting odd shaped objects such as banisters, chairs and other ornate items that might be difficult to get good coverage on with a standard microfiber dusting cloth
• Cleaning dual surfaces simultaneously, e.g., window blinds, shutters, and ceiling fans
• Cleaning a car where you want to easily cover a large area

The microfiber mitt also does a good job of dusting flat surfaces, it is extremely plush giving it plenty of room to pick up and hold dust and dirt until it is released.

Note: Do NOT use this as an oven mitt. Like most synthetic fibers, microfiber will melt when exposed to high heat.

Microfiber Dusters

Most have found that microfiber dusters work better than almost anything else on the market, such as lambs wool, feathers, electrostatic, vacuum, and air compression.  Among other reasons why microfiber is best for dusting, microfiber dusters allow you to get rid of the dust rather than using the traditional methods that just push it around.

Microfiber dusters can be used just about anywhere since the split microfiber filaments hold on to the dust instead of spreading it around like a feather duster. The performance of the microfiber duster is enhanced since dust is naturally negatively charged which becomes attracted to the positively charged microfiber material.

Great applications for a microfiber duster include:

• Dusting: Whether it is furniture, books, ceiling fans or window screens at home or in the office.  The list of potential uses goes on and on
• Polishing:  Whether shoes or your fine silver, they are great. They work so well because they are gentle, nonabrasive, and lint free.  They are also great to rid those water spots on your faucets, glasses, or your fine crystal!
• Electronics: Since they are soft and capture abrasive dust, they are what the professionals use on computer screens, camera lenses, TV screens, cell phones, iPads & tablets, keyboards … even your CDs and DVDs.
• Blinds: It is so hard (and frustrating) to get those tight spaces of your blinds only to have the dust immediately return when you use a cotton rag.  With microfiber, the dust is captured and removed.
• Car:  The duster is great for picking up light dust on the outside of the car, especially those with waterless carwash treatments.  Or cleaning the upholstery, instrument panel.  Even for reaching into the tight space where the windshield meets the dashboard.
• Cloth Diapers: Because microfiber absorbs so much (up to 8 times its weight) and is so easy to wash, using it as an insert increases the diapers effectiveness and keeps your baby happy.

While washing a microfiber duster is easy and effective, in practice it is meant to be used dry only. No need to add any chemical cleaners or dust attractants enabling cleaning green and chemical free.

When the duster is saturated with dust, which may be after several uses, simply rinse the duster out in a sink. (Note: Since the best microfibers absorb so much liquid, slide your hand down the length of the duster, starting from the handle, to wring it out.) After rinsing and wringing it out, let it continue to dry over something that will not be damaged if it gets wet.

The CleansGreen® Fluffy Microfiber Duster has a full fluffy microfiber head that does not have to be replaced. After use, simply shake hard or rinse out and air dry the duster to reuse.

Other popular features of this duster are:

• Stiff, yet flexible wire spine. The wire spine of this duster is designed to be bent and adjusted for chandeliers, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans the tops of bookshelves and other hard to reach areas of your home or business
• The hand grip is a threaded handle to be combined with a longer handle to avoid the uncomfortable reaching of high places. The “female” threaded handle accepts any acme (standard) threaded pole found around your home or business. Check out your broom, mop, paint extension, light bulb changer or other poles that are around
• The light fluffy design makes it great for dusting low and high
• The CleansGreen® Duster is also the perfect tool to easily and quickly clean mini blinds