How to Wash Microfibre Cloths: A Complete Guide
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Time to read 6 min
Microfibre material, a unique fabric consisting of micro-fine synthetic polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibres as thin as 1/300th the width of a human hair, is the go-to for general cleaning, dusting, and polishing in homes and businesses around the world. Their unique structure makes them ideally suited for these purposes as they can readily absorb many times their weight in moisture, clean effectively even without chemicals, and trap dust and dirt with ease.
But to keep microfibre performing at its best, proper cleaning and care are absolutely essential. Neglected microfibre cloths quickly become clogged, lose their electrostatic properties, and can start spreading grime instead of clearing it up.
This post aims to help you keep your microfibre cloths in tip-top shape for years, and covers general washing guidelines, how to remove specific substances, microfibre cloth cleaning dos and don’ts, as well as drying and storage advice.
General Rules for Washing Microfibre ClothsGeneral Rules for Washing Microfibre Cloths
High-quality microfibre cloths can retain their cleaning power for years when cleaned the right way. That being said, the right waycan be quite specific, and deviating from these guidelines may cause them to lose absorbency, fray, and shed lint.
1. Wash microfibre cloths separately
You should avoid washing microfibre cloths with other laundry items for two reasons. Firstly, natural fibre items, such as cotton, may shed their own lint that gets trapped between microfibres, causing your cloths to lose performance. Secondly, coloured microfibre cloths may bleed their dye during the first few washes, staining your other fabrics.
2. Hand or machine wash with warm water and a gentle detergent
As a synthetic fibre, microfibre products are highly sensitive to heat. While it varies between products, excessively hot water (typically more than 80°C) is likely to cause shrinkage or warping, reducing performance. Similarly, cold water might not be able to break down grease or residues effectively. Paragon Microfibre recommends washing at around 40 to 60°C for optimal cleaning.
Looking for microfibre cloths that last up to 500 machine wash cycles?
Paragon Microfibre offers a broad selection of premium microfibre products for the home, office, workshop, and vehicles.
3. Avoid bleach, conditioners, and fabric softeners
Harsh chemicals such as bleach, fabric softeners, and conditioners can instantly reduce a microfibre cloth from a cleaning hero to just another rag.Bleach can cause the synthetic fibres to break down, causing them to fray and wear out and shortening the cloths’ lifespan. Fabric softeners and conditioners leave behind a residue that can coat the fibres, making them less absorbent and ineffective at trapping particles.
4. Tumble dry at a low- or no-heat setting only, or air dry
As mentioned above, microfibre is highly sensitive to heat, and should only be tumble dried at the lowest heat setting or simply hung up to air dry. Paragon Microfibre suggests tumble drying as it opens up the fibres and increases performance. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, we recommend shaking the cloth to open up the fibres before hanging it up to air dry.
How to remove substances from microfibre cloths
1. Grease or Oil
Pretreat the cloths by soaking them in warm water with a small amount of dish soap for 5 to 10 minutes. Hand scrub lightly before rinsing in warm water, then proceed to hand or machine wash as indicated above.
2. Dust, Dirt, and Debris
One of the benefits of microfibre cloths is that they are extremely well-suited to lifting dust, dirt, and debris from surfaces, trapping the particles in between the microfibres. To clean a microfibre cloth with excess dust or debris, we recommend thoroughly shaking it out before hand- or machine washing. Larger particles, such as small twigs or XXX, can be removed by hand before washing.
3. Wax or Polish Residue
Soak the cloths in hot, but not boiling, water with a mild detergent for 5 to 10 minutes, hand wash, and rinse with hot water. Repeat if necessary. Since wax or polish tends to coat the fibres and make them less absorbent, Paragon Microfibres recommends having a dedicated cloth for applying wax or polish to avoid labour-intensive cleanups.
4. Paint or Harsh Chemicals
If the cloth is still wet, immediately rinse it under warm, running water. Do not use thinners or other harsh chemicals, which may break the fibres down further. If the paint has dried, consider whether or not the cloth is worth saving—the fibres may have already been irreversibly damaged.
Microfibre Storage and Maintenance Tips
1. Store in a clean and dry place
Dry microfibre cloths electrostatically attract dust, and their microfibre structure is so effective at trapping moisture that it may become damp when stored under humid conditions. To maximise their lifespan, store them in a dust-free and dry environment. You may fold them or hang them up.
2. Keep separate cloths for different use cases
You wouldn’t use your car detailing cloth to polish your glassware, and vice versa. Microfibre cloths are typically bought in multi-packs, and Paragon Microfibre strongly suggests storing cloths for different use cases separately. Labelling or colour-coding your cloths is also a good idea to avoid confusion.
Still got questions? Here's the FAQ
Can I wash microfibre cloths with towels or other laundry?
No. Avoid mixing microfibre with other laundry, especially cotton. Cotton sheds lint that can get stuck in the microfibres, reducing performance.
What temperature should I wash microfibre cloths at?
40–60°C is ideal. Too cold and oils may not lift; too hot and fibres can shrink or warp on cheap microfibre cloths. Avoid washing above 80°C unless you have a premium microfibre product.
Can I use fabric softener or bleach?
Never. Fabric softener coats the fibres, making them less absorbent. Bleach breaks down the synthetic fibres, causing fraying.
How often should I wash microfibre cloths?
After each use, especially when used with chemicals or for greasy jobs. Regular washing keeps them performing at their best.
How do I get the smell out of microfibre cloths?
Soak them in warm water with white vinegar for 15–20 minutes before washing. This helps neutralize odours naturally.
Why are my microfibre cloths leaving streaks?
They could be clogged with product residue or improperly rinsed. Wash thoroughly without softeners and ensure full rinsing. Tumble drying on low can also help “re-fluff” them.
How many times can I reuse a microfibre cloth?
High-quality cloths from Paragon Microfibre can last up to 500 wash cycles with proper care. That’s years of reliable use.
What’s the best way to dry microfibre cloths?
Tumble dry on low or no heat , or air dry. Avoid high heat as it can melt or damage the fibres.
Can I use the same cloth for different jobs?
We don’t recommend it. Cross-contamination reduces cleaning efficiency. Use dedicated cloths for glass, general cleaning, and car detailing , and colour-code if possible.
Should I wash new microfibre cloths before using them?
Yes, especially for darker colours. It removes any loose dye and ensures optimal absorbency and lint-free use.
Paragon Microfibre: The Final Word in High-Quality Microfibre Products
From specialist glass-cleaning microfibre to high-density body towels, car detailing products, and beyond, Paragon Microfibre offers the UK's largest selection of premium microfibre cloths for both professional and everyday use. We rely on superior machinery and manufacturing processes to create microfibre products that remain lint-free and ultra-absorbent for up to 500 machine wash cycles, making them a practical and cost-effective option for the home, office, or workshop.
Whether you’re a professional cleaner, auto detailer, or simply someone who takes cleaning seriously, our products are designed to make your life easier and outperform the competition.
Have questions about our products or want to place a wholesale order?
Our sales team is on standby to assist you with any queries. Reach out to Paragon Microfibre today!
