How to Wash Microfiber Cloth in Washing Machine the Right Way

You use microfiber cloths to clean your home, car, glasses, and even your phone. But after a while, they get dirty and stop working well. The right way to clean them is by using your washing machine, but you have to do it carefully. If you wash them the wrong way, they can lose their softness and cleaning power. In this article, I will show you exactly how to wash microfiber cloth in washing machine safely, step by step, so they last longer and stay like new.

Sort Your Microfiber Cloths Before Washing

When it comes to washing microfiber cloths in the washing machine, the first thing you need to do is sort them out. This might sound like a simple thing, but it really matters. Microfiber can catch small things like lint, hair, and dirt from other clothes. So, if you throw your microfiber cloths into the machine with your regular laundry, they can get ruined.

You should keep your microfiber cloths separate from clothes, towels, or any fabric that makes lint. Towels especially are full of lint. That lint can get stuck in the tiny fibers of the microfiber cloths, and once it's in there, it's hard to get out. This will make your microfiber cloths less effective at cleaning.

Also, look at the kind of dirt on each cloth. If some of your microfiber cloths were used for greasy jobs like cleaning the kitchen or wiping oil from the car, they should not be washed with cloths you use for windows or mirrors. The grease might transfer during the wash, and your other cloths won't be clean enough for streak-free surfaces after that.

Make sure to check the tags, too. Some microfiber cloths may have special care instructions. Even though most are machine washable, some may be more sensitive to heat or strong detergent.

Before washing, give each cloth a quick shake. This helps remove loose dirt or dust. It's not a full cleaning step, but it helps protect your machine and other cloths from extra mess.

Here's something else you may not think about: the color of the cloths. Microfiber cloths come in many bright colors. It's best to group them by color. Bright red or blue ones might bleed color onto your lighter-colored cloths. Washing by color will help avoid color mixing.

Now you know sorting is more than just making things look neat. It protects the cloths and makes sure they clean well next time you use them.

• Keep microfiber cloths separate from clothes and towels
• Do not wash greasy cloths with glass cleaning cloths
• Shake out dust and debris before washing
• Group cloths by similar color
• Check care labels if available

Use Cold or Warm Water Only

The type of water you use to wash microfiber cloths matters a lot. Many people make the mistake of using hot water because they think it cleans better. But for microfiber, hot water can actually damage the fibers. Microfiber is made of tiny plastic threads, and hot water can melt or weaken them.

Always use cold or warm water when washing microfiber cloths. Cold water is the safest option. It keeps the cloth strong, soft, and able to clean like new. Warm water is also okay if your cloths are really dirty, like greasy or oily. But don't let the water get too hot.

If your washing machine doesn't let you pick exact temperatures, choose the setting that says ‘cold’ or ‘warm’ instead of ‘hot’. Even if your cloths are full of dirt or grease, resist the urge to turn the heat up. You'll just damage the cloths.

Using cold water also helps the colors stay bright. Microfiber cloths often come in bold colors, and hot water can make them fade or run. If you wash them in cold water, they stay looking nice and new for a long time.

Another benefit of cold water is saving energy. You don't have to heat up the water, so you use less electricity. That's good for your power bill and better for the planet.

Some people think they need hot water to kill germs. But with microfiber, the fibers are already good at trapping bacteria. You don't need to blast them with heat. If you want to clean them deeply, you can do a longer wash time in cold water instead.

So next time you wash your microfiber cloths, don't reach for the hot water. Stick with cold or warm, and your cloths will thank you.

• Never use hot water on microfiber cloths
• Cold water is safest for all types of microfiber
• Warm water is okay for greasy cloths, but not too hot
• Cold water helps keep colors bright
• Saves energy and protects the fibers

Choose the Right Detergent

Picking the right detergent is a big deal when you wash microfiber cloths in the machine. Many people just grab any detergent they have at home. But not all detergents are good for microfiber. In fact, some can ruin them.

Stay away from strong detergents that have fragrance, fabric softeners, or bleach. These things can coat the microfiber and make it lose its cleaning power. When microfiber is coated with softener or perfume, it can’t grab dirt or water like it’s supposed to. It becomes slick and useless.

Use a gentle, liquid detergent with no extras. Powder detergents can leave little grains stuck in the fibers, which is bad too. A clear, scent-free liquid detergent is best. It cleans the cloth without adding anything extra.

You also don't need a lot of detergent. A small amount goes a long way. Too much soap can leave residue, even if the soap is gentle. That leftover soap will build up over time and make your microfiber feel stiff.

Some people use special microfiber detergents. These are made just for cloths like this. If you have them, great! But if you don't, a mild regular liquid detergent with no fragrance or softener will still work well.

It's also important to never mix detergent with vinegar or other cleaners in the same wash. Stick to one thing at a time. If you want to rinse with vinegar, do that after the wash, not during.

• Avoid detergent with fragrance, bleach, or softener
• Use gentle, clear liquid detergent
• Do not use powder soap
• Only use a small amount of detergent
• Do not mix detergent with other cleaners

Use a Gentle Wash Cycle

Now that your microfiber cloths are sorted, you've picked the right detergent, and you've set the water temperature, it's time to pick the right washing cycle. This step also matters more than you may think.

Microfiber cloths are soft, but strong. Still, a rough wash cycle can damage the tiny fibers. These cloths don't need a heavy-duty spin or aggressive wash. It's best to choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.

If your washer has an option called 'hand wash' or 'delicates,' that's perfect. These settings spin slower and use less motion. That helps protect the tiny threads in the microfiber cloths. The less stress on the fibers, the longer the cloth will last.

Some machines have 'eco' or 'light' cycles. These are also okay for microfiber, as long as the cycle doesn't heat the water too much or spin too hard.

Try not to overload the washing machine. Give the microfiber cloths enough space to move around. If the drum is too full, the cloths can rub too hard against each other, which breaks the fibers.

If you can, set an extra rinse cycle. This helps wash away any leftover detergent. You don't want any soap stuck in the fibers when the wash is done.

Also, never add bleach or any stain remover spray to the wash. These can burn the cloth and ruin it forever. If a cloth has a strong stain, wash it separately and gently spot clean it by hand first.

Your machine is a great tool, but you need to use it the right way to keep your microfiber cloths soft and strong.

• Choose 'gentle,' 'delicate,' or 'hand wash' cycle
• Do not overload the washing machine
• Add an extra rinse if possible
• Never use bleach or stain remover sprays
• Let the cloths move freely inside the drum

Skip the Fabric Softener

This is one of the most important parts of washing microfiber cloths. Never ever use fabric softener. Many people think softener makes their clothes feel nice, so they add it without thinking. But for microfiber cloths, it's a big mistake.

Fabric softener is made to coat the fibers of your laundry. This coating helps clothes feel smooth and smell fresh. But microfiber works because it has tiny fibers that grab dust, dirt, and moisture. When you add softener, it coats those little fibers and blocks them from working.

Even just one wash with fabric softener can make your microfiber cloth less useful. It won't soak up water. It won't clean glass without streaks. And it might start to feel greasy or slippery.

You may not notice the change right away. But over time, with each wash, the cloth gets worse and worse if you keep using softener.

Some laundry detergents even have softener mixed in. That's why it's important to read the bottle carefully. If it says '2-in-1' or 'with softener,' don't use it for microfiber.

If you accidentally used fabric softener once, don't panic. Wash the cloth again with hot water and vinegar (just once) to remove the coating. Then wash it normally with cold water after that. It may not be perfect, but it can still work better than before.

The goal is to keep those tiny fibers clean and ready to work. That means no softeners, ever.

• Do not use fabric softener
• Avoid 2-in-1 laundry products
• Read labels carefully before using detergent
• If used by mistake, rewash with vinegar and hot water
• Keep the fibers clean so they work properly

Dry Microfiber Cloths the Right Way

Drying is the last part of washing microfiber cloths in the machine. But don't just toss them in the dryer and forget. You can ruin microfiber if you dry it the wrong way.

The best way to dry microfiber is to air dry. Hang them on a line or lay them flat on a clean surface. This keeps the heat away and protects the fibers.

But if you want to use a dryer, you still can. Just be sure to use the lowest heat setting. High heat will melt the microfiber threads. This makes them hard and useless. Always choose a low or no-heat setting.

Never use dryer sheets. Just like fabric softener in the washer, dryer sheets will coat the cloth and stop it from working. Even if the dryer sheet is just in the machine from a past load, it can leave residue. Make sure your dryer is clean before drying microfiber.

Shake each cloth out before drying. This helps fluff the fibers and makes drying faster. If the cloths are really wet, you can press them with a clean towel to remove extra water before hanging or putting them in the dryer.

Microfiber dries fast, so you don't need to leave it in the dryer for long. In fact, if you leave it too long, it can get full of static. Dry just until it's dry, then take it out.

• Air dry is best for microfiber cloths
• If using a dryer, set it to low or no heat
• Never use dryer sheets
• Shake cloths before drying
• Do not over-dry to avoid static

Final Thoughts

Washing microfiber cloths in the washing machine is simple once you know the right way. If you treat them gently and follow the correct steps, they will stay soft, clean, and useful for a long time. These cloths do a great job cleaning, but they need care too. Do not rush or skip steps. Use cold water, gentle soap, no heat, and no softeners. With this guide, you now know how to wash microfiber cloth in washing machine the best way. Keep doing this, and your cloths will always be ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use regular laundry detergent for microfiber cloths?

It is safe to use regular laundry detergent only if it does not have fabric softener, fragrance, or bleach. These extras can hurt the microfiber and stop it from working well. Always read the label on your detergent. A clear, gentle liquid is best. If you want to be extra careful, look for one made for microfiber. Do not use powdered detergent because the grains can stick inside the fibers. Always use just a small amount. Too much detergent can leave soap behind and make the cloth feel stiff.

Can I dry microfiber cloths in the dryer?

Yes, you can dry microfiber cloths in the dryer, but you must be very careful. Always set the dryer to the lowest heat or no-heat option. High heat can melt the fibers and make the cloth rough. Never use dryer sheets. They coat the cloth and stop it from cleaning well. Shake each cloth before putting it in the dryer to help fluff the fibers. If you want to be super safe, just hang them to dry. They dry fast on their own without a dryer.

Do I need to wash microfiber cloths after every use?

Yes, it is best to wash microfiber cloths after each use, especially if they were used for greasy or dirty jobs. This keeps the cloths clean and ready for the next time. Microfiber holds dirt deep inside its fibers. If you keep using a dirty cloth, it can spread dirt instead of picking it up. Washing often also stops bad smells from building up. Even if it looks clean, it might still be full of tiny dust and bacteria. So always wash after using.

Is it okay to use bleach to clean microfiber cloths?

No, you should not use bleach on microfiber cloths. Bleach is too strong and can burn the tiny fibers. This makes the cloth rough and useless. Even a small amount of bleach can do damage. If your microfiber cloth smells bad or is very dirty, try washing it with vinegar or use an extra rinse. That is safer than bleach. Keeping bleach away from microfiber is one of the best ways to make your cloths last longer.

Can I wash microfiber cloths with my bath towels?

No, it is not a good idea to wash microfiber cloths with bath towels. Towels make a lot of lint, and microfiber picks up lint easily. When you wash them together, the lint sticks to the microfiber and makes it less useful. The cloth might also feel less soft after that. It is always better to wash microfiber cloths by themselves or with other microfiber only. This keeps them clean, soft, and ready to work every time.

Do I need to use hot water to kill germs on microfiber cloths?

No, you do not need hot water to clean microfiber cloths. Microfiber traps germs inside the fibers, and cold or warm water is enough to clean them. Hot water can melt or damage the tiny fibers. If you are worried about germs, wash the cloths longer or do an extra rinse. You can also let the cloths dry in the sun, which can help kill some bacteria. Always avoid hot water to keep the microfiber strong.

Is it okay to wash all microfiber cloths together?

It is okay to wash all microfiber cloths together if they are used for similar tasks and are close in color. But do not wash glass cleaning cloths with greasy kitchen ones. The oil can transfer and make your glass cloths streaky. Also, wash similar colors together to stop color bleeding. For best results, sort them by how dirty they are and what they were used for. That way, they all come out clean and ready to use.

Can I use vinegar to clean microfiber cloths?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean microfiber cloths, but only during the rinse cycle. Do not mix vinegar with detergent. Use it by itself after washing. Vinegar helps remove smells and leftover soap. Just add about a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse part of the cycle. This can make the cloth feel soft again if it has buildup. Do not use vinegar every time, only once in a while when needed.