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Bettesworth Construction
cleaning tips

How to Clean a Microfiber Cloth Properly

Wash microfiber cloths separately from lint-shedding laundry with simple detergent. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets, use gentle washing, and follow the care label for temperature and drying.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read
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Shake out loose dirt, wash microfiber separately from cotton and other lint-producing laundry, and use a small amount of simple detergent without fabric softener. For routine cleaning, choose cool or warm water and a gentle cycle; air-dry or tumble-dry on low without dryer sheets. Check the cloth’s care label first, since products and recommended care vary.

Machine-wash microfiber cloths

  1. Remove loose soil. Shake the cloth outside or over a bin before washing.
  2. Separate the load. Wash it with other microfiber cloths or by itself, not with cotton or other fabrics that shed lint. Lint can cling to microfiber and interfere with its surface. Whirlpool and Microfiber Tech recommend keeping microfiber separate from lint-producing laundry.
  3. Add plain detergent. Use fragrance-free detergent without softeners or unnecessary additives, following the detergent label’s dose. More detergent is not automatically better; residue can remain in the cloth. A dedicated microfiber detergent is an option for stubborn dirt, grime, oil, or other residue, not a requirement for ordinary household washing.
  4. Choose a suitable cycle and temperature. A gentle or delicate cycle is a sensible routine setting. Whirlpool suggests cool water for lightly soiled cloths and warm water for heavier household messes. Follow the cloth’s care label if it differs.
  5. Rinse and dry carefully. Rinse well, then air-dry on a rack or line, or tumble-dry separately on low heat or an air-dry setting. Clean the lint trap and do not use dryer sheets.

Hand-wash a few lightly soiled cloths

For a small number of cloths, use a basin of cool or warm water. Shake out loose dirt, gently work the cloth by hand, rinse thoroughly, wring out excess water, and air-dry with good airflow. Maytag notes that lightly soiled cloths may not need detergent. See Maytag’s washing guidance for its hand-washing recommendations.

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Adjust the water temperature to the soil and cloth

Cool or warm water is suitable routine guidance for many household microfiber cloths. Hotter water is not a universal requirement: use it only if the cloth’s label permits it and the soil calls for it. An EPA-hosted early-childhood cleaning fact sheet recommends warm or hot water with detergent for heavily soiled microfiber cloths and mop heads. That advice concerns heavily soiled cleaning items in that setting; it does not establish one mandatory temperature for every microfiber product.

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Products and habits to avoid

  • Fabric softener: Avoid it. Coatings can gum up or cover fibers and reduce their cleaning capability. Microfiber Tech’s care instructions state, “Do not use Fabric Softener.”
  • Dryer sheets: Skip them for the same coating concern. Whirlpool and Maytag advise against dryer sheets.
  • Bleach: Avoid it as a general rule unless the specific care label or a specialized cleaning protocol directs otherwise. Microfiber care guidance from Microfiber Tech and Koch-Chemie cautions against bleach.
  • High heat and rough handling: Avoid high dryer heat and aggressive agitation. Unger warns that aggressive washing can break fibers down; its care guidance is especially relevant to cloths and mop pads made for its cleaning systems.
  • Mixing with cotton: Cotton lint can transfer to microfiber, so keep loads separate.

Let the care label take priority

Microfiber cloths differ in construction and intended use. General household advice cannot guarantee that every product tolerates the same detergent, cycle, or temperature. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly for specialized cloths, mop pads, and heavily soiled items; use the label’s directions over general guidance.

Best Value
Sale
HOMEXCEL 12PK Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Cleaning Rag for Home, 11.5x11.5in
  • Effective Streak-Free Cleaning: Clean kitchen countertops, windows, mirrors, bathroom surfaces, stainless steel, car interiors, glass, and other delicate surfaces with just water or your favorite cleaner—these microfiber cloths deliver streak-free, neat results with minimal effort, making daily cleanup fast and simple
  • Lint-Free & Scratch-Safe: Soft to the touch and completely lint-free, these cloths won't scratch or damage delicate finishes like glass, ceramic, coated metals, car paint, or polished surfaces—clean with confidence on everything from household appliances to auto trim and electronics screens
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  • Reusable, Washable & Long-lasting: Machine washable and reusable hundreds of times with reinforced edges that hold up wash after wash—a durable replacement for disposable paper towels that cuts down on waste and repeat purchases for families, pet owners, detailers, and busy households
  • Versatile Across Home, Auto & Beyond: Equally suited for general household cleaning, interior car detailing, exterior buffing, polishing wheels, wiping down tools, workshop surfaces, electronics, eyeglasses, screens, and more—simply rinse after use or toss in the washing machine; a practical all-around choice for homes, garages, shops, and small businesses
Rank #4
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth
  • 10x GRIP-ROOT WEAVE - TRAP MORE, WORK LESS: Ultra-absorbent microfiber towels for car Grip Root weave works like PLANT ROOT FOLLICLES, sucking up & LOCKING AWAY 8x to 10x its weight in liquid, particulates, moisture, grime and dirt in far LESS TIME than traditional ‘Heavy Duty’ Cleaning Rags. Each towel features a 2.5mm thick design, providing enhanced durability and better grip during use.
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  • LASTS 1200+ WASHES - That’s 3.27 YEARS worth of use in this 12-pack of COMMERCIAL GRADE 300 GSM Reuseable Cleaning Cloth. The 2.5mm thickness and OVERLOCK BRAIDED STITCHING makes the ideal SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION for cleaning every SURFACE, crack, and CREVICE in your home, garage, or office.
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Rank #3
Sale
AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth-50PK, Microfiber Towels for Cars, 12"×12"
  • Super Absorbent: Experience the excellent quality of AIDEA all-purpose microfiber cleaning cloths; made from premium materials; offering exceptional absorbency and quickly wicking away water to keep you dry; ideal for swiftly and safely removing dirt, grime, and liquids
  • Soft & Lint-Free: Our ultra-soft and non-abrasive microfiber towels ensure a scratch-free cleaning experience on surfaces, paint, glass, and coatings; effective in tackling the toughest grease, grime, and dirt; suitable for cleaning kitchens or cars; leaving surfaces shiny and pristine
  • Remarkable Durability and Reusability: These microfiber dusting cloths can be washed and reused hundreds of times; resistant to shrinking, falling apart, or losing cleaning power; designed for long-term use
  • Easy Care and Use: The shop towels available in five different colors for easy color coding of cleaning tasks; designed with premium fabrics that prevent scratching; ideal for polishing and drying without damaging surfaces; keeps your car shiny and intact
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Rank #2
TEAWOO Microfiber Cleaning Cloths-50 Pack, Microfiber Towels Bulk
  • 【Microfiber Towels Bulk】One pack of 50 microfiber towels for cars and home, measuring 12x12 inches, Made of 87% polyester and 13% polyamide, 210gsm microfiber cloth, is vacuum-packed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Please allow a few minutes for the towels to expand fully after unpacking to achieve optimal fluffiness and absorbency.
  • 【Super Absorbent】 TEAWOO microfiber cleaning cloths quickly soak up moisture and dry rapidly, making them ideal for both automotive and household cleaning tasks. They efficiently remove dirt, grime, and liquids with ease.
  • 【Soft and Lint-Free】TEAWOO microfiber towels bulk supply of ultra-soft, non-abrasive microfiber towels ensure a scratch-free cleaning experience on surfaces, paint, glass, and coatings. Perfect for cleaning tough grease and dirt from your car, kitchen, and windows, leaving no traces behind.
  • 【Reusable and Washable】These reusable and washable microfiber towels cleaning for cars can be used hundreds of times without shrinking, shedding, or losing their cleaning effectiveness. They are a cost-effective alternative to disposable towels, ideal for car and household cleaning.
  • 【Easy Maintenance and Use 】Our bulk microfiber towels come in 5 colors and are crafted with high-quality fabric and sewn edges, providing a soft and scratch-free feel. They are easy to maintain and perfect for keeping both your car and home spotless.
#1 Best Overall
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Ultra Absorbent, Lint Free, Streak Free, Non-Abrasive, Reusable and Washable, 16" x 12", Blue/White/Yellow, Pack of 24
  • Microfiber 16 x 12-inch cleaning cloth (24-pack); ideal for cleaning cars, trucks, boats, and more
  • Ultra-soft and non-abrasive car drying towels; will not scratch paints, vinyl, glass, finishes, or other surfaces
  • Effectively cleans either dry or with liquid cleaners for streak-free results and a lint-free shine
  • Durable and absorbent; soak up 8 times their own weight
  • Can be reused hundreds of times

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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