Microfiber is a synthetic material composed of polyester and nylon. It consists of numerous tiny strands and is commonly used in cleaning cloths, sheets, and furniture. In recent years, microfiber has gained popularity in the cleaning industry due to its absorbent and scratch-free properties.
Let’s explore the various applications and advantages of microfiber.
Microfiber possesses both absorbent and water-repellant qualities, making it a versatile material for different purposes.
Microfiber is famous for its cleaning ability and high absorbency. However, manufacturers also use this material for furniture, sheets, and sporting goods. After all, nobody wants their couch to absorb a spill.
But microfiber can be water-repellant or absorbent, depending on its weave. The two most common weave patterns are flat weave or split.
Split microfiber cloths have thousands of tiny fibers that absorb liquid, attract, and cling to dust. Some even have disinfecting properties. Split microfiber used for cleaning cloths feels slightly rough when you run it in your hand.
Manufacturers use flat weave microfiber in furniture to repel water instead of absorbing it, resulting in a smooth and suede-like texture.
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Definition of Microfiber
Microfiber is characterized by its thin fibers, measured in deniers. Microfiber has one denier or less, with strands about 1/100th the diameter of human hair or 1/20th the diameter of silk.
Popular Microfiber Products
Here are some common products made from microfiber.
Cleaning Microfiber Cloths
Lightweight microfiber includes small cloths for cleaning eyeglasses, phone screens, and TVs. These versions feel smooth and have a flat-weave design. Medium-weight microfiber cloths are the most common and used for cleaning. They come in many shapes and sizes, and while soft, will catch imperfections when run over your hand. Plush microfiber cloths are suitable for car detailing and buffing.
They feel as soft as a fleece blanket. Dual plush microfiber cloths do not require water to clean. They have long, thick fibers.
Microfiber dusters come in various weaves and are capable of attracting and trapping dust.
Microfiber Sheets
Just like clothes, microfiber sheets vary in quality. Unbrushed sheets are affordable but lack the velvety feel of more expensive brushed sheets. Another factor to consider is the GSM rating, which assesses thread density.
Sheets with a GSM over 100 are high quality, while those under 90 are low quality.
Microfiber was first used for upholstery, with the furniture brand UltraSuede leading the way in the 1970s. Microfiber furniture has a smooth feel and often features a flat weave design. It can be found in couches, chairs, car upholstery, pillows, clothing, and more.
When comparing microfiber and cotton, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Cleaning – Microfiber cloths are superior to cotton cloths due to their thousands of fibers. They are scratch-free (when cared for per manufacturers’ instructions) and more absorbent than cotton, trapping moisture, dust particles, and bacteria. The tiny fibers also act as hooks, helping to eradicate stuck-on messes.
If you try to clean up a big spill with a cotton cloth, it will become soaked and smear the liquid. Microfiber has much better absorbency.
Sheets – Microfiber sheets, while breathable, trap body heat more than cotton sheets. So, if you’re a hot sleeper, cotton may be the better choice. On the positive side, microfiber sheets are wrinkle-resistant and less expensive than high-quality cotton.
Upholstery – Since cotton is a natural fiber, it doesn’t withstand wear and tear as well as manufactured materials. Manufacturers usually combine cotton with other synthetics to improve its durability. Cotton upholstery has the benefits of staying cool and accepting dye well, but it’s more susceptible to sun fading and staining.
Microfiber upholstery comes in various designs and qualities. It is more resistant to regular abrasion than cotton and typically repels water and resists fading.
Are Microfiber Cloths Antibacterial?
Microfiber cloths are not antibacterial but they do have disinfecting qualities. Instead of killing germs, bacteria, and viruses, they can remove them from surfaces by picking up and trapping them with their tiny fibers.
How to Wash Microfiber Cloths
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