What’s The Hype About Microfiber?

Microfiber is growing in popularity not only in the retail industry but also the commercial building service industry.

As industry leaders, Metroclean has been using microfiber for years for environmental sustainability.

What is Microfiber?
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber invented in the 1980s in Sweden.

It’s made of polyester and a microfiber polymer, allowing it to absorb seven times its weight. This blend creates a positive electric charge within the “V” shape, tightly-woven weave that captures dirt and debris. There are many different types of microfiber for various purposes.

Type of Microfiber Cloths: How do you know it’s good?
Microfiber clothes are available in many colors, weaves and thicknesses.Types of microfiber cloths are determined the synthetic fiber ratio, and are often color-coded by manufacturers to prevent cross-contamination.

Terry Towel microfiber is the most common type, because of its high absorbency, good scrubbing ability when wet and efficiency when dry dusting. However, because of the weave’s construction, they are more likely to streak or leave lint on the surface.

Waffle Weave microfiber is best when absorbing or drying because they hold more water and absorb faster. Like the terry towel, waffle weave cloths are heavier in weight. They are less likely to streak or leave lint.

Suede & Glass microfiber is a super-tight weave that creates a thin cloth. It is not very absorbent, but is great at creating a streak-free shine on glass.

Often times, microfiber that feels softer, showing nap, may break down sooner. Experts suggest that a durable cloth is one that is large enough to be folded in quarters with piped edges to sustain multiple washings. They believe a quality cloth will take the least amount of passes to remove hand lotion from a mirror.
What is Microfiber Used For?
Just like cleaning solution, you can’t use the same product on all surfaces. Microfiber is not appropriate for all jobs. That’s why examining the type of soil that needs to be removed and on what surface (floors, walls, glass, wood, countertops) will help you make an informed choice on the microfiber to use.

Polishing: Microfiber towels are great for polishing and waxing surfaces like glass and metal. They are popular for polishing because of faster cleaning and recognizable shine.

Dusting: The small weave of microfiber ensures better cleaning. Some types of microfiber clothes are charged with static electricity, helping to attract loose dust from any surface.

Mopping: With mopping, there are two categories for microfiber, wet and dry pads. Wet microfiber pads have a coarse texture, allowing for better scrubbing ability yet moves across the floor easily. Dry pads are used for dust mopping and have a softer texture.

Cleaning Microfiber
There’s a real cost savings with microfiber simply because, with proper care, it lasts longer. Some experts say washing in hot water opens the channels in the fibers, loosening debris, germs and soil. However, be cautious when drying your microfiber at high temperatures because the synthetic fibers can melt and shrink, making it irreparably harmed and will lose the ability to absorb. It’s recommended to use low-heat or air-dry them.

If laundered properly, your microfiber cloth can last through 300 or more cycles before becoming unusable. Be sure not to launder it with other fabrics that are lint-producing.

If you’re using your microfiber cloth with chemicals, especially when mopping, be sure to rinse it with hot water immediately after use as some chemicals can affect synthetic fibers. Avoid using bleach or any acidic chemicals with your microfiber cloth. Don’t use microfiber on rough or gritty surfaces such as grout or stone because it will tear the fabric.

AT-A-GLANCE BENEFITS

• Picks up dirt and debris better than traditional cloths and mops
• Able to capture up to 99 percent of bacteria on many surfaces
• Can be used with or without chemicals
• Absorbs seven or more times its weight in water
• Less water is used with microfiber, more than 18 gallons of solution less than traditional methods
• Less waste from washing and reusing cloths
• Can be washed hundreds of times before being replaced, practically paying for themselves
• Reduces cross-contamination
• Saves time and money
• Microfiber mops weigh less, creating better ergonomics and faster work flow for janitors

Metroclean employees are trained to properly use microfiber cloths on a variety of common surfaces. For more information on the tools and equipment we use, contact Lesli Mann, our director of business development at (713) 255-0100 or lmann@metrocleanonline.com

Sources and Excerpts From:

Sanitary Maintenance.  August 2005 and 2006 issues
Contracting Profits. October 2005 issue
Types of Microfiber Mop Pads
Microfiber Towels – Types of Microfiber Cloths
Pictures from: http://expeditionexchange.com

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### © Metroclean 2008. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

Tagged: Janitorial, LEADGREEN, restrooms, Safety, sanitation, Technology