How to wash microfiber towels and cloths
Microfiber towels and cloths are common cleaning tools that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces to help you care for your family. To help keep your microfiber towels and cloths lint-free and performing their best, they need to be washed and dried using the right technique. Read on below to learn more about how to wash them in a machine or by hand.
Supplies
Fragrance-free detergent
White vinegar (optional)
Tools
Washing machine, like the Whirlpool® Top Load Washer with Soaking Cycles
- Dryer, like the Whirlpool® Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
Step 1: Separate from other items
To avoid transferring lint, hair and dust to your towels from other items in your laundry, it is recommended that you wash microfiber cloths separately from the rest of your fabrics. This is especially true for clothing, towels or sheets made from natural fibers like cotton, as these fabrics tend to shed.
You may also want to separate heavily soiled microfiber towels from those used simply for dusting to help prevent dirt transfer.
Step 2: Shake out the towels
Since microfiber towels can be a magnet for dust and other particles, give the cloths a good shake over a trash can before tossing them into your washer. This can help to loosen trapped dirt and dust from the fibers of the towel.
Step 3: Place towels in the washer and add detergent
Once you’ve shaken out any excess dust and dirt, place your microfiber cloths in the washer. Add a fragrance-free detergent to your machine’s detergent dispenser or directly into the washer drum, depending on the make and model of your appliance.
If your microfiber towels have a strong smell, you can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the load to help reduce odors. Always consult your towel’s laundry care label before washing to avoid damaging the towel.
Step 4: Select and run wash cycle
Microfiber towels should usually be washed using a “Gentle” or “Delicate” cycle. Lightly soiled towels can be washed in cool water, while cloths used for heavy-duty messes should be washed using warm water.
Step 5: Place cloths in the dryer and select cycle
After the lint trap has been emptied, you can place your microfiber towels inside the dryer separately from garments made with natural fibers as they tend to shed. Avoid adding dryer sheets and using high heat settings to dry microfiber towels as this may damage the fibers. Instead, select a low-heat or air dry setting.
Step 1: Remove excess dirt
Before you begin, shake your microfiber cloths outside or over a trash can to loosen and release trapped dirt and dust from between the fibers.
Step 2: Fill a large container with cool water
Add cool water to a large bucket, bowl or sink.
Step 3: Wash the towels
Toss lightly soiled microfiber towels into the cool water and massage them by hand to remove trapped particles. Let the cloths soak in the water for 15 minutes before giving them a final swirl.
Step 4: Hang to dry
Remove the cloths from the bucket or bowl and wring out any excess moisture, then hang them on a drying rack to air dry. If you’re air-drying inside your home, be sure to hang the towels in an area with proper air circulation to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the fibers. If possible, hang your microfiber towels out to dry in the sun.
How often should you wash microfiber cloths?
The specific wash schedule of your microfiber towels varies depending on when and how often you use them. Typically, you should wash towels after 3 light uses. Towels used for heavy-duty cleanups may need to be washed more frequently.
Shop Whirlpool® washers
Whether you’re spot-treating stained football jerseys or washing the towels that helped you clean up around the house, Whirlpool brand has washer options to help you care for your family. Browse select models that offer innovative features like the Pretreat Station Plus to help remove stubborn stains or Adaptive Wash technology with Active Bloom™ wash action that customizes your wash cycle based on the size of the load to help streamline your laundry routine.
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