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.

Towels being washed in a front-loading washing machine

What are microfiber cloths?

Microfiber cloths are cleaning towels of synthetic fibers commonly used to clean a variety of surfaces, from dusty electronics to countertop spills. These towels are known for their absorbency and their ability to grab onto dirt, making them a helpful tool when cleaning up after your family.

What is the best detergent to use on microfiber towels?

When cleaning microfiber towels, you should avoid fragranced detergents and fabric softener as these formulas can coat the fibers and reduce the cloth’s cleaning capabilities. Always follow the proper dosage prescribed by the detergent’s label when adding detergent to a load of laundry.

How to wash microfiber towels and cloths in a washing machine

You can get your microfiber towels fresh and ready to help you clean up the next mess by simply tossing them in the washing machine. Use the following steps to learn how to properly wash microfiber towels in a washer.

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.

How to wash microfiber towels and cloths by hand

If you’ve only used a few microfiber cloths for tasks like dusting around the house, you can get them clean and ready for the next use by simply washing the towels by hand. Read on below to learn how to wash microfiber cloths by hand.

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.

Should microfiber cloths be washed separately?

Yes, you should separate microfiber towels from the rest of your laundry. This helps to prevent dirt, dust and hair from spreading from your clothes into the fibers of the towels during the wash cycle.

Can you reuse microfiber towels?

Microfiber cloths are designed to be used over and over again. It is important to follow the proper cleaning instructions to help keep your microfiber towels performing at an optimal level.

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.

How can I remove lint from microfiber towels?

In most cases, you can simply shake the towels before washing and drying. You can also use a lint roller or a soft-bristled brush to remove lint from your microfiber cloths. Excess lint can be caught in your dryer’s lint trap.

How do I store microfiber towels?

It is recommended that you store microfiber towels separately from other towels, sheets and clothing to avoid the transfer of lint and other fabric particles onto the towels.To keep the towels in a clean condition, it is also recommended that you store them in a tightly closed container to prevent dust from collecting in the fibers.

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.