The Best Way To Clean Microfiber Towels To Keep Them Working And Looking Like New

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Microfiber towels are a favorite for cleaning all around the house. They're super absorbent, gentle on surfaces, and perfect for tackling everything from dusty blinds to bathroom counters. But to keep them working their best, you need to wash them the right way.

The biggest things to avoid are excessive heat, fabric softeners, harsh and fragrant detergent, and bleach. Softener clogs up the tiny fibers that grab dust and liquid, heat can break down the fibers and coat them in residue that stops them from clinging to dust and liquid, and bleach can damage the fibers completely. You'll also want to skip hot water, which can warp the fibers.

Whether you decide to wash them by hand or with a gentle washing setting, all you really need is a mild, fragrance-free detergent and cold or warm water. With a little care, your microfiber towels will stay soft, absorbent, and ready to handle messes big and small. By following a few simple guidelines, you'll keep your microfiber towels fluffy, effective, and ready to tackle any mess you throw their way. Your countertops (and your wallet) will thank you for taking the extra step to care for them properly.

When it's time to wash your microfiber towels, start by separating them from other laundry, especially anything that sheds lint. Rinse them in cold water first to get rid of loose dirt. Get your mild detergent that doesn't include fabric softeners, choose a gentle cycle, and, if possible, add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to help break down any leftover residue. Don't overload the washing machine since overcrowding will prevent the towels from getting truly clean. You might need to run an extra rinse cycle to ensure everything is washed away. If you accidentally used fabric softener, don't panic: you can restore them by rewashing with white vinegar or using a specialized microfiber cleaner like Micro Restore to bring back their absorbency and static cling.

When it comes to drying, air drying is always a safe bet, but you can also tumble dry on low or no heat. Throw in a few dryer balls to keep them fluffy and avoid static, but skip dryer sheets since they can leave a waxy coating. 

If you prefer hand washing, use warm water without bleach or softeners. Let them soak for a few minutes, then gently scrub out the dirt using your hands under water. Wring them out carefully and air dry.  

Once you've mastered washing them, microfiber towels can become your go-to cleaning sidekick for just about everything. Beyond drying dishes or wiping down counters, you can use them to buff your car, polish stainless steel, or even clean mirrors without leaving streaks. Some people love using smaller microfiber cloths as reusable dusting pads for delicate electronics or to wipe down plants and remove dust from leaves.

If you like to get extra organized, you can designate different colored microfiber towels for different rooms or jobs. For example, blue for the kitchen, green for the bathroom, and yellow for dusting. This simple system helps you avoid cross-contamination and keeps your cleaning routine extra organized. You can even cut larger towels into smaller pieces for quick grab-and-go tasks or to keep in your car for on-the-spot cleanups. 

With the right care and a little creativity, microfiber towels can do a lot more than you might think. They're a small investment that pays off big time in a cleaner, shinier, and more eco-friendly home. If you have old microfiber cloths that you've been thinking about tossing, here are 14 ways to repurpose them instead.