Microfibers - Why are they so great?
Microfiber cloths are widely used in professional cleaning because they clean deeply without being harsh. Their lovely, finely woven fibers lift and hold dirt rather than pushing it around, making them an ideal companion to natural, low-impact cleaning methods.
What is a microfiber, really?
A microfiber is made from extremely fine synthetic fibers, even much thinner than a human hair. These tiny, little fibers are split during manufacturing, which creates millions of microscopic hooks. Those hooks are what make microfibers so powerful.
Instead of pushing the dirt around, microfibers grab and hold onto the dust, dirt, grease and bacteria.
Why microfiber cleans better
Here’s what sets microfiber apart from using paper towels or cotton rags:
It entraps the dirt instead of spreading it
The split fibers lift debris from surfaces and lock it in.It works with little to no chemicals
Microfiber cleans effectively with just water, which is ideal for natural and non-toxic cleaning.It’s very gentle on surfaces
Safe for wood, glass, stainless steel, stone, mirrors, and delicate finishes.It leaves way fewer streaks
Especially on glass, mirrors, and polished surfaces.
More hygienic, less waste
Microfiber cloths are:
Reusable (hundreds of washes)
Machine washable
Far less wasteful than disposable paper towels
When properly washed and cared for, they remain effective for a long time, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
How do I wash microfiber cloths properly?
Best practices:
Wash separately from cotton or lint-producing fabrics to avoid the very unexciting task of picking lint out of your microfiber later (something we’ve learned the hard way more times than we’d like to admit)
Use warm or cold water (hot water can damage your microfibers over time)
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. ECOS® Plant-Powered Laundry Detergent has been a reliable option for us.
Skip fabric softener (it coats the fibers and ruins their grip)
Do not use bleach (it breaks down the micro structure)
Drying tips:
Tumble dry on low heat
Air dry if possible
Skip throwing in a dryer sheet (same issue as fabric softener)
If you care for them this way, your microfiber will remain powerfully effective for months!
Why we use microfiber in your home
At Sacred House Cleaning, we use microfiber because it lines up with our values of providing:
Cleaner results without harsh chemicals
Respect for your home’s surfaces
Reduced environmental impact
A healthier space for sensitive individuals, families and pets
Microfiber allows us to clean deeply while keeping your home safe, fresh and balanced.
In short, a small tool with a big impact
If you’ve ever noticed your space feels lighter after a cleaning, microfiber and natural cleaning is a big part of that magic.
But wait… are they green?
Short answer: no. Not technically.
Because microfiber cloths are synthetic, they aren’t biodegradable in the way cotton or linen is.
However, when you look at their full impact, microfiber is still considered a greener option than many alternatives.
Microfiber:
Cleans effectively with little to no chemicals
Can be reused hundreds of times
Replaces thousands of paper towels and disposable wipes
Reduces overall water and product use
Overall, this significantly cuts down waste and chemical runoff over time.
Sustainable living is not about perfection, but about balance and moderation. Choosing durable tools that last, caring for them properly, and pairing them with natural cleaning products often creates a smaller environmental footprint than disposable items that eventually end up in landfills and waterways.
If used responsibly and washed properly, microfibers will definitely help support both a cleaner household and a cleaner planet. 🌎✨