Can you use just any old Cloth to clean your car?
What is the best cloth to use when cleaning your car?
It’s a Microfibre Cloth!
Cloths described as “microfibre” can vary widely in the size of the fibres they use and therefore in their cleaning effectiveness. In quality cloths, the fibres are 10–50 times thinner than a human hair and about 50 times lighter than the fibre on a pair of stockings.
The most common types of microfibres are made from polyesters, polyamides or a combination of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. Microfibre is used to make many things including cleaning cloths.
How does a Micro Fibre Cloth work?
Microfibres are able to attach themselves to even the smallest, most microscopic dirt particles, ones that normal cloth fibres crudely brush past.
That’s why dirt, dust, and other stuff can be “hoovered up” by micro fibre cloths.
How do you know you’re buying quality micro fibre cloths?
Size. You should be able to fold the cloth in half, and then in half again. It should still be big enough to fit your entire hand.
To use as a car cleaning cloth, choose knitted over woven and a minimum of 300GSM, which is the weight of the fabric.
Polyester piping around the edge of the cloth. This helps the cloth to withstand many washings.
Look for 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.
Do this simple test, run the cloth across your hand. Does it seem to “catch”? This is caused by the dense fibres and indicates quality microfibre.
How to care for your Micro Fibre Cloth?
To ensure you get the maximum value and extend the life of your cloths please follow these simple cleaning instructions.
Do not use Bleach – Microfibre products do not like bleach, bleach breaks down the polyester and polyamide micro-filaments, rendering them less effective.
Do not use Fabric Softener – Fabric softeners provide a layer of “softness” on your clothing, which is nice for clothing that you wear, but this coating clogs the microfibres, rendering them less effective.
Do not wash them with other items – If washed with cotton products, the micro fibre cloth will grab and hold onto the lint that the cotton items produce.
Hand washing is often the most straightforward cleaning method, and with microfibre cloths all you need is water! Let the dirty microfibre cloths soak in cold water, and use your hands to help agitate the cloth and release the dirt and grime. Rinse well and let air-dry.
If you have any further questions on microfibre cloths please contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions! To see our high quality microfibre cloths click here.
