How to Clean Microfibre Cloths Properly

Quick answer

Wash microfibre cloths separately in cold water with a mild detergent, never use fabric softener, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat to preserve their electrostatic cleaning power.

How to wash and dry microfibre cloths in 5 steps

1. 1. Shake out loose debris: Before washing, shake each cloth outdoors or over a bin to remove crumbs, coffee grounds, and hair. This prevents particles from embedding deeper into the fibres during the wash cycle. Do not rinse with hot water first — heat can set protein-based stains like milk or egg.
2. 2. Wash separately in cold water: Place microfibre cloths alone in the machine — never with cotton towels or lint-shedding fabrics. Use cold or lukewarm water (max 40°C / 104°F) and a small amount of liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, bleach, and fabric softener. If you must wash with other items, choose synthetic fabrics only and skip the softener dispenser entirely.
3. 3. Skip the spin cycle or use a low spin: High-speed spinning can twist and stress the microfibre strands. Select a gentle or low-spin setting to reduce wear. For hand washing, gently squeeze — never wring — the cloth. Wringing creates creases that reduce the cloth's surface contact with the next surface you clean.
4. 4. Air dry or tumble dry on no heat: Hang cloths flat or on a line away from direct sunlight. If using a dryer, choose the no-heat or low-heat setting and remove them while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying. Never iron microfibre cloths — the heat will melt the fibres and ruin their cleaning performance.
5. 5. Store dry and colour-coded: Once fully dry, fold cloths and store them in a clean, dry container. Keep colours separate (e.g., green for kitchen, blue for glass, pink for bathroom, purple for coffee gear) to prevent cross-contamination between uses. Replace cloths when they no longer pick up dust or start leaving streaks — typically after 50–100 washes.

What to use

• Microfibre Cleaning Cloths (Pack of 4): Made from 100% polyester, these lint-free cloths remove dirt and dust effectively, whether used wet or dry. Colour-coded across green, blue, pink, and purple to prevent cross-contamination. The colour coding helps you assign one cloth per surface (e.g., purple for coffee equipment, green for general wipe-downs), reducing the risk of spreading bacteria between areas.