A truly human-safe, naturally clean home starts with the right tools. Ones that are safe, gentle, effective, and don’t just move dirt and grime around. Instead, they trap and remove these particles, improving indoor air quality without the use of harmful chemicals.

That’s why microfiber cloths top our list of recommended cleaning tools, making them the perfect complement to our Branch Basics Premium Starter Kits.

These highly effective, hypoallergenic, and environmentally-safe cloths clean most surfaces using only water.

Not to mention, they’re also incredibly useful in reducing harmful bacteria. A UC Davis study[1] found that while “conventional tools reduced bacteria by only 30%, microfiber materials reduced bacteria by 99%.”

How Do Microfiber Cloths Work? Glad You Asked!

Microfiber cloths are made from tiny polyester fibers that measure about one-fifth the thickness of a human hair. The fiber’s uniform star-shaped structure makes them super absorbent and ideal for cleaning nearly any surface.

Unlike conventional cleaning tools, which only push dust, dirt, and debris around, microfiber cloths use electrostatic forces to attract and trap particles like magnets.

These simple yet powerful tools are a must-have in every human-safe cleaning toolkit. Proper care and cleaning are critical for keeping them in like-new condition.

In this article, we show you how to clean a microfiber cloth, proper drying techniques, and more. Let’s get to it!

Methods of Washing

Cleaning microfiber cloths regularly prevents dirt and dust from clogging the fibers, removes bacteria and odors, and maintains absorbency and effectiveness.

To wash, avoid harsh soaps and detergents, fabric softener and bleach. These products coat the microfiber with a synthetic chemical-like blanket that renders them useless. Instead, opt for a mild, fragrance-free option.

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent powder is a great natural and human-safe cleaning option as it does not contain fragrance, dyes, optical brighteners, ammonia, chlorine, endocrine disruptors or 1,4-dioxane. 

For normal-size loads, just one scoop of our Laundry Detergent delivers a powerful and thorough clean. In the case of washing only microfiber cloths, just 1 to 2 teaspoons will get the job done.

Branch Basics Liquid Laundry Detergent is very mild and another excellent option for cleaning your microfibers. Just a capful of the Liquid Laundry in your washing machine does the trick.

There are two equally effective methods for cleaning microfiber cloths: machine wash and hand wash.

Machine Wash

Machine washing is the easiest, and most convenient way to clean microfiber cloths.

For heavily soiled or stained cloths we recommend using the washing machine over hand washing. However, even lightly soiled cloths (those used for dusting) can be machine washed as well.

Here’s how to clean a microfiber cloth in the washing machine:

1. Separate the microfiber cloths from other fabrics, like cotton, wool, and linen. Mixing them can cause abrasion, damaging the cloth’s fibers and leaving behind lint.
   
   Also, separate the cloths into two piles—heavily soiled and lightly soiled. To prevent dirt and grime transfer, we recommend washing lightly soiled cloths (those used for dusting and light cleaning) separate from heavily soiled cloths (those used for heavy-duty, extra-dirty cleaning jobs).
   
   
2. Shake the cloths over a trash can to loosen and remove excess dirt and dust.
   
   
3. Pretreat stains with a few sprays of All Purpose. Gently agitate the stain with your fingers. Let dwell for 10 to 15 minutes before washing.
   
   Alternatively, Laundry Detergent can be used directly on stains. Just sprinkle on some detergent, spritz with All Purpose spray, agitate, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
   
   For more stain removal tips, check out How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide].
   
   
4. Add cloths and a small amount (about 1 or 2 teaspoons) of detergent to the washing machine.
   
   For detergent, we recommend choosing a gentle, fragrance-free, human-safe option like Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, our Branch Basics LIquid Landry Detergent or check out these natural laundry detergent alternatives.
   
   To remove odors, add a scoop of Oxygen Boost or 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine.
   
   Note: Avoid using bleach and fabric softeners, as these contain harmful synthetic chemicals that can damage microfiber cloths.
   
   
5. Wash on a regular cycle in cold or warm water.

Because microfiber cloths are made from synthetic fabrics, they can shed tiny microplastics during laundering, which wind up in our waterways and soil.

Fortunately, you can prevent this by using a Guppy Friend Bag when you wash your microfiber cloths—or any synthetic fabrics. 

Just toss your cloths into the bag and wash them as directed above.

Hand Wash

Hand washing is a simple and effective way to clean microfiber cloths. 

Best used for small, lightly soiled loads, this method is ideal for preserving their softness and extending their effectiveness.

Here’s how to hand wash a microfiber cloth:

1. Shake the cloths over a trash can to loosen and remove excess dirt and dust.
   
   
2. Fill a large bucket or sink with cold or warm water. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, Branch Basics Liquid Laundry Detergent, or your favorite natural and fragrance-free laundry detergent.
   
   
3. Add the microfiber cloths, making sure they are fully submerged. Agitate the soapy water with your hands, then let soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
   
   
4. Gently scrub the cloths with your hands to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed.
   
   
5. Rinse each cloth thoroughly in cool running water. Wring out and dry.Related reading: How To Wash Dry Clean Only Clothes At Home

Methods of Drying

No matter how you dry them, microfiber cloths dry quickly and easily. 

But it’s incredibly important you dry them properly to maintain the integrity of the polyester fibers. The key here is to never mix fabrics, avoid dryer sheets, and always dry on low heat.

Machine Dry

A machine dryer does more than just dry. It also restores the static charge in microfiber cloths, using tumbling, to enhance their ability to attract and trap tiny particles while cleaning.

Here’s how to dry a microfiber cloth in the dryer:

1. Before drying microfiber cloths, check and clean the lint trap thoroughly. A full lint trap can release lint from other fabrics and attach to the microfiber, damaging the fibers and causing pilling or knotting.
   
   
2. Avoid using wool dryer balls and dryer sheets with microfibers.
   
   Note: Although we love our wool dryer balls, the wool fibers can shed lint and cling to the microfiber. On the other hand, dryer sheets contain synthetic chemicals, oils, and fabric softeners that can coat and damage the cloth’s fibers.
   
   
3. Set the dryer heat to low or air-dry and turn it on.
   
   Note: Do not turn the dryer on too hot. High heat will cause the polyester fibers to fuse, ruining your microfiber cloths.
   
   
4. Remove promptly. 

Air Dry

Air drying may be the best option for preserving microfiber cloths. Since they dry quickly, this gentle, low-heat method helps prevent damage and keeps the synthetic fibers from fusing.

Here’s how to air dry a microfiber cloth:

1. Over the sink or washing machine, shake each cloth to remove excess moisture.
   
   
2. Hang to dry in direct sunlight.
   
   Note: If drying indoors, hang in a sunny, well-ventilated area.

How To Deodorize A Microfiber Cloth

Odors in microfiber cloths can occur for many reasons including:

• Poor drying
• Not washing often or thoroughly enough
• Buildup from cleaning products, oils, or excess moisture

Try the following to deodorize a microfiber cloth:

• Add 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine
• Soak it in water with a scoop of Oxygen Boost and 2 tsp. of Concentrate
• Air it out (preferably outdoors in the sunshine) for as long as possible

If the odor lingers, despite trying the above options, it may be time to replace your cloth.

Related reading: 7 Non-Toxic Air Fresheners And How To Remove Odors Naturally

How Often To Clean a Microfiber Cloth

The frequency of cleaning a microfiber cloth depends on how often it’s used and how dirty it gets.

If you’ve used it for light tasks like cleaning mirrors or dusting, you can likely reuse it for a few days. Lightly soiled cloths just need a quick shake and rinse in warm soapy water to release trapped dust and dirt.

For heavily soiled cloths, like those used to scrub kitchen surfaces, we recommend washing them right away.

Tips to Keep Your Microfiber Cloths in Good Shape

Keeping your microfiber cloths in good shape is easy with proper care. 

With the right washing and drying techniques, you can maintain their absorbency and cleaning power.

Follow these simple tips to keep your cloths looking and cleaning like new.

Wash Them Separately

As previously mentioned, microfiber cloths should be washed alone to avoid attracting lint or fibers from other materials.

Fabrics to avoid include cotton, wool, and linen.

If you do happen to wash them with lint-shedding fabrics, don’t fret! Grab a lint roller to remove any lint.

Avoid Washing with Fabric Softener or Bleach

Fabric softeners and bleach should be avoided when washing microfiber cloths. 

These harmful synthetic chemicals aren’t just harmful for you and the environment, they also break down the cloth’s fibers, making them less effective over time.

Instead, try using distilled white vinegar in the wash as a natural fabric softener alternative, and Oxygen Boost as a natural bleach alternative.

If you’re concerned your microfiber cloths are becoming stiff, gently rub them together to fluff them back up. Works like a charm!

Related reading: The Toxic Chemicals Hidden In Dryer Sheets And Fabric Softener

Healthier Home Cleaning With Branch Basics

As you can see, cleaning a microfiber cloth isn’t difficult. It just takes the right human-safe products and methods to wash and dry it without harming the ultra-fine fibers.

At Branch Basics, we have two safe and effective laundry products that are Made Safe Certified, third-party tested as a non-skin or eye irritants, never tested on animals, and are made from natural plants and minerals.

Our Laundry Detergent powder is incredibly convenient and simple to use.

It only requires one scoop per load with no additional products needed. It also performs well in cold water, saving energy and preserving fabric integrity, including microfiber cloths.

Secondly, our Concentrate Laundry Solution uses our liquid Concentrate model, where you mix water with the Concentrate in our Laundry bottle. Add a scoop of Oxygen Boost for extra cleaning and stain-removing power. 

These items, and more, come in our Premium Starter Kits, which provide you with everything you need to replace every cleaning product in your home.

To learn how to ditch conventional detergents and replace them with a human-safe option, check out our Branch Basics Laundry Instructions. 

While you’re at it, ditch your dryer sheets for our non-allergenic, fragrance- and dye-free, natural Wool Dryer Balls.

Happy cleaning!

References:

1.https://web.archive.org/web/20100706120121/http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/releases/archives/other/2006/mop6-2006.html