How to wash microfiber so that it does not lose its properties

Share on social media networks:

Along with natural fabrics, artificial fabrics are widely used today for the production of various clothing and household items. One of the most popular is microfiber, so knowing how to wash microfiber is a must for every housewife. Why is this so important? Yes, it’s simple - with the right approach in the process of cleaning things and cleaning the house, you will be able to maintain the attractiveness of clothes and objects much longer, and then you won’t have to think long about how to hide the spread stains or even go to the store to buy a new product.

What is microfiber?

Microfiber is a unique modern development of synthetic material based on polyamide, polymers and polyester. As a result of production, the finest fiber is formed, which is then woven into fabric.

Its properties make our daily chores so much easier that today it is almost impossible to do without microfiber. This material is durable, does not pill, does not fade, practically does not fade and withstands chemical exposure well.

It is quite difficult to list all the things for which such fabric is used - the range is very large. Most often you can find:

• rags and napkins for cleaning the house;
• bed linen and even underwear;
• mop attachments;
• furniture, including for children;
• strollers and car seats.

Important! Take into account the fact that if you properly care for the item, it will serve you well for at least 5 years and can easily withstand even up to 500 washes. That is why it is important to clarify before using the item how to properly wash microfiber. In this process, the most important thing is to preserve the softness of the canvas, its absorbent properties, texture and color. Only with this approach can you save on purchasing new things.

Drying rules

Microfiber linen feels great in direct sunlight. Moisture from the fabric evaporates quickly, so you need to control the process and not leave the products outside longer than necessary.

Even if you used a machine for washing, it is better not to risk the appearance of your favorite towels or bed linen and spin it manually, and then send it outside to dry.

How to dry microfiber

If drying occurs indoors, it is recommended to ensure that there are no heat sources nearby. Do not hang wet items on the radiator - this can lead to folds, wrinkles, and deformation of the fabric. It is better to hang towels or linen in a warm room.

How to wash microfiber?

In principle, as already noted, microfiber perfectly retains its strength when exposed to chemical influences. Therefore, for washing it you will need:

• universal washing powders;
• soap - baby and laundry soap;
• liquid soap and dishwashing detergent;
• stain removers.

Important! Several requirements that are best adhered to when choosing a cleaning product:

• the alkaline level should not exceed 10.5 ph;
• bleaches do not contain chlorine;
• It is better not to use conditioners, as they can reduce the absorbency of microfiber.

To clean microfiber furniture, additionally prepare:

• soft brush;
• vacuum cleaner;
• sponge - preferably unpainted, neutral color;
• cotton towel.

When to wash microfiber?

Depending on what items you plan to wash and how often you use them, choose the appropriate washing schedule:

• rags for household use and for cleaning cars will require daily washing, especially if they become very dirty after use;
• for bed linen and other things, once every 1-2 weeks is enough, although it is better to wash socks after each wearing;
• It is better to clean furniture, strollers and car seats at least once every 3-6 months.

Wash by hand

Washing synthetic items without using a washing machine is quite easy. The main thing is to strictly follow some rules that will prevent unwanted consequences.

ARTICLE FOR YOU

How to wash linen and jacquard items

Basic recommendations for getting rid of dirt by hand:

• the water temperature should not exceed 50 degrees;
• Avoid boiling even if heavily soiled - the fabric will quickly deform and lose its attractive appearance;
• use regular soap, washing powder (when washing colored items, make sure there are no bleaching components in the composition);
• rub a towel or linen carefully - artificial fibers do not accumulate dirt and easily get rid of stains;
• after spinning, hang it indoors, under the sun’s rays - it will take very little time to dry;
• Do not wash light-colored microfiber items at the same time as colored ones - the fabric quickly absorbs dye.

Handwash

Aggressive detergents should not be used - even gentle detergents adequately remove stubborn stains.

How to wash microfiber in a machine?

For washing such fabric, both hand and machine washing are quite acceptable. If you don’t like fiddling with basins and always use a machine, follow these recommendations:

1. Do not load the drum “to capacity” - ideally 80%.
2. Select the temperature mode depending on the purpose of washing:
   for regular - 40-60 degrees;
3. for disinfection - temperatures up to 95C are allowed.
4. Before the procedure, sort all your items - rags and microfiber cloths are washed separately from other items.
5. Do not stack fadeable microfiber fabrics together. This fabric does not fade, but may take on a different shade from a fading item.
6. Initially, spin clothes, bedding or microfiber cloths in a pre-wash - in this case, the cleaning effect will be much better.
7. Follow the dosage of the selected powder in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. A larger quantity is allowed if the fabric is very dirty. To choose a reasonable amount, use our calculations given in the article “How much powder to pour into the washing machine?”

Ironing - can it be done?

Microfiber is a fabric that does not tolerate high temperatures. Even at 60 degrees, the material is easily deformed, and folds or wrinkles cannot be eliminated. To prevent damage to your favorite things, it is better to avoid using an iron.

If the items become slightly wrinkled during washing, it is better to dry them by laying the items on a soft cloth that absorbs moisture well. Straighten the towels and smooth them a little with your hands.

It happens that things are so wrinkled that you can’t do without using an iron. In such cases, use cotton napkins - place the product between them and iron at minimum temperature.

ARTICLE FOR YOU

How to wash blackout items: in a washing machine and by hand

It is better to start the process from a small corner - if the fabric begins to deform under the influence of the iron, it is better not to take risks and completely abandon ironing.

How to wash microfiber by hand?

It is quite easy to wash such fabric by hand, and even heavy stains can be removed without much effort without using a washing machine. Choose the method that suits you and follow the instructions.

Method 1

If things are not very dirty, proceed like this:

1. Wet each rag.
2. Prepare a paste of baking soda and water.
3. Apply to each item.
4. Leave for 1 hour.
5. Fill a basin or bowl with warm water.
6. Dissolve some liquid soap or powder.
7. Place all the rags in the solution and scrub a little.
8. Rinse well under running warm or cold water when all the dirt has come off.
9. Fill a bowl with warm water and dissolve a little citric acid or juice.
10. Do the final rinse in this solution.

Important! If you are not trying to get a perfectly fresh smell from microfiber items, you can safely skip the last 2 points.

Method 2

If synthetic items are very dirty and you are wondering how to properly wash microfiber to perfect cleanliness, proceed this way:

1. Prepare a soap solution with hot water in a bucket.
2. Soak all rags, items or removable fabric parts from the car seat or stroller in it.
3. Leave it overnight.
4. Remove from solution in the morning and rinse well.
5. If minor stains remain, lather each item again and scrub.
6. Rinse and hang to dry.

Important! After soaking, you can also machine wash at a higher temperature. So you will have to spend little of your own energy.

Washing heavily soiled cloths

Cleaning rags are often made from microfiber. They are very comfortable, but get dirty quickly. It is recommended to wash them separately.

Method one

You can wash microfiber cloths with a paste of baking soda and water. You need to take 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and add warm water little by little until a thick paste is formed. You need to wash it like this:

• wet the cloth;
• coat thickly with paste;
• leave for an hour;
• immerse in warm soapy solution;
• wash;
• rinse under running water.

How to clean furniture with microfiber upholstery?

Before cleaning microfiber furniture yourself, do the following:

1. Carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations on the label or in the data sheet for the item.
2. If you are not sure about the choice of product, call the company where you purchased the item and ask a consultant for all the information you need.
3. Before you commit to large-scale cleaning, test the fabric's reaction to the detergent on an inconspicuous small area.

Once you have prepared all the necessary equipment and understood all the rules, proceed as follows:

1. Remove all small debris and dust from the surface of the furniture using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush.
2. Prepare a mildly concentrated soap solution with cold water—liquid hand soap or dishwashing detergent will do.
3. Soak a terry towel or sponge in the solution and wring it well so that excess moisture is not absorbed into the fabric on the furniture.
4. Consistently treat the surface in small areas with gentle wiping movements.
5. Brush the surface to restore the texture of the upholstery once it's dry.

Important! Do not wet the upholstery too much so that chemicals and water do not penetrate deep inside - in this case, the furniture may begin to rot. For drying, you can use a hair dryer for a short time on the weakest setting with a low temperature, but it is still better to leave the upholstery to dry in natural conditions.

Useful tips

• Minor faded stains on rags are quite appropriate - they do not affect the quality of further cleaning of various items, this is not the kind of dirt that will transfer to another surface upon contact. Therefore, the level of cleanliness in this case is more of an aesthetic issue rather than a practical one.
• If you decide to use a dryer to speed up the drying of microfiber, do it separately from other things. The lint from them will settle on this synthetic fabric and the entire washing procedure will eventually go down the drain.
• When cleaning furniture, do not use very powerful vacuum cleaners or intensive modes - they may create wrinkles that cannot be straightened out.
• To remove stains, do not use aggressive solvents and chlorine stain removers - they can not only change the shade, but also disrupt the structure of the fabric, and accordingly reduce its strength. If you need to remove tough coffee, juice or grease stains, use regular baking soda or salt.

In the washing machine

If you don’t have the time or desire to soak and wash microfiber by hand, you can use an automatic machine.

We recommend: Is it possible to wash a mattress protector in a washing machine?

The recommendations here are:

1. Since the fabric is voluminous, the drum is ¾ loaded.
2. Washing is done in a delicate cycle: too intense rotation damages the fibers.
3. There is no need to put in too much powder, just fill the compartment as for a normal cycle.
4. Wash microfiber cloths separately from other items, as lint and hair may collect on their surfaces.
5. Temperature: 40-50 degrees.
6. Do not wring out microfiber in the washing machine; it is better to remove moisture manually.

Important When choosing a microfiber washing powder, make sure that it does not contain bleaching particles or conditioner.