It is found in household cleaning cloths, athletic gear, upholstery on furniture, cars, andbed sheets.
Microfiber is an ultra-thin synthetic fiber woven into a fabric.
How Is Microfiber Made?
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
A few are made from rayon and resemble natural silk.
As a cleaning cloth, it’s also lint-free and effective at removing dirt from delicate and strong surfaces.
The production of these ultra-fine fibers began in the 1950s.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The fine thread and weave of the material mean these cloths are antibacterial.
They will pick up tiny bacteria that elude cotton cloths.
Microfiber cleaning cloths should bewashed after every use.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Liquids run off or bead on microfiber, so it’s easy to sop up a mess.
It’s also soft and comfortable, ideal for sofas and chairs.
The fabric makes them water-resistant and strong.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Microfiber is also used to make desert combat boots, footballs, and basketballs.
Bed sheets made from microfiber are breathable, light, longer-lasting than natural fibers, and easier to wash.
These towels will dry quickly and are less likely to mildew than cotton towels if not dried immediately.
When washing, follow thecare labelson your bedding and linens.
These microfiber garments should be washed using cool or warm water by hand or in a gentle machine cycle.
Types of Microfiber
One of the most popular microfiber applications is for cleaning cloths and products.
Comparatively, cotton degrades faster, turning into natural, earth-friendly lint.
Microfibers are also called microplastics.
Microfiber fabric can look dull and dirty even when it’s clean.
Sometimes, microfiber fabric causes static cling.
Microfiber bedding and sheets can retain too much heat, making them uncomfortable for sleeping.
Microfiber is also responsible for microplastic pollution in the Earth’s water supply.
Liu J, Liu Q, An L, et al.Microfiber pollution in the earth system.Rev Environ Contam Toxicol.
2022;260(1):13.
