Have you ever cleaned your whole home only to realize that you have gone through an entire packet of paper towels, and not just a small 4-count roll, but a 10-count? I will admit, I have been guilty of this major cleaning mistake a few too many times, and the amount of money I have spent to keep replenishing my stock of paper towels has been cringe-worthy to say the least! Ever since going through this extreme cleaning faux pas, I have adapted to a new, more practical cleaning method of using the cost-effective and useful microfiber towels to clean my home from top to bottom, and with ease.
Microfiber towels are a versatile cleaning tool that can be used in almost any trouble spot in your home – from dirty granite counters, to toothpaste stained mirrors, and even dusting off wooden shelving, the cleaning power of microfiber towels are endless. However, when it comes time to actually washing and deodorizing these magical cleaning tools, issues may arise that will leave you completely stumped and searching for help on how to expel the smell from your microfiber towel cleaning rags.
In this article we are going to discuss the smelly truth behind microfiber towels and how you can properly wash and deodorize microfiber towels in your washing machine.
What is Microfiber Made Of
The microfiber material has become a new craze within the cleaning world, as it offers continual cleaning ability while minimizing household waste – like paper towels create when using them excessively to clean. This strong, cleaning power material of microfiber is composed of a textile made from ultrafine synthetic yarns (polyester and nylon) that are utilized within this towel material. The fibers used on this material are very thin and are nearly 100 times finer than that of human hair. This composition allows for the microfiber material to have a higher surface area, allowing it to collect and gather more debris and liquids (absorbent) that it comes into contact with on the surface(s) it is used on inside of the home.
The microfiber is also undergoing a minimal positive charge to give it its ability to attract and trap dust and debris that the material comes into contact with on the surface. This helps the material to actually hold onto the debris rather than spreading them around on different surfaces the material is used on within the indoor environment. In addition, studies that have been conducted on the
capabilities on microfiber material have shown that the material is much more effective at removing viruses and bacteria than other cloth materials, even without the use of other cleaning products on this material.
Uses for Microfiber Cloth
The versatility of microfiber cloths adds to its appeal when cleaning, with no area of the home unable to withstand the cleaning ability of this type of cleaning towel. Whether it be for use on your mop head to provide a thorough clean to your flooring, used for cleaning countertops (marble, granite, you name it!), and even to be used on your cars when washing the exterior of bugs and other dirt grime that has found its way onto your car’s paint. When it comes to the cleaning or removal of messes from any surface inside and outside of your home, a microfiber towel will be able to take on the task. Some of the most popular uses for this cleaning cloth is by using them on the following items:
- Stainless steel
- Cabinets
- Granite and marble counters
- Chrome fixtures
- Windows and mirrors
- Showers and tubs
- Dusting
- And cleaning the dirty exterior of cars
Can You Wash Microfiber Towels?
Microfibers have an air of simplicity, however, when it comes time to cleaning and washing your microfiber towels the simplicity can be somewhat loss. These cleaning towels and rags are typically used on an amalgam of surfaces to remove a broad array of odors and dirt – this mix of substances can leave quite a smell on your go-to cleaning towels. Sometimes, it will feel as though there is no remedy to your odorous microfiber towel problem, not even the washing machine is helping rid the odors from the microfiber material.
Is this simply in response to an improper washing cycle or are there certain errors being made along the way of your washing routine when cleaning your microfiber towels? Below we are going to discuss some of the biggest mistakes made when washing microfiber towel rags and identify the do’s and don’ts of washing this durable material.
Should You Use Fabric Softener on Towels
For many people, fabric softener is an essential item used in their laundry washing routine – a resourceful addition to help protect your fabrics while it undergoes the washing process. Fabric softener is designed to specifically protect and shield your clothing, as well as work to keep the material soft and durable after multiple washes. Although this sounds like a wonderful addition to any laundry load, when it comes to towels (specifically microfiber towels) it is best to avoid fabric softener at all costs!
The interaction between fabric softener and microfiber towels in the washing machine will be extremely unfavorable. The fabric softener will actually begin to clog the small filaments of fibers used on the microfiber material. This process will essential render the capabilities of the microfiber useless – removing its surface area and trapping abilities of debris and liquids on the towel’s material.
What Temperature to Wash Microfiber Towels
Do you usually wash your towels in hot water to kill any germs and bacteria that may have been collected on the material? I have often done this, until just recently when I learned the adverse effects of washing many fabrics in hot water – including fading, destruction of the fabric, and the damaging effects to the materials durability. This poses the question, what is the ideal temperature to wash your microfiber towels for an optimal cleaning and deodorization of the material?
It is recommended that you wash all your microfiber towels in cold or warm water, rather than in hot water. The suggested water temperature for washing these materials should never exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This rule of thumb will help to maintain and preserve the life/capabilities of the microfiber material.
How to Dry Microfiber Towels
After you complete the wash cycle of your microfiber towels, it will be best to skip the dryer and opt for air drying these towels instead – as the dryer can be damaging to the material. The high temperatures used inside of your dryer can have many lasting effects on the microfiber material, it can reduce its capabilities and destroy the fibers that provide durability to the towel.
Microfiber towels are a fairly adsorptive material that dries quicker than most other fabrics that you wash. Due to the materials adsorptive nature the dry time should be minimal, allowing for rapid air drying to occur. However, if you would like to expedite the drying process it is acceptable to use the dryer to dry these towels, but ensure the temperature is placed on low heat or no heat during this dry cycle.
How to Remove Smell from Towels
You take a whiff of your handy, go-to microfiber towel and it almost knocks you off your feet – it smells horrible! So, like any person would do you throw it in the washing machine, following your best care instructions for the material and you wait for it to come out smelling like the first day you bought it. However, when it comes out the smell is still present and nowhere near the new-bought smell you had hoped for when washing the towels. What can be done to expel this putrid odor from the material of microfiber towels once and for all in the washing machine and learn
how to get smell out of towels?
From vinegar, baking soda, borax, and maybe even bleach... none of them work to thoroughly remove this smell from your towels and you fear it may have even harmed the material of the microfiber. Instead of hauling your stinky microfiber towels to the dumpster in defeat, save them with the use of an effective odor eliminating microfiber towel laundry additive that is no match for odors trapped within this strong, durable fabric.
Microfiber Towel Detergent Additive
The
OdorKlenz Laundry Additive is a revolutionary laundry odor remover additive that is easily placed in your wash cycle to eliminate and neutralize a broad spectrum of noxious odors that can be trapped within the fabric of your laundry. The OdorKlenz patented formula is made from earth minerals and non-toxic ingredients that will leave your fabrics untouched by harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes – while still capable of removing harsh and potent odors on the material of the fabric. This product is safe for use on any washable fabric including delicate materials like moisture wicking, spandex, polyester, rayon, and even wool.
This easily applied and effective microfiber towel detergent additive is perfect for use on any odorous laundry issue you are experiencing, and you will be amazed at the results, guaranteed!