I love my microfiber cloths to the point it's almost become a bit of a problem. And when I found out why microfiber cloths come in different colors – it was a game changer.
But, now I've got so many that I find it hard to tell which ones are new and which ones are old. And while they're perfect for cleaning pretty much anything around your home from dusting to wiping down surfaces to tackling windows and mirrors, they don't last forever.
Eventually, there comes a time when the microfiber cloths need replacing and it's actually pretty important to do so. If you don't, it'll stop doing its job properly and instead start dragging dirt and bacteria around your home.
Unfortunately, no amount of putting your microfiber cloths through the washing machine will solve the problem. But, there are three telltale signs that you need to look out for – and it's helped me work my way through my mountain of microfiber cloths.
1. They're no longer absorbent
One of the great things about microfiber cloths is how absorbent they are. They're excellent at wicking away liquids and cleaning up spills, but this ability doesn't last forever.
If you begin to notice that spillages aren't getting soaked up the way they used to or they're even leaving streaks behind, it's time to replace your cloth.
It's a problem you can't simply fix by washing them again or more thoroughly as the fibers have already been permanently affected by other substances such as oil or dirt.
2. They smell odd
The fibers in microfibers cloth are their key cleaning feature. They're non-abrasive and ultra-soft, but over time, they can begin to smell and that's because the fibers are also susceptible to trapping in nasty dirt and bacteria over time.
Since the smell usually means there's bacteria involved, you don't want to be spreading that around your home. No doubt, you also don't want to be spreading the smell. So, if they start to smell, t's time to invest in fresh ones.
3. It looks flattened or worn down
Microfiber cloths are soft and fluffy, but they won't stay like that after being used over a long period of time. You'll begin to notice that the fibers stiffen or lay flat because of all the hard work they've put in around your home.
Once this happens, they won't be able to clean your home the way they used to. Dust will get left behind, you'll get the same problem with absorbing liquids and you'll end up having to wipe around with your cloth even harder to achieve results (and they won't even be as good).
How to make them last longer
While spotting these signs will mean it's too late to do anything about the microfiber cloths aside from replacing them, there are ways you can ward off these signs for longer.
Fortunately, microfiber cloths are known for their long lifespans and reusability. So, they're made to last (but not forever) and extending this impressive lifespan is possible.
While it may be tempting to wash the microfiber cloths in with the rest of your laundry – don't. By washing them separately you're avoiding the fibers grabbing hold of any other substances getting entangled and affecting the cloth.
Equally, using fabric softeners and bleach in your wash can clog up the fibers which leads to matting and stiffness. So, stick to a simple laundry detergent and don't overcomplicate it.
Also, don't stick them through the dryer on high because the heat will damage the cloths. While the best option is to let them dry naturally by hanging them up, you can also use the low heat setting on your dryer if you're in a rush.
Follow these tips and hopefully those three signs that your microfiber cloths need replacing will take a little while longer to come back around.
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