Can You Wash And Reuse Microfiber Towels?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Yes, you can wash and reuse microfiber towels. To wash them, separate them from other fabrics to prevent lint transfer. Sort them based on usage, such as engine bay, tires, interior, and polishing. Pre-treat heavily soiled towels by soaking in warm water with a cleaner/degreaser. Machine wash on a normal cycle with cold or lukewarm water, using a gentle detergent free of dyes, scents, fabric softeners, and bleach. Dry them on the lowest heat in a dryer or air dry them indoors. Avoid using fabric softener sheets and outdoor drying. Hang drying is an option but may result in less plush towels.

How to Wash Microfiber Towels: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sorting the Towels

• Separate microfiber towels from other types of fabrics to avoid picking up lint.
• Sort the towels based on their usage, such as for engine bay detailing, tires and wheels, polishing, interior cleaning, or applying waxes and sealants.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment for Heavily Soiled Towels

• If any towels are heavily soiled or greasy, pre-treat them before washing them.
• Fill a sink or a 5-gallon bucket with warm water (not hot) and add a multipurpose cleaner or degreaser like Optimum Power Clean.
• Let the towels soak for a few hours to loosen dirt and oils.
• After soaking, wring out the towels properly.

Step 3: Washing the Towels

• Open your washer and add the dirty microfiber towels.
• Select the normal cycle to ensure proper agitation.
• Choose the temperature setting based on the level of dirtiness: cold for most cases, semi-warm, or warm for heavier soiling.
• Avoid using the hot setting, as microfibers have a melting point of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
• Select the extra rinse option if available, as it helps remove dirt and residue effectively.
• Use a gentle detergent, such as Tide Free and Gentle or All Free and Clear, without dyes, scents, fabric softeners, or bleach.
• Microfiber-specific detergents like Micro Restore or Gion Towel Wash can also be used.
• Optionally, add half a cup of white distilled vinegar to the bleach or fabric softener dispenser, as it aids in releasing oils and dirt from the fibers.
• Start the washing cycle and let it complete.

Step 4: Drying the Towels

• Remove the towels from the washer and check the lint trap for any lint buildup.
• Place the towels in the dryer, ensuring proper airflow by cleaning the lint trap.
• Choose low- or no-heat settings, such as air or tumble dry, to minimize heat exposure.
• Dry the towels for approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the dryer and load size.
• The dryer helps recharge the electrostatic cling of the microfibers, enhancing their dust and dirt pick-up ability.
• Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softener sheets, as they can coat the fibers and lead to damage over time.
• Alternatively, hang the towels to dry on a towel rack indoors, especially if you prefer not to use a dryer. Avoid hanging them outside to prevent dust accumulation.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

• Always use liquid detergents instead of powders to prevent residue buildup and potential scratching of surfaces.
• Choose a washer with an extra rinse option for thorough cleaning if possible.
• Consider using microfiber-specific detergents, although gentle regular detergents work well too.
• Remember that microfiber towels may not feel as plush when air-dried compared to a dryer.
• Avoid mixing microfiber towels with other fabrics during washing to prevent lint transfer.
• For optimum results, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Conclusion:

Microfiber towels are versatile and durable cleaning tools that can be washed and reused multiple times. By following proper washing techniques, such as sorting, pre-treating heavily soiled towels, using gentle detergents, and avoiding hot water, you can maintain the effectiveness and longevity of your microfiber towels. It is recommended to wash them after each use to ensure cleanliness and optimal performance. While microfiber towels can withstand regular use, it’s important to monitor for signs of damage or reduced effectiveness and replace them when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Key Points to Remember

• Microfiber towels are efficient tools for picking up dirt, dust, and debris.
• Proper care and washing techniques are essential for maintaining their performance and longevity.
• Sort the towels based on usage and separate them from other fabrics.
• Pre-treat heavily soiled towels in warm water with a multipurpose cleaner or degreaser.
• Use a washing machine with cold or warm water (avoid hot) and a gentle detergent on the normal cycle.
• Opt for an extra rinse if available to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Dry the towels in a dryer on low heat or no heat settings, or air-dry them on a towel rack indoors.
• Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which can coat the fibers and diminish performance.

Key Takeaways

• Sort and separate microfiber towels before washing to prevent lint transfer.
• Pre-treat heavily soiled towels by soaking them in warm water with a multipurpose cleaner.
• Use a gentle detergent without dyes, scents, fabric softeners, or bleach.
• Wash on the normal cycle with cold or warm water, avoiding hot water.
• Consider adding white distilled vinegar to aid in dirt and oil removal.
• Dry on low heat or no heat settings in a dryer or air-dry indoors on a towel rack.
• Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets to maintain towel performance.
• Follow care instructions and consider using microfiber-specific detergents for optimal results.