Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Technical Reference

Microfiber Basics

Microfiber is a very fine synthetic fiber, usually polyester and polyamide (nylon), split to create many small edges that grab and hold soil. Quality is judged by fiber blend, split quality and weight, and correct laundering keeps it working.

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Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Microfiber cloths and pads are made from fibers much finer than a human hair. In split microfiber, each fiber is split into wedge-shaped segments. The split edges and the large surface area hold dust, oils and microbes and pull water into the cloth. Microfiber can clean many surfaces with water alone or with less chemical than cotton.

How to identify

Split microfiber feels slightly grabby and catches on rough skin. Unsplit "microfiber" feels slick and does not drag. Labels may list the blend, such as 80/20 or 70/30 polyester to polyamide, and the GSM (grams per square meter), which is the weight of the fabric. Higher GSM cloths are thicker and hold more liquid.

Product types

Product	Construction	Typical use
General purpose cloth	Medium-pile terry knit	Wiping most surfaces
Glass cloth	Flat, tight weave	Glass, mirrors, stainless
Waffle weave	Raised pocket pattern	Drying, polishing
Damp mop pad	Looped or cut pile on a backing	Daily damp mopping
Wet mop pad	Thicker, higher pile	Heavier soil, finish (some types)
Dust mop pad	Fringe or looped pile	Dry dusting floors

Laundering

Wash microfiber separately from cotton. Cotton lint clogs the fibers.
Use a detergent without fabric softener. Softener coats the fibers.
Avoid chlorine bleach, which weakens the fibers.
Wash and dry at the temperatures the maker states. High heat can melt the fibers.
Check pads for stiffness or loss of grab and retire them when worn.

Key points

Color coding prevents moving soil from restrooms to food or patient areas. See the microfiber color coding chart.
Fold cloths into quarters to get eight clean faces per cloth.
Microfiber does not replace a registered disinfectant where disinfection is needed. Some quaternary disinfectants bind to microfiber; check compatibility with the chemical maker.
Count wash life. Many pads and cloths are rated for a number of launderings.

Common mistakes

Washing microfiber with cotton towels.
Using fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Using one cloth across all areas without color coding.
Judging quality only by price or GSM without checking split fibers.

Governing standards: No single product standard. Follow the maker's laundering instructions and the disinfectant label for compatibility.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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