Cleaning the Healthy Way: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
With the many advances in technology, one fabulous development is the microfiber cleaning cloth. The advantages of these are many, and the result is a clean home with a minimized need for cleaning products. This in turn creates a higher quality of indoor air pollution, costs less, and is better for the environment.
What is microfiber?
It is a very fine synthetic (man made) fiber that can be woven into fabrics. It allows fabrics to hang and handle as they naturally would, but with the added benefits of washing better, breathing better, and repelling or retaining water better, depending on the purpose. Microfibers are made from in acrylic, nylon, polyester, and rayon forms. For cleaning, microfiber cleaning cloths can often be used alone or with small amounts of cleaning products. When designed for cleaning, microfiber cleaning cloths can retain moisture much better, which means fewer trips to the sink. It also means that cleaning up spills takes much less effort, as the microfiber cleaning cloth can absorb more liquid than a typical sponge.
Microfiber cleaning cloths can also hold dust and dirt better. These cleaning cloths naturally hold dust, debris, and other small particles. One problem with traditional dusting, for example, is that many cleaning products such as feathers or lambs wool dusters tend to spread as much dust around the air as they do pick it up. For people with asthma or allergies, this creates a problem. No one wants to breathe excess dust in the air, and very few people are interested in waiting until the dust settles to enjoy their home. If an allergy or asthma problem is more serious, combining a microfiber cleaning cloth with a light dusting spray directly on the cloth can minimize dust particles getting into the air even more.
Because these cleaning cloths can be used with little or no cleaning products, they are also great for a home with small children and are better for the environment. Many of these specialty sponge cloths can be cleaned are reused, so there is less to throw away. Also good for the landfill, fewer cleaning products means fewer containers are put in the garbage.
Microfiber cleaning cloths come in a variety styles for different purposes. Some are designed for very careful cleaning needs, such as those used for high tech tools including coated surfaces like those on computer screens, laptops, TVs, and others. When using cleaning cloths for these purposes, extra care is required. Follow the packaging directions for washing and caring of the cleaning cloths, as this will ensure that the microfiber cleaning cloths continue to perform as directed and do not damage your equipment.
Other purposes for microfiber sponge cloths are much more heavy-duty. This is the wonderful thing about microfiber. It can be used for the most sensitive cleaning need to the heaviest duty. Many car enthusiasts choose these cleaning cloths because they work so well and do not damage the car parts. Microfiber cleaning cloths are idea for removing wax, detailing interiors, cleaning glass, and drying exteriors for a beautiful shine.
To clean with a microfiber cleaning cloth, follow the directions on the label. For the most part, with the exception of the highly sensitive cleaning situations mentioned above, you can use a microfiber cleaning cloth however you feel it will best suit your needs. For dusting, use the cleaning cloth dry or with a light spray of a dusting cleaner directly on the cloth. For cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll probably want to use the cloth wet, either with or without a cleaning agent. For fixtures, you can use the cloth dry, and add a little bit of “elbow grease” to create a beautiful shine. The added benefit here is that you can shine your fixtures without having to worry about water drips drying and leaving marks. The cloths also allow you to grab each end and work around tight spots rather than trying to squeeze a sponge into the same area. What versatility!
Some microfiber cleaning cloths are designed in such a way that they can be used for multiple purposes, such as cleaning dishes, walls, sinks, or fixtures. These allow you to clean in a variety of areas without having to purchase multiple tools. The many uses of microfiber cleaning cloths can significantly cut costs on other wipes, sponges, and cloths all marketed for a different purpose. The truth is, with a good microfiber cleaning cloth, you can cover many of your cleaning needs with just one product.
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company. Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
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