Microfiber is an innovation in the cleaning industry that in short time managed to occupy the top spot. It became the preferred choice for both professional household cleaners. Its numerous advantages over other cloth fabrics such as cotton contributed for its stellar performance. Moreover, it is cheap and readily available product.

Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto was the research pioneer in this sphere when he started his research in the 1960s. By 1970s his discoveries together with the discoveries of Dr. Hikota, resulted in many industrial applications for this wonder fabric. Their first successful commercially available product was Ultrasuede. However, it was not until the 1990s in Sweden and then Europe for the microfiber to conquer the cleaning products market. Only recently, has companies started to offer microfiber products in the USA.

What is the secret behind this marvelous success? The microfiber is a synthetic made of nylon and polyester blend. These materials are put together to form a strand which is split into thin fibers. Using an effective knitting technology the fibers are woven and this highly effective cleaning material is the result. The cloths come in a standard size but in different colours. Microfiber is also used in the apparel industry and for the making of towels.

The microfiber cloths are far superior to their cotton predecessor. First, according to tests using conventional cotton cleaning cloths reduce the number of bacteria by 30%, while sweeping the surface with microfiber cloth reduces it by 99%. Second, microfiber has excellent absorbing abilities. It can absorb up to eight times its weight in liquid. Moreover, it can easily absorb oil. Third, its synthetic nature allows it to build up static electricity which during dusting attracts and retain dust particles while cotton cloths just spread them in the air. Forth, microfiber uses less water and almost no cleaning products. Thus it is cost effective and environmentally friendly product.

Microfiber is a versatile domestic cleaning product suitable for many chores. It is equally good in cleaning spills, dusting and cleaning sensitive surfaces such as mirrors. Proper care might prolong its lifespan. You can hand wash it or machine wash it. Avoid washing with very hot water as it may ruin the fibers. Also be careful with detergents and in no case use bleach.