Microfiber Pros and Cons

The invention of microfiber technology has raised cleaning standards in many ways. Microfiber cleaning products allow custodians to move faster and clean more effectively than they can when using standard rags. However, there are downsides to microfiber technology, as well. Here's a list of microfiber pros and cons that will help you determine whether or not these types of cleaning products are right for you and your custodial team.

What Is Microfiber?

Standard cleaning cloths are made out of cotton and nylon, both of which have relatively large fibers. As a result, these cloths are unable to remove the smallest types of bacteria on surfaces, which can often be the most harmful. As the name would suggest, microfiber cleaning tools have smaller, more concentrated fibers.

Pros

• Deeper cleaning. Because they have a higher concentration of fibers, cloths and mops that are made out of microfiber are able to remove more soils from a surface area than those made out of cotton or nylon.

• Require less cleaning solution. When custodians use microfiber pads, they use about 90 percent less cleaning solution than they do with standard cleaning pads and cloths.
• Versatile. Microfibers may be used on mop heads or as cloths, in wet or dry cleaning.
• Durable. Microfiber cloths are much more durable than cotton or nylon rags. With the right maintenance, your microfiber rags may last as long as 500 washings.

Cons

• Potential for cross-contamination. The main drawback to using mops and rags of any kind is the potential for cross-contamination. If your custodians are using microfiber rags, make sure that they switch rags every time they move on to a new cleaning surface. They can also prevent cross-contamination by using a numbered towel and switching to a new section of the towel with each new cleaning surface.
• Require special care. In order to maintain microfiber cleaning materials, custodians have to observe special handling procedures during the cleaning process. These materials must be washed in liquid detergent (without bleach) and then dried at a medium temperature. They can only be washed with other microfiber cloths. If your team washes these cloths with cotton or nylon rags, they may ruin the microfiber materials.

• Not the most effective surface cleaners available. Though there are superior options available that can clean a large area without the potential for cross-contamination, microfiber towels are great for smaller jobs and touch points. Other more advanced systems can also utilize microfiber technology as part of a cleaning system.

An understanding of these microfiber pros and cons can help you decide whether or not it's right for your staff.

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