December 29, 2016
Microfibre: Just Another Over-Hyped Innovation?
Mirofibre mops, microfibre cloths, microfibre tea-towels - even microfibre underwear. The list of new uses for microfibre textiles expands practically daily. But what is microfibre? More importantly, how should it be used and is it really so much better than anything else?
Soooooo, what is it anyway?
Essentially, microfibre is a blend of synthetic fibres, often polyester and nylon, treated and woven together. The end result is a fibre that is ultra-fine; in fact, it’s so small an individual fibre can only just be seen by the naked eye. When woven together over a large flat area, like that of a microfibre mop, the ultra-fine strands create a surface area that consists of many small spaces, perfect for trapping dirt and dust particles. Combined with the curled ends of the microfibre strands, which pick up and hold the dirt, the fabric is an excellent choice for a cleaning cloth.
The millions of strands of fibres rub together to create static electricity. This static charge not only holds the dirt on the mop but actually attracts those particles, making the job of the housekeeper that much easier.
What’s wrong with my trusty rope-mop?
Nothing. If you prefer to use them and they work for you, by all means continue. There are some marked benefits, however, in switching to the microfibre mop system compared with the traditional rope-mop:
| Rope Mop | Microfibre Mop |
| Uses chemicals | Usually no chemicals required |
| Many water changes required | Mop will hold dirt |
| Full wash required after use | Rinse and twist |
| Vigorous pushing required | Mop attracts dirt |
How to use microfibre
The first line in the table often catches people by surprise. “No chemicals?” That’s right, often a light dampening with water is all you need. Mopping a dry surface? Great! Simply use a dry mop. Remember all those tiny space and curled fibre ends? They do all the work, rendering chemical cleaning products unnecessary. While non-acid chemicals generally won’t harm the fibre, heavy use should be avoided. Too much liquid will simply fill the spaces in the fibres, making it less effective.
When you’re finished, simply remove the fabric mop from the mop head and rinse with water or pop in the washing machine. Squeeze any water out by twisting the mop and leave to dry. If properly cared for, a microfibre mop will last for up to 500 washes, meaning yes, microfibre truly does live up to the hype.
