One Microfiber Cloth Is Not the Same as Another: This Is Why Your Cloth Doesn’t Always Clean Equally Well
You probably never think very deeply about them: your microfiber cloths. Except when it’s really time to clean again. Or to finally put that disgusting thing in the wash. But guess what? You really should think about your microfiber cloths. Because apparently, not all microfiber cloths are the same. And that explains why your cloth doesn’t clean equally well for every job.
The most difficult choice you have to make when it comes to your microfiber cloth isn’t about the color. No, it’s the cloth’s texture you need to pay attention to. Those waffle-textured cloths are made that way for a reason. And those extremely fluffy cloths? They’re not super soft for nothing.
What exactly is microfiber?
Microfiber is a very fine type of synthetic fiber. It consists of a blend of polyester and polyamide. Because the fibers are so extremely fine, they can absorb dirt and liquid perfectly. But as I just said: microfiber cloths can differ from one another. Specifically, in grams per square meter. In English, this is also referred to as grams per square meter, or GSM.
The more grams per square meter (a high GSM value), the better the cloth absorbs and picks up dirt. These are often the super-fluffy cloths. The fluffy ones. These microfiber cloths are heavier than those with fewer grams per square meter. Cloths with a lower GSM value are more suitable for jobs where you don’t need to remove much dirt. The “drier” jobs, in other words.
4 types
Those different GSM values translate into different types of microfiber cloths. In principle, you can find 4 types of microfiber cloths in stores.
All-purpose microfiber cloths
All-purpose microfiber cloths are the best known. They feel a bit like your bath towel. These cloths have a GSM value of around 350: fairly high. You can use them to clean your cooktop and oven, but also for dusting.
Thick, fluffy microfiber cloths
The thicker, fluffier cloths with a GSM value of 520 are better for more intensive cleaning jobs. For example, if you want to polish and dry your car thoroughly. Or if you want to make stainless-steel surfaces shine extra brightly.
Waffle-textured microfiber cloths
Waffle-textured microfiber cloths generally have a GSM value of 320. They’re great for drying surfaces, such as your glass shower doors or dishes. Do you need to scrub hard to remove dirt? Then you’re better off choosing all-purpose or thick, fluffy microfiber cloths.
Microfiber cloths with flat fibers
These cloths feel the least fluffy. They’re actually quite smooth. That’s because, compared with the other cloths, they have a very low GSM value: 280 on average. Smooth microfiber cloths aren’t meant for aggressively scrubbing away dirty stains. No, these cloths are specifically intended for dusting. For example, to remove dust from your television and laptop screen.
So you see: one microfiber cloth is not the same as another. That means you do need to think about your task and which cloth is best suited to it. Other things to think about: cleaning your dishwasher the right way. And scrubbing those dirty wooden spoons that are getting musty in your utensil drawer. Go ahead and schedule those cleaning sessions in your calendar. Time to get to work!
Also read:
- 5 kitchen ingredients that are also great for cleaning
- Cleaning the deep fryer: how to do it easily and quickly
- 7 things you shouldn’t clean with baking soda
Source: The Kitchn
