Microfiber technology may be the most significant product innovation to the cleaning industry in the last century. It’s a quick and easy switch toward helping preserve environmental resources. In using microfiber material, you'll find that the key benefits extend beyond your workers' wellness. It helps protect the environment by reducing both your contribution to the waste stream and the use of water and harmful chemicals. In some cases, microfiber can totally eliminate water and chemical usage altogether. Learn more about why you should make the switch:
Microfibers are densely constructed polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibers that are approximately 1/16th the thickness of a human hair. When woven together, these fibers create a net-like surface area covered with millions of spaces to trap moisture, dirt and debris. The micro fibers are able to get into tiny nooks and crevices whereas the traditional cotton cloth and mop fibers are not. The nylon component of the fiber also produces a static charge that attracts dirt, pulling it in and trapping it until the cloth or pad is washed.
Using Microfiber
Mopping is one of the more popular uses of microfiber material. Using conventional cotton loop mops for wet mopping has long been the standard in floor cleaning for janitorial operations. Here are some key benefits of using microfiber for the mopping task:
- Enhances cleaning power: Microfiber cleans more effectively, reaching into surface pores and crevices, where cotton mop materials are too large for deep cleaning.
- Contributes to reducing water and chemical usage microfiber mops use about 10-20 times less liquid than standard cotton mops, helping reduce procurement costs. Very few microfiber applications require the use of chemicals.
- Helps increase productivity: The effort of dipping and wringing a conventional mop is eliminated. As long as the used microfiber mop head is not put back in the cleaning solution, the user does not have to change the solution between tasks.
- Assists in reducing cross-contamination: Healthcare facilities have been quick to embrace microfiber cleaning. In an effort to reduce cross contamination risk between patient rooms, some state laws require that maintenance personnel change out the mop and/or cleaning solution after every room. Using microfiber flat mops helps the facility comply with these requirements.
- Can reduce the risk of worker injury: Microfiber mops weigh significantly less than conventional wet cotton loop mops, making them more ergonomic and easier to use.
Superior Cleaning Power
Microfiber works its way into surface cracks and crevices to pick up microbes and microscopic particles cotton and other synthetic fibers leave behind, making it ideal for cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic, high-risk areas in any facility. In fact, microfiber has proven to be more than 3 times more effective at reducing bacteria than cotton fiber, removing 99% of bacteria compared to cotton’s 30%.
Reduced Labor and Supply Cost
Microfiber cloths and cleaning tools are so effective at capturing and removing bacteria that cleaning staff can clean more area in less time, helping reduce overall labor cost. In addition to being longer-lasting, cleaning with microfibers requires significantly less cleaning chemicals and water than cleaning with conventional fibers – 95% less, according to a study conducted at the UC Davis Medical Center.
Improved Infection Control
Microfiber cloths and tools remove the risk of cross-contamination when used as part of a color-coded cleaning program. For example; use Red for restroom floors or toilets, Yellow for restroom sinks or dispensers, Green for general, non-preparatory food and bar cleanup, or Blue for low-risk areas. Additional colors are available. Note: Food prep areas have their own standards through the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.
How to Clean Microfiber
Due to the nylon component in microfiber, high levels of heat will break down the fibers and ruin its effectiveness. It is recommended that microfiber be washed in temperatures that do not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Most cleaning detergents can be used, but adding bleach and fabric softener is not recommended. Drying temperatures should not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Very few chemicals can harm microfiber. However, it is important to avoid acids. Read the warning label on the chemical container. If the chemical indicates that it will harm plastics, it will most likely harm microfiber. Be sure not to wash microfiber with materials that are prone to lint. In the laundry cycle, the microfiber will collect the lint and be rendered ineffective.
By following these simple care instructions, microfiber can be laundered anywhere from 100-500 times and remain an effective cleaning tool.