When to Use Microfiber Cloth Instead of Paper Towels

Microfiber cloths – soft, absorbent, economical – are often the preferred alternative to using and throwing away piles of paper towels. But not every time. Here’s how you should decide what to turn to when you need to clean up the mess.

When to Use Microfiber Cloths

According to the University of Washington , microfiber cloths are made from polyester and nylon; their combined polyamide fiber splits again and again until it is thinner than a human hair. This explains the softness of fabrics, as well as their ability to slip into cracks and crevices where cotton rags or paper towels cannot penetrate.

Here is when you should use a microfiber cloth:

• Use microfiber if you want to save water or don’t want the surface you’re cleaning to get too wet. Research conducted at UC Davis Medical Center has shown that microfiber requires far less water or chemicals than cotton to clean and saturate the surface.
• Use microfiber when you want to pick up dust or other particles, as all of these small fibers carry a positive electrical charge that attracts them. Even dry, they pick up dust and dirt much more effectively than paper towels.
• Use microfiber cloths to clean large stains, as they absorb about six times their weight in liquid and do not weaken or tear as a result.
• Use microfiber cloths when cleaning something delicate, such as a laptop or TV screen. Even though they appear soft, the tiny fibers of paper towels can actually scratch these surfaces.

When to Use Paper Towels

There are a few cases where a paper towel is a better option than a microfiber cloth. Although microfiber is known for its ability to remove germs from surfaces, bacteria remain on the fabric. If bacteria are present or you’re worried about germs or other health hazards, a paper towel that you throw away immediately (after being used in combination with a disinfectant) is probably the best option.

If you cook and touch raw food, you can also use a paper towel to dry your hands between touching and washing, as it’s better to get rid of cross-contamination than keep wiping your hands with them.

Finally, choose a paper towel if you’re cleaning something flammable, even oil. It’s just better not to put anything combustible in the dryer and not to keep it at home at all.

If you want to cut down on paper towels, it’s wise to have microfiber cloths on hand:

• 12 multicolor microfiber cloths for $7 (Amazon)
• 50 microfiber cloths for $20 (Amazon)
• Two Large $5 Microfiber Dusting Cloths (Target)