Microfibre Cloths

Dora_the_Explorer_5

I looked at the microfibre cloths in Focus yesterday, but they're nothing like the ones I use. They seem much 'smoother' and mine have a definite looped surface. Haven't looked anywhere else, as I've got loads and like Tupperware - I don't think they'll ever wear out !

They look like these on the Lakeland website -
E-cloth™

Smiley_Mum

I've had a corner of my flooring in the kitchen which has had glue on it (from when the fitted the vinyl on the floor) and I have tried EVERYTHING on it, pot scourers, astonish, flash, scrapers, brushes - you name it. Anyway I thought I try my micro cloth on it today and would you believe it, it just rubbed off, bit of elbow grease and a good damp cloth but it just wiped it off, absolutely amazing. Over the moon that that dark gunky corner of the flooring is now clean after months of scrubbing with one thing or another it came off with a solitary micro cloth. :j

Ali-OK

I tried mine out tonight on the black speckle glossy worktops in the kitchen and wow! Just a damp cloth, followed by a dry one - so quick and easy!

Definitely converted!

Linda32

Ali-OK wrote:

Thanks!

I disappeared off to a different Tesco's and finally found them! Along with 4 chickens for the freezer as they're on BOGOF!

Excellent, and thanks for mentioning that :T

gessoo

Well I've sat and read through the whole thread (have used microfibre cloths and stardrops for years - I would have shared but I've only just joined) so thought I'd add my two penneth.
Regarding the cloths - for those that are worried about the germs - after washing I stick mine on high in the microwave for a minute (make it into a round wad first). Don't forget not to use fabric conditioner on them and, sticking them in the dryer is not recommended.
You don't need to damp them to do the dusting - much better dry (water and dust = dirt).
Use one to swipe down your shower cubicle after use, especially if you have a problem with limescale.
Guys will love them 'cos they give a brill finish to car paintwork without scratching.
I did try them on my leather suite, I thought they'd be ideal - the microfibres actually penetrate the pores but, it seemed to me that they might be taking off the finish. Perhaps I was applying too much pressure. I'd be interested to find out how others get on.
I will say though, microfibre holds on to "small sharp soil" which will damage some finishes. This should be remedied by dusting the suface first with another m/f cloth before actually cleaning.
Great for cleaning cds and camera lenses, just make sure you havn't used the cloth for anything else because of the "grit factor".
The "smooth" ones (like Dora's "E-Cloth") seem to be every bit as good as the "looped" ones. For some things they may even be better, like the more delicate jobs, like glass, they don't collect lint as do the looped ones, you can also use them like a "shammy". They're great for wiping up oily spills. The looped ones may be better for getting into the "nooks and crannys" and are probably better for drying and the more heavy duty cleaning.
I love them so much I bought 200 from Ebay. Theyr'e the smooth ones. I felt a bit ripped off at first 'coz they weren't like the others I'd had but, I went through the house cleaning half of everything with the smooth cloth and the other half with the looped (yes I really did ((research))).
In order to pay off my credit cards I've been doing domestic cleaning and rather than trying to persuade my clients of the benefits of buying themselves microfibre cloths I've been using my own - means I can get through the work faster with better results and it's kinder to my hands, lungs and the environment. Hopefully they'll see that the cloths are saving them money on products and buy some from me. I only paid about 20p each for them, so I can make some money to put toward my debt.
Well that's the end of my two penneth, although it did suffer from inflation didn't it.

diamondsky

HI,

These are all new to me. If you are not using cleaners with them, what is in the cloth that cleans and how does it stay in the cloth after washing them?

Also, are they just for dusting or do you use them for proper cleaning, e.g. the kitchen and bathroom?

Confused...

hermit-crab

I picked a pack of these up yesterday. Only problem is I am not quite sure how to use them. The instructions on the pack say damp or dry, but does that amount to a good clean? Do I not need some detergent to remove germs or is it best to used good old fashioned elbow grease?
Bearing in mind that I'm not as young as most of you, would it be better to use ordinary cloths and detergents? Oh dear I sound terribly old, but that is how I feel today.

gessoo

Microfibre is fine fibre that penetrates surfaces at a finer level than normal fibre - the fibres are split in such a way as to trap dirt, dust and moisture from surfaces. When it's dampened and used to wipe a surface, a capillary action sucks up dirt and moisture at higher levels than a conventional cloth and only minute particles are released back onto the surface, thereby reducing the need for a second drying wipe.
You'll never go back to your old yellow dusters, these cloths hold onto what's collected and they polish at the same time, but they're not just for dusting - you can do all the jobs you would do with your traditional cloth and detergent but you'll get a better result and faster.
The only time you might need to use a bit of detergent is on heavy-duty grease and grime, baked on stains or soap scum. As for germs - most detergents don't kill germs anyway. So if you want to kill germs you will need to use some kind of sanitary cleaning product - don't use bleach tho'. Most surfaces just need a good clean to keep germs at bay, and a microfibre cloth will give you a jolly good clean. A trial at Whipps Cross Hospital indicates that microfibre systems are as effective as traditional mopping and damp wiping with sodium hypochlorite solution in an infectious disease ward.
I usually dust with a dry cloth and for cleaning I carry a spray bottle of vinegar and lemon oil which cleans, sanitizes and deodourizes. Highly polished surfaces are given another wipe with a dry cloth.
That's it. I'm becoming a microfibre bore. I should have shares shouldn't I.

JanCee

Thats a very comprehensive answer you are obviously an expert.

filigree_2

I'm new to microfibre, be gentle with me:o

I had a look for these in Asda yesterday and I couldn't find anything that looked right. There were dishcloths that look like woven string, and other cloths that were a finer weave, and the usual yellow dusters. I did have a good look at the packages but I couldn't see the word "microfibre" printed anywhere and I didn't want to risk buying the wrong thing.

I can try Sainsbury's or Somerfield locally but for any other suppliers I'll have to wait till I'm passing.

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but do microfibre cloths actually have the word MICROFIBRE printed on the packaging, or is there some code word I should be looking for?

I couldn't find Stardrops in Asda either, but that's another story

Now I come to think about it, my local Asda sucks. Their school uniform range is dismal too :mad: