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Microfiber cloths—soft, absorbent, economical—are often a preferable alternative to using and throwing away a heap of paper towels. But not every time. Here’s how should you decide which to reach for when you have a mess to clean up.
When to use microfiber cloths
According to the University of Washington, microfiber cloths are made of polyester and nylon; their combined polyamide fiber is split over and over until it’s thinner than a human hair. That accounts for the softness of the cloths, as well as their ability to slide into cracks and crevices that cotton rags or paper towels can’t penetrate.
Here’s when you should use a microfiber cloth:
Use microfiber when you want to conserve water or don’t want to get the surface you are cleaning too wet. Research done at the University of California Davis Medical Center showed that microfiber needs way less water or chemicals than cotton to clean and saturate a surface.Use microfiber when you want to pick up dust or other particles, as all those little fibers carry a positive electrical charge that attracts them. Even dry, they can pick up dust and dirt far more effectively than paper towels. Use microfiber cloths to clean big spills, as they absorb about six times their weight in liquid—and won’t get weaker or tear as a result.Use microfiber cloths when cleaning something delicate, like a laptop or television screen. Even if they feel soft, the tiny fibers in paper towels can actually scratch these surfaces.When to use paper towels
There are a few instances when a paper towel is a better option than a microfiber cloth. While microfiber is known for its ability to yank microbes off a surface, the bacteria stays on the cloth. If bacteria is present or you’re concerned about germs or other health hazards, a paper towel that you throw away instantly (after using it in conjunction with a disinfectant) is likely the better option.
If you’re cooking and touching raw foods, you may also want to use a paper towel to dry your hands in between touches and washes, too, as it’s better to dispose of cross-contaminants than keep wiping your hands in them.
Finally, opt for a paper towel if you’re cleaning something flammable, even oil. It’s just better to avoid putting anything combustible in your dryer or keeping it around the house at all.
If you want to cut down on your paper towel use, it’s smart to have microfiber cloths on hand:
