The very first time I used a microfiber cloth for cleaning, I remember wondering where they had been hiding all my life! They’ve been one of the most indispensable cleaning tools in my housekeeping toolkit ever since, and I put a lot of time and effort into finding the very best microfiber cleaning cloths to offer in my online shop.
Our waffle weave microfiber cloths have proven as popular as I’d hoped, and this post will teach you how to effectively use microfiber cloths for cleaning. We’ll cover what microfiber cloths are, how they work, and which ones are best suited to specific tasks.
Read More: 22 Great Ways to Use Microfiber Cloths
What Is A Microfiber Cloth?
Microfiber cloths are made from a synthetic material called (you guessed it!) microfiber, made up of thousands of super-fine fibers with an asterisk-like structure. The microscopic nooks and crannies of these fibers make the material extremely absorbent — so absorbent, in fact, that it can hold up to six times its weight in water. Friction between the fibers also generates static electricity, helping these cloths attract and hang onto microscopic dirt and grime.
There are several varieties and weaves of microfiber cloths for cleaning, some of which are designed for use on specific surfaces like glass. I prefer the waffle weave cleaning cloths I carry in my shop, not only because they look great, but because it makes them even more absorbent and quick drying than other microfiber cloths — more on that below!
What’s So Great About Waffle Weave Microfiber Cleaning Cloths?
Here’s a look at what makes our waffle weave cloths the best microfiber cleaning cloths around — at least in my opinion!
1. Effectiveness
The unique waffle weave pattern on these cloths means they have more surface area for absorbing water and picking up dirt. Depending on what you’re using them for, these cloths can hold more soapy water, lift away more food particles, soak up more spilled liquids, and so on.
“Oh. My. Goodness! I can’t believe how absorbent these towels are! One swipe and the dish is DRY! Not just less wet, but completely dry! I ordered more and plan to replace my old (and expensive) microfiber dishtowels completely.” – Linda F.
2. Reusability
You can use a microfiber cloth in almost any situation where you’d reach for a paper towel. And unlike paper towels, microfiber cloths can be washed and reused again and again, making them much less wasteful. Think of all the paper you’ll save!
Read More: The 6 Rules for Microfiber Cloths That (Almost) Nobody Follows
“I love all of these towels! The more I use them, the more I enjoy using them. Bought several of this size to use in place of paper towels around the kitchen. Plan to slowly replace my hand towels with yours, Jillee! They are the best!” – CeeKay
3. Economy
Not only are paper towels wasteful, but they can be expensive, too. While microfiber cloths cost more upfront than a roll of paper towels, you’ll make back every dollar (and then some!) in savings in short order.
Microfiber cloths can also save you money on cleaning products because a lot of times you won’t even need to use them! A dry or damp microfiber cloth works like a charm for jobs like cleaning windows and mirrors or shining stainless steel.
And for jobs where you might prefer to use a cleaning solution, like wiping down surfaces in your bathroom or kitchen, microfiber is so absorbent that your cleaning products will go further than they would with regular cloths or paper towels!
“I have purchased these multiple times! I have even given them as gifts. They have really helped me cut down on my paper towel use. So great for so many things. Wash beautifully!” – Vicki R.
4. Versatility
These cloths do a great job of cleaning all kinds of surfaces without any of the smudges and smears that other cloths leave behind. They’re also safe to use on granite and marble, picking up dirt, grime, and even sticky messes without scratching or etching the stone.
“The BEST cloths. These are the best at wiping up spills since they’re so absorbent. They dry glasses absolutely lint-free. I use my grey ones for dusting and wiping down the shower. My blue are my kitchen cloths. I wash all of them with my towels and hang them to dry, and they still look like new and perform perfectly.” – Ellen F.
5. Cleaner Finish
The texture of the waffle weave tends to leave fewer streaks and less lint behind on glassware and shiny dishes compared to regular microfiber. This is especially beneficial for items like wine glasses or stainless steel that are prone to showing spots.
“Purchased the cloths for drying hand-washed dishes. I needed a lint-free cloth to dry my few dishes that I don’t put in my dishwasher. These are great! They work so much better than cotton dish towels.” – Janice S.
6. Softer Texture
Our towels are softer and more plush than other types of microfiber cloths. Microfiber (especially dry microfiber) can have a sandpaper-y feel to it, and may even snag on dry skin. Neither of those is true of our cloths — the waffle weave feels as nice as it looks!
“I normally don’t like microfiber towels; the feel of them bothers me. But after reading another review, I decided to give them a try. I’m happy I did. They’re very absorbent and quick drying.” – Kathleen S.
7. Quick Drying
The waffle weave pattern creates pockets of air within the towel that allow it to absorb even more moisture than your average microfiber cloth. Those air pockets also make these cloths dry more quickly than others, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and helping to keep them clean between washes.
“These are the best dishcloths I’ve ever had. No odor, dries fast. I won’t buy or use anything else.” – Lynne T.
8. Durability
Waffle weave microfiber cloths are generally quite durable! They can withstand more washes and tough scrubbing sessions, giving you a longer-lasting cleaning tool that’s a better value for your money.
“BEST EVER EVERYTHING CLOTHS. I love these microfiber cleaning cloths so much that I had to order more. They are so durable. You just toss them into the washing machine, and they come out like new. In my 51 years of marriage, I have purchased so many dish towels and cleaning cloths that go threadbare so quickly. Those days are over. I have finally found a solution.” – Daryll B.
9. Worry-Free Cleaning
Finally, the weave’s raised ridges offer gentle scrubbing capabilities, so you can use them to eliminate stuck-on food without worrying about damaging your more fragile dishes. They’re even gentle enough to use on non-stick finishes and delicate glassware. No more worrying about abrasive sponges or rough-textured cloths leaving marks on your kitchenware!
“These towels absorb so much water instantly and dry even delicate glasses without streaking or lint. This is my fourth purchase of these towels. Love them!” – Debby B.
9 Reader-Favorite Ways To Use Microfiber Cloths For Household Cleaning
You can use a microfiber cloth to clean just about any household surface. But if you really want to see microfiber’s unique capabilities shine (pun intended!), these are the nine uses OGT readers swear by. I have to say, I agree with every single one!
1. Stainless Steel
“Shine, shine shine! I am shocked at how well these cloths shine my stainless steel appliances. I used to use paper towels for cleaning, but now anymore!” – Teresa A.
2. Dishes
“This is NOT your typical microfiber towel. Jillee’s towels are so soft and amazingly absorbent. They feel like there are teeny tiny sponges that sop up spills quickly and dry glasses and dishes to perfection! I’ve purchased several sets for friends, and my daughter brags that they are the softest, BEST towels! Move over, old dish towels!” – Angie V.
Read More: Your Old Kitchen Towels Belong in the Trash (And Here’s Why)
3. Sinks & Faucets
“This towel is amazingly absorbent and cleans my bathroom sinks and counters with a simple swipe. It also leaves the bathroom mirror streak-free. It is soft, and so it’s easy to fit around the curve of my round sink and around the faucets.” – Alvalee W.
4. Stone Countertops
“I have seen these cloths for some time and just wasn’t sure why they were so special. I finally ordered some, and wow, they are special! Soft, clean up is easy, and they really look nice in my new kitchen. I have granite tops, and it’s hard to see crumbs, but these guys clean up things I don’t see.” – Rhonda M.
5. Windows & Mirrors
“One and done! I just love these for my mirrors and windows. Just use water, a quick swipe and you are done. Talk about instant gratification!” – Shelley M.
6. Tubs & Showers
“I bought these towels specifically for my shower doors. They absorb all the water on the doors, and my shower doors have never looked cleaner. So much better than a squeegee!” – Cindy
Read More: I Replaced My Shower Squeegee With This and I’ll Never Go Back
7. Dusty Surfaces
“I love these cloths! They’re kind of a miracle. I picked one up to wipe off a pretty dusty table, using it totally dry with no product of any kind, and that table was shining. I’m not lying! They are awesome!” – Sherry S.
8. Eyeglasses
“I’m confessing, I haven’t tried the cloths for cleaning around the house. The only thing I’ve used them for is to clean my eyeglasses! I’ve tried everything on the market to clean eyeglasses, but I still ended up with smudges or foggy lenses. But Jillie’s microfiber cloths actually clean my eyeglasses. Best ever for them.” – Joan
9. Stovetops
“Immediately upon use, my hubby started ranting and raving about these dishcloths. Coming from a former restaurant dishwasher, this is the highest compliment you can receive on these gems. I cleaned my vintage 40-year-old stovetop and trim with them, and it looks brand new with less scrubbing. The moral of the story is not to wait on ordering these.” – Donna G.
My Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Lineup
Looking for the most amazing microfiber cloths? I tested and evaluated dozens of different microfiber cloths before I found the perfect waffle-weave microfiber cloths to offer in my shop.
These incredibly absorbent waffle-weave cloths come in three convenient sizes:
- Microfiber Kitchen Towels (16” x 23”), set of 2
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (13” x 13”), set of 4
- Microfiber Dishcloths (10” x 10”), set of 4
All of my microfiber cloths are on sale for 30% off during my Anniversary Sale! Plus, when you buy three sets, you’ll get one FREE.
Or stock up on one of each size with my Microfiber Cloth Kit for 40% off! You’ll get one set of each of my versatile towel sizes, with the freedom to choose your colors.
I have some microfiber cloths and wanted to dust with them. We washed them separately with just a small amount of detergent and put them in the dryer for about 5 minutes on low. Before and after washing, I can’t get them to pick up the dust. It pushes it across the surface like crazy, but at the end of the swipe, it doesn’t take all of the dust with it. What more can I try?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is it true that when you wash microfiber cloths micro-bits of plastic wash out and into the environment?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s true. Microfiber is used in many products from towels to sheets to blankets to clothing and more, and #1 source is laundry. Google “microfiber pollution” for details, including links to the Environmental Protection Agency and more.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Because of your original recommendation for microfiber cloths, I now have many. I use them for dusting and general cleaning. So mush better than using anything disposable. The small microfiber face cloths are the best! I give them as gifts regularly.
Another great item for the kitchen and wiping counters are Swedish Dish Cloths.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee,
We use microfiber cloths for virtually all our cleaning tasks in the home and cars, the reasons they work so well is that:
a) because of the asterisk shaped fibres a microfiber cloth of 12 inch square will have an exponentially greater surface area than a cloth of the same size of cotton; as you said, “more nooks and crannies” to collect dust, grease particles from whatever you are cleaning.
b) they also work on capillary action, which is the ability to soak up moisture, spillages etc. again this is greater than other cloths due to the asterisk fibre shape.
EXTRA TIP
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When mopping floors, drying surfaces, drying objects etc. the fibres need to be loose, so shake loose your mop after wringing it out so it can have optimal absorbence and NEVER iron towels as this reduces the surface area thus reducing aborbing properties
Likewise, don’t iron underwear or it will not absorb perspiration and can lead to chafing
Microfibre cloths are so underrated. As window cleaners my wife and I would be up the proverbial creek without microfibre cloths. We use them to wipe the edges and frame of the windows/glass and to fix any mistakes we’ve made with the squeegee. A dry tight weave microfibre works almost like a chamois to clean off the water without leaving a smudge or water marks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Microfiber cloths are made from nonrenewable resources and are not biodegradable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Microfiber cleaning cloths are made of microfiber fabric comprised of polyester and nylon. Microfibers are much thinner in diameter than human hair. Those used in cleaning textiles are split in a way that creates spaces within each fiber.
We should be more ecofriendly conscious and use other products different than microfiber because of the plastic pollution.
I’m all for making cleaning easier, but I do have some concerns about these cloths contributing to the microplastic pollution problem. From what I’ve read (and you can google “dangers of microfiber cloths”), tiny bits of the fibers wash off and eventually end up in the oceans. The fish ingest them, and then we eat the fish (and the plastic). Ugh! Something to consider.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How do you let them air dry at the sink. If they are not died each time….the smell to high heavens. I hang my up after each use and let them dry clothes pinned to a hanger.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use something similar to this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-3-Piece-Wire-Shelves-White/54828260 (the smallest one) next to the sink to drop my microfiber dishcloth on. Air is able to get to both sides and it dries out well before growing the smelly bacteria.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.this link says it can’t find the page. What do you use?
I’ve been doing lots of demos for friends coming over to check out the PSVR. Sweaty foreheads have moistened the glasses every time and I’ve been wiping it using the mircofiber cloth. So, how do we clean/wash the microfiber cloth?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.At the bottom of this post, there is a section about “How to Clean Your Microfiber Cloths” :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee! I love this thing. I use mine for wine glasses.
I’m curious, have you ever used nylon mesh cloths?
They’re non-scratch, don’t smell and durable. The downside is that they’re also not as absorbent, but they’re cheaper.
I found mine on Amazon. Bought it from a seller named, The Crown Choice. They have affordable cleaning stuff like this one.
I purchased sone microfiber cloths from QVC for removing makeup without cleanser. I do that and then I use my cleanser and wipe away with cloth. Soft for my face and does a great job. Love your posts always interesting
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you buy microfiber cloths at Target, look in the automotive department. The cloths don’t come in fancy colors like the ones in the housewares department, but you get more cloths for less money.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They’re also great for drying your pets.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been using microfiber cloths since the mid 80’s! Only, they cost me $40 then. I still use those that I bought in the 80’s and they are still brand new. I keep one by the sink and wipe off the faucet when I’ve washed my hands. I never put them in the dryer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love my Norwex cloths and even the few cheap cloths i have. The key to cleaning the cloths is to never wash with regular towels as the fluff will stick to microfiber and not be lint free. I also presoak in hot hot water with some detergent and agitate with potato masher. Amazing how brown the water is. Then i wash in machine on hot.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The Norwex are the greatest and much better than any microfiber that I’ve ever used. Amazing! I had a lot of stains, one was ice tea that had been in my car mats for a couple of years and I seen were a lady used just her “enviro” cloth from Norwex and water and had removed stains. I tried it thinking, oh, sure? It worked fabulous. Just water and norwex. It took some rubbing but car floor looks like new. My car is a 2011 Tahoe and I haul grandkids all the time so you can imagine the spills.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would love to use the several microfiber cloths I’ve purchased, but I continually fight with them leaving behind lint from the cloths themselves. And, I don’t like the idea of running a small load of wash to clean a few microfiber cloths so I’ve hand washed them, but nothing seems to work well. Any specific recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Norwex cloths don’t leave lint behind and can be washed with clothes, sheets, and anything else that’s not fuzzy. Check out my blog for more info.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://Www.greenandeasycleaning.com
I’ve never had any lint from the COSTCO cloths, nor do. Wash them separately. I also wash and dry them with my regular load of towels.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t have too many problems with lint – especially with the cloths shown in this post. :-) Maybe yours just need to be washed a few times to get the lint off?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Get the Norwex and you can wash them with other items. I just have so much of it that I wash mine all the same time on Sunday evenings. The BEST!!!! I should be a dealer I love and use them so much. The floor mop system is the greatest for wood floors. Mop and water. No chemicals whatsoever.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What I like about the packs with different colors are that you can assign certain colors to certain functions. Green for counter tops, blue for appliances, yellow for the floor …. and so forth. That way there can be no cross contamination through cleaning.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love my micro fiber clothes. They are fantastic. I even use them to wipe my eyeglasses.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.hi if you like to use with microfiber I have a nice product for you I use with this for my sunglasses end my phone… Microfiber Cleaning Cloths & Pouch Ultimate Pack – https://www.amazon.com/BLUPOND-Microfiber-Cleaning-Sunglasses-glasses/dp/B07QGQTZ5J/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Microfiber+Cleaning+Cloths+%26+Pouch+for+Sunglasses%2Fglasses+lens+-+Ultimate+Pack&qid=1558505989&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love all the helpful hints! I would like to suggest one for you this time. The refrigerator/freezer doors should be reversed so they open toward the wall and not into the room. That way, you don’t have to walk around the open door. This is just one of those little things that would drive me insane!!! OCD at work! hahahah
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My friend uses the microfiber to polish the cars and they turn out great and shiny
Please log in or create a free account to comment.About a year ago, I began to use a microfiber cloth for my facecloth at night. I have trouble with my skin “burning” (like a chemical burn) wth soaps, and needed something gentle. I read about using them from a travel section of a magazine and since I’ve used them for years in my home, gave them a shot! They are amazing for your face! They take off all your makeup including mascara without any soap at.all! Then just rinse (or soap) them clean. I found that the thin cleaning ones in Target work best for my face and they are a really pretty pink! Lol!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I only use them for my face too. I love how they feel, and clean my skin. I have arthritic hands and using them is much easier to squeeze out the water over a traditional wash cloth. We travel a lot and I always pack my microfiber cloths.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been using these for my face for over a year and I love them. I didn’t believe they would remove mascara until I tried it and it worked.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use he of the Micro fiber towels when I wash my hair. It absorbs the water very fast so it air dries much faster. I got mine from the auto section at Walmart. Someone had posted about. I’ve had mine for years and it’s still in good shape.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oops the.
Glad to see I’m not the only one who uses the towels for beauty stuff.
I’ll have to try using them on my face – thanks for the tip Loretta!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Absolutely! Just passing along something I learned! ☺️
Don’t forget your car. Inside and out. Perfect for cleaning your vehicle. I use them in all the ways listed. Love them
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This might sound weird but here it goes..haha. I bought the largest size of micro fiber towels from the car care section of walmart. They are 3 ft square. I use them for bath towels! Just one of those will dry up the biggest human made! They take up almost no space in the Cabinent or the washing -machine or dryer. My wash loads are drastically reduced without those gigantic heavy thick towels. At a cost of $3.00 per load at a coin laundy, that is significant. I save the pretty towels for company. I love micro fiber. Thanks jillee for a great website!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also use them for bath and hair towels. In fact I made a kimono-style robe out of several squares which is great for absorbing that last bit of moisture before getting out of the shower.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great idea. I’m buying one today.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great idea Marcella!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If one of your hobbies is stamping to make cards – micro fiber clothes are just perfect for cleaning stamps! They can be used between colors and leave no bits of fluff to mess up your next print. If using dye inks, just wipe and reuse the stamp and cloth – then rinse the cloth and let dry. Amazing results!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Although I regularly stamp and use the T-shirt I happen to be wearing, as a cleaning tool (shame) I meant to write “cloths” not “clothes” in my comment. LOL
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My mom has a few of the Norwex brandof cloths. She loves to use them for the windows. She lets the cloths air dry when she washes them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.LOVE Norwex!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was given the face cloths and they smell terrible after several uses. Very disappointed. Even smoked them in baking soda and hot water.
Try soaking them in equal parts vinegar and water, instead :-)
Will do. Thanks m
I use to have the job of cleaning windows at a Intermediate school. That is where my first experience with the microfiber cloth started. Believe it or not, I didn’t use any cleaner. All I used was water sprinkled on the cloth. Worked like a charm. All the hand and finger prints gone. I use the clothes at home and the chemicals have been used less and less. I use mostly EO’s now.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.use your micro fibre cloth to rub out stains on your micro fibre furniture. Simply lightly spray the soiled or water marked area with water and rub very hard in all directions with your micro fibre cloth, until almost dry. When you think you are done, rub some more, It eliminates water ‘rings’ and stains.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for this suggestion. I bought a micro fibre couch because of grandkids and need to spot clean occasionally – this will really help!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is great advice. Rubbing alcohol is great as well for spots but do not want to come out. It does not damage the microfiber furniture.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.about washing microfiber cloths- I have found that they need to be washed in a small load by themselves.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I once washed some with a cotton hand towel, and it came out all stringy- the microfibers glommed onto it and it wasn’t pretty!
Hi. Micro fibre cloths from Costco are amazing, big and fluffy. My tip is not for household but makeup removers. You will never need cleansers again, use the fluffy side to remove makeup and the rough side afterwards, even takes of waterproof mascara. Try it it’s amazing how it works.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have been using the microfiber cloths from COSTCO for literally years! They are soft, clean anything, and wash up wonderful. They will stain, but are cheap enough that you can replace it with a bright new one for kitchen jobs (yes, I’ve replaced ALL of my kitchen towels with them! Not as pretty but they are so much better for cleaning and drying that I can’t not!) and relegate the stained ones to the rag pile for the dirty jobs like floors or bicycles! I just wish they’d come out with new colors! Lol! BTW, they sell them in the auto cleaning section! That’s fine with me because if they knew? They’d prob raise the price! Hahaha!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use them as kitchen towels too. From Costco, great quality and price. When I use them for floors in my Swiffer holder I mist VERY lightly with lavender linen spray (recipe on OGT). Just that tiny bit of moisture really picks up the dust.
(Please Jillee stop using the phrase “I personally”. It’s redundant! Either “I” OR “personally” not both)
I use them 8nstead of the expensive and very wasteful Swiffers too!
Jillee, I don’t know if you have been able to evaluate the “nano fiber” cloths in comparison to your chosen brand of micro fiber or not. Maybe I’ll try to get some of that brand to compare, but I can tell you that my collection of nano fiber cloths beat regular micro fiber cloths all hollow. I have have one that is a bath towel, and it is such a great bath towel that I took it on my last trip rather than use the plush and fluffy towel the hotel provided! One brand is Persik “Nano Knockout” products, and another is Life Miracle Nano Towels. The sponges are great as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The Nano were pricey but awesome, they are a bit better, I find, not extremely.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is not really about this area, but, in general.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.At times when I scan one of your articles, I don’t have time to make note of directions on doing a project.
However, when I return later to do so, it has apparently been replaced by something different.
My question is : Is there someway I can retrieve what I wanted?
Love your column!
If you click on ‘menu’ in the top right hand of the page, you will get a list of categories to choose from.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Janet! I have a few different options for you! The first is to use the search bar at the top right of the page – you should be able to find what you’re looking for this way.
You could also bookmark posts by clicking on a star near the URL.
Or you could use Pinterest to keep track of an organize your favorite posts. Let me know if you have any questions! :-)
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