I Threw out All My Paper Towels After Discovering This One Cleaning Tool

Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning almost anything!

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

A microfiber cloth is great for cleaning mirrors and glass with no streaks.

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!

Because it's so absorbent, a microfiber cloth is perfect for cleaning up spills.

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. 

These waffle weave microfiber cloths clean your best china without scratching.

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.

After using a microfiber cloth for cleaning, just rinse it out and hang it up -- the waffle weave cloths are very fast drying.

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!

A microfiber cloth will make your stainless steel gleam!

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. 

Microfiber cloths are perfect for cleaning countertops with no scratching.

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

A person cleaning a fireplace with microfiber cloths.

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. 

These three sizes of waffle weave microfiber cloths are perfect for a variety of jobs!

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:

CLICK HERE TO SHOP MICROFIBER CLOTHS

NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?

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Jill Nystul Photo

Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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65 Comments

  1. 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.

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    • Thanks for this suggestion. I bought a micro fibre couch because of grandkids and need to spot clean occasionally – this will really help!

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    • 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.

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  2. about washing microfiber cloths- I have found that they need to be washed in a small load by themselves.
    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!

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  3. 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.

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    • 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!

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      • 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!

  4. 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.

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    • The Nano were pricey but awesome, they are a bit better, I find, not extremely.

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  5. This is not really about this area, but, in general.
    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!

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    • If you click on ‘menu’ in the top right hand of the page, you will get a list of categories to choose from.

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    • 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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