1-800-328-3966

Should We Be Cleaning With Microfiber? Microfiber Towel Pros and Cons

By Wayne Kotulic Jr. | November 25, 2022 | Towels in Bulk
cleaning gym equipment with a microfiber towel

If you have a gym or sports facility with heavy-duty cleaning needs, you may want to weigh the microfiber towel pros and cons. Many business owners and gym managers trust microfiber to keep their healthcare facilities and gym equipment clean and sanitary—but is it right for you?

Keep reading to learn all about microfiber, how to care for it, and the microfiber towel pros and cons to consider when choosing the right supplies for your cleaning needs.

What Is Microfiber?

Microfiber is made of tiny strands of synthetic fibers about 1/5 the diameter of a strand of human hair. The individual fibers are joined together into thread, which is then woven into cloth.

Cheaper versions of microfiber towels will have as few as 50,000 fibers per square inch, while high-quality towels can have as many as 200,000.

The most common microfibers are made from synthetic materials, including:

  • Nylon
  • Kevlar
  • Nomex
  • A mixture of polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene

Bulk microfiber towels are very strong and absorbent, making them an excellent choice for tough cleaning jobs and frequent use.

Microfiber Towel Pros and Cons:

If you like to read ahead, you may have noticed that our microfiber towel pros and cons list has many more pros than cons. That’s because there are so many great benefits to using microfiber towels for cleaning and very few downsides.

8 Benefits of Using Microfiber Towels for Cleaning

Here are some pros of choosing microfiber towels to remove germs and grime while cleaning to keep your facility looking its best.

1. Super Absorbent

Microfiber towels are incredibly porous and absorb six to eight times their weight.

2. Lightweight

Because of their tiny fibers, microfiber towels are more lightweight and easier to fold than other types of towels.

3. Durable and Long-Lasting

When cared for properly, microfiber towels will last a long time. Even with heavy use, they can stay in excellent condition for up to 1,000 washes.

4. Can Be Used Wet or Dry

Whether you need to dust shelves or wipe down shower stalls, you can use microfiber towels for wet or dry cleaning projects.

5. Quick Drying

Microfiber dries more quickly than other towel materials, making laundering your towels a breeze.

6. Antimicrobial Benefits

Because of its dense microfilaments that can reach deeper into cracks and crevices, microfiber towels remove up to 99% of bacteria.

7. Pick Up Dust Like a Magnet

Each microfiber strand has a slight static charge, so the individual fibers can easily trap dirt and debris on hard surfaces like wood, glass, countertops, and laminates.

8. Reduces the Need for Harsh Chemicals

Cotton fibers are large and smooth, requiring a detergent or chemical cleaning agent to dissolve dirt.

Microfiber towels can pick up and hold dirt, making cleaning surfaces easier without using chemicals or soaps.

Microfiber Towels’ Limited Drawbacks

The size and shape of the synthetic fibers used to make microfiber towels vary, which can impact their softness, absorption, and durability.

Some gym owners and facilities managers still prefer cotton gym towels for their cleaning needs because they’re softer to the touch than microfiber towels.

While the tiny microfibers are great for grabbing dust particles, they can also pull on dry skin or feel scratchy. Many people with sensitive skin find microfiber less comfortable to use than a softer choice, like cotton.

There are many low-quality microfiber towels on the market, so it’s crucial to find a wholesaler offering good microfiber towels at competitive prices.

Shop bulk microfiber towels

Caring for Your Microfiber Towels

To ensure your microfiber towels stay in good shape and provide the best value, properly care for them.

Here are a few rules to follow when washing and drying your microfiber towels:

  • Wash microfiber towels regularly to keep them fresh and kill bacteria
  • Never wash microfiber with cotton, as cotton fibers can clog the microfibers and stick to the towels
  • Always wash with warm water instead of hot
  • Never use fabric softener, as it can clog the microfibers
  • Always use a mild liquid detergent
  • Never use chlorine bleach (unless they’re marked “bleach proof” or “bleach-safe towels”)
  • Always dry your towels on low, as higher temps can melt the microfiber
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals, like acid or d-limonene, which can damage microfibers

FAQs About Microfiber Towel Pros and Cons

If you have questions about microfiber towel pros and cons, the experts at Texon have the answers. Here are some frequently asked questions our customer service representatives hear from customers.

Are Microfiber Towels Worth It?

We might be a little biased, but yes!

The durability and long-lasting cleaning power of microfiber towels make them an excellent investment. And when you buy direct from a wholesaler like Texon, you get your towels at a better per-unit price.

What Are the Best Microfiber Towels?

Here are a few of our best microfiber towels that work well for a variety of uses:

What Are the Disadvantages of Microfiber?

As mentioned in the microfiber towel pros and cons section above, there are only a few downsides to choosing microfiber over other types of towels.

The biggest downside is really just a matter of personal preference, as some people prefer the way cotton feels over microfiber.

Some people may also choose cotton since the fibers are more gentle on sensitive skin than microfiber.

Is Microfiber Bad for the Environment?

Microfiber cloth is made of synthetic material derived from petroleum oil. Because of that, it is not a fully sustainable product. However, because they work so well using only water, you can clean without using as many toxic chemicals, which is better for the environment and your health.

Because microfiber towels are so durable and can last for hundreds (even thousands) of uses, they’re also a much greener alternative to single-use paper towels or other types of towels that need to be replaced more frequently.

When Shouldn’t You Use Microfiber Cloth?

The uses for microfiber towels are endless, and what you choose to do with them is really up to you.

That being said, many people prefer cotton bath towels and washcloths for getting clean, and cotton pool towels are usually the best choice for drying off after a swim. But for cleaning, you can’t beat a microfiber towel—just check out the microfiber towel pros and cons list above.

Get Microfiber Towels in Bulk and Save

When stocking up on towels for your cleaning crew, there’s no reason to pay more than you should.

By buying microfiber towels in bulk from a wholesaler, you save on the price you pay per towel compared to buying from traditional retailers.

Texon Has High-Quality Microfiber Towels at Great Prices

Texon Athletic Towel & Supply is a trusted wholesaler of quality cotton and microfiber gym towels.

We’re family-owned and sell a large variety and inventory of towels to meet the needs of any athletic team or business. Our towels are soft, absorbent, and durable.

If you have any questions about microfiber towel pros and cons, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at 866-690-1802.

Show Texon Towel Products

You Might Also Like …