Tips For Laundering Microfiber Products and Cotton Mops

In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors.

What’s the best way to clean microfiber cloths and pads?

Hand wash (with normal dishwashing liquid) or machine wash (up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit), do not use bleach or fabric softener, do not mix microfiber fabric with other fabrics e.g. cotton (microfiber will “suck” up lint and will become ineffective).

— Bruno Niklaus, vice president, global marketing, Unger Enterprises Inc., Bridgeport, Conn.

Wash only with other microfiber. Washing with cotton or other linting materials will allow the microfiber to pick up fiber particles in the washer/dryer from other articles being cleaned. The washer temp should be no warmer than 210 degrees and the dryer temp should be between 120 to 140 degrees. Use regular detergent and if necessary hydrogenated bleach. If chlorinated bleach is used the microfiber will still be effective you will just shorten the life-span and a few washes. Do not use fabric softener as that will clog the pores in the microfiber strands and not allow the product to absorb bacteria and fluids as effectively.

— W. Scott Erwin, regional sales manager, Impact Products LLC, Toledo, Ohio

How often should cotton mops be laundered and how should mop heads be stored?

First of all, do not let cotton string mops sit in the dirty water of a bucket. It will develop a foul odor and will rot away. If you want to let a cotton string mop sit in a bucket, it should be in a clean water compartment. Launder cotton mops at the end of each shift and store in a dry janitor closet, if laundered by hand, hang it up and let dry in an organized fashion.

— Bruno Niklaus, vice president, global marketing, Unger Enterprises Inc., Bridgeport, Conn.

When a mop should be laundered depends on the square footage and soil level of the floor. A cotton mop should be laundered when it is visibly soiled and runs the risk of re-depositing dirt back on the floor. A cotton mop can typically only last for 15 to 30 washing before it is time to be replaced. When storing a cotton mop it should be dry and in a well-ventilated area unless it is left in the mop bucket. If stored hanging up damp in a cool dark place the organic cotton fibers can begin to mold and cause foul odors and cause the mop to need replacing.

— W. Scott Erwin, regional sales manager, Impact Products LLC, Toledo, Ohio