How To Properly Dry Microfiber

This is part three of a three-part article about extending the life of microfiber through proper laundering.

After the wash cycle is complete, general guidelines recommend that microfiber is dried at a low temperature — between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Microfiber, compared to cotton, will dry in 40 to 60 percent less time, and temperatures any higher can harm the product.

Just as fabric softeners should be avoided in washing, fabric softener sheets should never be used when drying microfiber. Again, it reduces or eliminates the static charge the makes microfiber effective.

When the drying cycle is finished, immediately remove the microfiber cloths. It is important that the microfiber material doesn’t sit on the hot metal drum of the dryer for any extended period of time as prolonged exposure to high heat can also damage the fibers.

“Not only can the drum of the machine burn microfiber but, as with all linen, there is a chance of spontaneous combustion if left in a dryer for an extended period of time,” says Dyer.

After laundering, special attention should be given to the carts used to transport textiles. Disinfecting those carts before transporting linens will avoid cross-contaminating soiled linens moved prior to laundering with the freshly-cleaned microfiber delivered after.

To ensure a facility is getting the maximum return on their microfiber investment, special attention needs to be paid to the entire laundering process. One wrong step in the laundering cycle can have serious consequences on the effectiveness of a facility’s microfiber cleaning program. 

NICK BRAGG is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.