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What are Microfibers? Microfiber is a man-made product that is used to make a variety of cleaning implements such as multi-purpose cloths, window cloths, polishing cloths, buffing bonnets, and all-purpose dry and wet mops.

The microfiber cloth is so fine that a 12" by 12" cloth contains 1,300,000 yards of microfiber thread. The fiber is then woven into thousands of loops, creating a huge surface area, which trap bacteria, dust, dirt and grease.

This picture is a micro-photograph of one strand of microfiber. It would take 200,000 microfibers to fill the space this photograph occupies!

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How it Works
Chemical-free cleaning that leaves the surface virtually free of any foreign material. Compare the difference between cleaning with a microfiber cloth versus a regular cleaning rag. Notice the residue left behind by the cleaning rag on the right.  The microfiber cloth on the left traps the dirt within the fibers so no residue is left behind.

When a microfiber cloth is dry it cleans by static electricity, and when wet it cleans by capillary force.  As static and capillary forces do most of the work, the use of chemicals is minimized. Microfiber cloths don't disinfect the surfaces that they clean; rather, they leave the surface virtually free of any foreign material. This allows you to continuously clean without spreading dirt and grease to other areas.

When dry, microfiber cloths are primarily used for dusting; however, when wet, they are more appropriate for cleaning. To wet a surface for cleaning, a spray bottle is used to apply a fine mist of water. This is very efficient as the cloths do most of the cleaning work. Microfiber cloths and mops basically 'grab' and 'hold' all foreign material until they are laundered.

You can also use microfiber cloths wet, however it's very important to always wring the towel as dry as possible. If a microfiber is too wet, it could leave streaks on the surface you are cleaning. 
Remember; Wet it - Wring it - Wipe it!

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Features and Benefits

Microfiber Cloths

We carry three types of microfiber cloths: The all-purpose cloth is used for dusting, cleaning and polishing. The lightweight cloth is used for aggressive cleaning, kitchens, and bathrooms. The third cloth is made specially for glass, mirrors, and polished surfaces.

• Microfiber cloths are hypoallergenic, thus not creating problems with those suffering from allergies or asthma.
• Microfiber cloths are super absorbent, absorbing over 7 times it's weight in water.
• Microfiber cloths dry in 1/3 the time of ordinary cleaning cloths.
• Microfiber cloths are environmentally friendly, requiring no soap or chemicals of any kind.
• Microfiber cloths are lint free and non-abrasive.
• Microfiber cloths can be reused hundreds of times.
• Microfiber cloths and mops, used only with regular tap water, are 99.94% effective in removing bacteria from smooth surfaces, as compared to conventional cloths and mops used with Lysol or bleach, which were only 91.89% effective.
• Microfiber cloths are over 4 times more effective than ordinary cleaning cloths. They're more plush and longer lasting than other cleaning products because they contain more than 200,000 fibers per square inch of product.
• Microfiber products do not negatively impact the shine value of the surface being cleaned.
• Microfiber mops allow a greater area to be cleaned than conventional mops, and microfiber mops are 5 times less expensive to clean.
• There is a reduced chance of chemical spills when using microfiber cloths and mops since chemicals are not necessary for cleaning.
• There is a reduced chance of slip and fall accidents since the surface being mopped dries faster than traditional mopping.
  
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Care 
If the towel becomes too dirty, it will begin to "streak". It is then time to wash the cloth. This is easily done by just throwing the towel, or any other microfiber cleaning product, into any washing machine, and washing with any soap or detergent you prefer. 

The only restriction in the wash cycle is to NEVER use any type of fabric softener. The towel will treat the fabric softener as if it was dirt. It will try to store the tiny particles of the softener in the towel fibers and may cause the towel to be less effective. 

Microfibers can be put into a dryer, however it's not necessary since the cloths dry 1/3 faster than ordinary cleaning cloths, and they can be used damp. 

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Microfiber Mopping System

Step up to the Microfiber Mopping System!

Microfiber Flat Mops use both dry pads for dust mopping and wet pads for wet mopping. Pads are completely washable for hundreds  of uses!

• Help eliminate slip and falls
• Floors dry in 1/3 the time!
• Help eliminate cross contamination
• Eliminate 94% of bacteria
• Heavy duty, adjustable handle, yet extremely light-weight
• Swivel mop head
• Eliminate bucket & wringer
• Fast, easy removal of dirty pad 
• Fast, easy replacement of new pad
• Microfiber mop pads are super absorbent, lint free, and the most aggressive cleaning pads possible.

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Should You Microfiber?

This report from Healthcare Purchasing News, illustrates the need for implementing a microfiber cleaning system in health care facilities. It was developed by the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES).

Whether you are an infection control officer, director of housekeeping, or an administrator, a microfiber mopping program may be one of the most significant floor care innovations available to your facility in the past century. Those that have implemented a microfiber mopping system can appreciate not only the uniqueness of the system but have been witness to the numerous benefits. For those that have not yet considered this new wave or those struggling with the question of how or if to make the switch, this article will explain how one facility embraced this technology and how you too can microfiber.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

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Portions of the content herein © 2002 EdgeTech Industrial. Used with permission