It seems like everywhere you look these days, the word “microfiber” is used in some way, shape or form regarding cleaning products. What used to be a job mainly for cotton cloths is now being assumed by these microfiber ones. But what is microfiber and why is it something you should have around your desk and office?

Microfiber is a very fine synthetic fiber that is smaller than the diameter of a strand of silk (which is itself about 1/5 the diameter of a human hair). The most common types of microfibers are made from polyester, polyamides (such as nylon, kevlar, nomex), or a combination of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. Microfiber is used to make mats, knits, and weaves for apparel, upholstery, industrial filters and cleaning products.

Microfiber’s cleaning ability is the result of two simple things: more surface area and a positive charge. A microfiber cloth has the same surface area as a cotton cloth four times as large and can absorb seven times its weight in water. A recent study of microfiber usage in hospitals showed that a microfiber mop head used with a detergent cleaner removed bacteria as effectively as a cotton mop head used with a disinfectant. Plus, unlike cotton, microfiber dries fast, making it hard for bacteria to grow in it. The positive charge aspect of a microfiber means they attract negatively charged dirt and grease. This means you are able to clean surfaces without chemicals — perfect for an office that has a lot of electronics.

In the end, microfiber cloths re more effective than their cotton cloth counterparts. They clean well, dry well, and last longer. Keep a few around your desk to clean various dirt and dust. As we showed you in a previous article, it is very good at keeping your computer clean.