Steve Hanson

If you use microfiber cleaning cloths, then you've probably discovered that there are different grades of cloth available for different tasks. Most manufacturers will carry at least 3 different types of microfiber cloths. So how do you know which one to choose?

Two things will help you to determine which type of cloth to use: 1) the type of surface you'll be cleaning, and 2) the type of soil you'll be cleaning.

1. Heavy-duty microfiber cloths are used for heavy-duty cleaning to remove deep soil and oils. These cloths are great for construction cleaning and locations like automotive shops.
   
   
2. Medium grade microfibers are used for dusting and medium-duty tasks like wiping countertops and sinks.
   
   
3. Microfiber cloths that have a suede-like texure are used for glass, mirrors and bright-work. These cloths are usually much thinner than the heavy-duty or medium grade cloths but are more tightly woven.

How do you know you're buying quality microfiber cloths?

• Size. You should be able to fold the cloth in half, and then in half again. It should still be big enough to fit your entire hand.
  
  
• Polyester piping around the edge of the cloth. This helps the cloth to withstand many washings.
  
  
• Look for 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.
  
  
• Run the cloth across your hand. Does it seem to "catch"? This is caused by the dense fibers and indicates quality microfiber.
  
  
• Do a test. Take a small dab of hand lotion and smear it on a mirror. Then wipe with your cloth to see how many passes it takes to remove the lotion. A good quality microfiber cloth will remove the lotion in only one or two passes.

These aren't scientific ways to choose microfiber cloths or test for quality, but "seeing is believing", and once you've used a quality microfiber cloth and use the right cloth for the job, you'll immediately see the difference.

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.