Can You Wash Microfiber Towels? Complete Care & Washing Guide 

Writen by
WAN GONG CHEN
Last update:
September 11, 2025

Microfiber towels are like a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning. These towels can absorb…

Microfiber towels are like a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning. These towels can absorb dust, dirt, and even small pieces that other cloths cannot accomplish. But the question that many people ask is if you can wash towels without ruining them?

The good news is yes, you can. The trick is simply to know how to clean them correctly. Otherwise, the fibers will be destroyed, and the towel will become less soft and functional.

Here, we will show you how to clean lightly soiled microfiber towels. You will have simple-to-follow directions, do’s and don’ts, and how-to’s to get them working like new. Used around the house, in your car, or for a professional cleaning business, this tutorial is for you if you use microfiber cloths regularly.

Cleaning a spill with a microfiber towel

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What Are Microfiber Towels?

Microfiber towels are a game-changer for cleaning. They are made of ultra-thin fibers that grab dirt, dust, and even the tiniest particles you can’t see. That’s why they clean so well!

Wash them the right way, and they stay soft, strong, and ready to tackle messes for a long time.

Microfiber cloths are:

  • Super absorbent: Microfiber towels can hold several times their weight in water.
  • Gentle on surfaces: They will not scratch paint, glass, or delicate items.
  • Reusable: You can wash microfiber cloths many times and they still perform well.

Microfiber cloths have numerous uses:

  • At home to dust, clean counters, or clean windows.
  • For cars to polish, dry, and remove streaks without scratching.
  • In cleaning companies and hotels since they are time-saving and durable.

Why Is It Important to Wash Microfiber Towels?

Cleaning microfiber towels correctly is crucial. Microfiber traps dirt, grease, and germs in its fibers. Don’t wash them, and germs and stinky smells will take over. GROSS! For businesses, that means unhappy customers and compromised sanitation.

Soft washing keeps towels for years to come. Hard chemicals or fabric softener add a barrier that stops water from getting through. After that happens, your towels are basically worthless.

Pro tip: mild detergent only and never dryer sheets. Regular washing takes care of your investment. A quality microfiber towel can be washed hundreds of times when treated right.

For hotels, cleaning companies, or auto detailers, that translates to fewer replacements and better performance.

Bonus: microfiber cloths are eco-friendly! Proper care for your towels saves water, energy, and dollars. Good for your bottom line—and the planet.

A person cleaning the table with a microfiber cloth.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Microfiber Towels

You don’t necessarily have to make washing microfibre cloths a challenge. Follow some easy steps, and you’ll have soft, long-lasting microfiber towels for any cleaning task. Here’s how.

Step 1: Preparing Towels for Washing

First things first—shake those towels well to get rid of dust, crumbs, or loose bits of dirt. This keeps the grit from getting embedded in the fibers when washed.

Second, look at the labels. Not all microfiber towels are made the same. Some love warm water, while others like cold. The labels will inform you of what’s best, so your towels stay in great shape.

Finally, wash microfiber separately. Don’t mix them with cotton or other fabrics that shed lint. Cotton bits stick to microfiber, making it less effective. If you’ve got a big batch, just group microfiber towels together. It’s that simple!

A woman pouring detergent in a washing machine

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Step 2: Washing the Towels

Microfiber towels do their magic best if you wash them the proper way. Proper washing keeps them soft, long-lasting, and very effective in removing dirt. You can wash them using a machine or by hand, depending on the number of towels and how dirty they are.

Irrespective of the method you choose, you must first let your cloths soak in soapy water for ample time for the dust and grime to become loose. Continue reading for a more detailed step-by-step guide.

Machine Washing

Got a big load? The washing machine is your friend. Use a gentle cycle and cold or warm water—hot water will ruin the fibers. Put in a little mild detergent, but no bleach or fabric softeners. Those will kill microfiber.

Microfiber cloth in a front-load washing machine

Hand Washing

Hand washing is okay for a few lightly soiled towels. Soak them in warm water and a dash of detergent in a sink or bucket. Rub them softly and wash with clean water after soaking for around 15 minutes.

Squeeze out the water gently—don’t twist so hard. Low-heat dryer or air dry. It takes a little longer, but this is very gentle and stretches your towels out longer.

Selecting the Best Method

A washing machine can be a time saver if you want to wash microfiber cloths in quantity. For small or delicate loads, they are best washed by hand. Either way, the goal is the same: keep the fibers clean, soft, and ready to go.

MethodBest ForWater TempDetergentDryingKey Tip
Machine WashLarge, daily loadsCold or warmMild detergentLow heat or air dryKeep away from cotton towels
Hand WashSmall or light loadsWarmMild detergentAir dry or low heatLet clothes soak before rinsing

Step 3: Drying Microfiber Towels the Right Way

To dry microfiber towels is just as important as washing. Towels can be susceptible to bacteria and odor if they hold excess moisture. Dry them thoroughly after every wash.

A person wiping the window with a microfiber towel

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Air Drying

Towing on a clothes line is the most secure method. Air drying maintains fibers and avoids damage from high heat. It also saves energy and makes towels soft.

Tumble Drying

If quick drying is needed, dry in a clothes dryer on low heat alone. Dryer balls should be used to space towels apart and speed up drying.

Clean the lint filter always before starting, as this prevents lint transfer.

Things Not to Do

  • Do not dry towels using dryer sheets. They leave residue on fibers.
  • Don’t dry towels made of natural fibers like cotton. Towels must be washed separately and dried separately to prevent dirt transfer and lint transfer.
  • Avoid excessive heat. Melts fibers and reduces towel quality.

Extra Care Tips

Shake towels during the rinse cycle to loosen excess dirt. If you notice small lint pieces, a quick roll with a lint roller keeps them streak-free and clean.

Step 4: Removing Lint

A lint roller used on a fabric.

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Lint on microfiber towels can be a real pain. It leaves streaks on windows, mirrors, and even your car. That’s why taking a few minutes to tackle it is totally worth it.

The easiest trick is a lint roller or sticky tape. Just press it lightly over the towel and watch those loose fibers disappear. Instantly, your towel feels smooth and ready for action.

Be careful with your washer and dryer. High heat or mixing with cotton can make lint worse. Always properly wash microfiber towels on its own to avoid pilling and extra fuzz.

Regular lint removal keeps your towels in top shape. They stay soft, super absorbent, and ready for any cleaning challenge. A lint-free towel cleans faster, looks better, and keeps dirt from spreading everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Microfiber Cloths

Even strong microfiber towels can wear out fast if they’re not treated right. A few simple mistakes can ruin their cleaning power. Here are the most common ones to avoid.

Cleaning supplies like gloves and bleach

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  • With Fabric Softener or Bleach

Fabric softener feels nice, but it coats the fibers and makes towels less absorbent. Bleach breaks fibers down completely. Stick to mild detergent and cold water. Your towels will stay happy and clean better.

  • Mixing with Lint-Producing Fabrics

Microfiber and cotton don’t mix well. Cotton and fleece shed lint that sticks to towels and traps dirt. Always wash microfiber on its own. Give it a quick lint check before you start.

  • Washing in Hot Water

Hot water might feel like it cleans well, but it actually shrinks and weakens microfiber. Cold water is the safest choice. Use a gentle cycle or hand wash with mild detergent to keep towels lasting longer.

  • Over-Drying or High Heat

High heat melts microfiber fibers, leaving towels stiff and scratchy. Use low heat in the dryer or air dry them. Hang them up and keep them soft, fluffy, and ready to shine.

Storage and Reuse Tips

Dry microfiber towels thoroughly before storing. Soaked towels smell bad and harbor bacteria. Store them in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place.

Red microfiber cloth on a car

Do not leave them exposed to the sun for a long duration since heat damages the fibers. Store them in mesh bags, cloth containers, or ventilated shelves. This will keep towels fresh and durable.

Implement Color Coding for Safety

Color coding makes work and safety easier. One color is used on a different area. For example:

  • Red towels – bathrooms and toilets
  • Yellow towels – sinks and kitchens
  • Blue towels – windows and glass
  • Green towels – food areas and dining

This avoids cross-use and the germs from being spread. Workers can easily find the correct towel, and this saves time while cleaning.

Folding for Efficiency

Properly folding towels allows workers to make better use of them. Folding each towel into four and four more is the most optimal method. This gives 16 clean faces.

Employees can turn to a new face after each wipe. This maximizes one towel’s use before needing to be cleaned.

Storing a microfiber towel.

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Reuse Potential

Microfiber towels are long-lasting. If properly maintained, they can withstand 300 to 500 washings. They are soft, absorbent, and in good working condition for months or even years.

This makes them more cost-effective in the long term than cotton towels. In hotels, garages, and janitorial operations, microfiber means lower costs and less wastage.

Why Choose Manywell Microfiber Towels

Manywell microfiber towels are made with premium fibers. They stay strong even after hundreds of washes. While regular cloths wear out quickly, our towels keep their softness and cleaning power.

This makes them a smart choice for both homes and large businesses.

  • 30%+ Cost Savings for Businesses

Because they last longer, you need fewer replacements. On average, our microfiber towels deliver over 30% savings compared to cotton towels.

For hotels, car washes, or cleaning companies, this means lower costs without losing quality.

  • Antibacterial and Fade-Resistant Properties

Our towels are specifically designed to be resistant to bacterial growth. This ensures that they are clean and fresh, even after multiple uses.

Fading is also avoided with the use of special color-fixing technology. Your towels stay bright and professional-looking, a concern in business settings.

  • Designed for Home and Professional Use

Manywell towels are versatile and can be used anywhere. At home, they wash quicker and effectively every day.

For the working professionals, they accomplish heavy-duty tasks in vehicles, offices, and hotels. They are made for speed, durability, and repeat performance every time.

Three pieces of microfiber cloths, light blue, blue, and lime.

Conclusion

Yes, microfiber towels can be washed. The trick is to do it the proper way—gentle washing, no detergent, and gentle drying. If you take care of them, they are soft, absorbent, and functional for a very long time.

For residential use and commercial use, microfiber is a smart choice. It’s cost-saving, waste-reducing, and speeds up the cleaning. Manywell microfiber towels do more than that.

They are antibacterial, durable, and sturdy, offering you better performance through less effort.

Upgrade your cleaning today. Choose Manywell microfiber towels and make every job easier, safer, and more efficient.

About Wangong Chen

As the founder of Manywell, Chen brings over 17 years of expertise in microfiber cleaning solutions. Under his leadership, Manywell has grown into a globally recognized brand, specializing in innovative, high-quality cloths and microfiber products. With a strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Chen has led the company to export products to over 69 countries. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, he continuously strive to deliver outstanding cleaning solutions tailored to the diverse needs of global markets.

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