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microfiber cloths pros and cons
  • Natural Home

Microfiber Cloths: Green Cleaning or Plastic Pollution?

Katie WellsMar 30, 2019Updated: Mar 21, 2020
Reading Time: 6 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Home » Microfiber Cloths: Green Cleaning or Plastic Pollution?
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What Is Microfiber?+−
    • Why Microfiber Cloths Became So Popular for Cleaning
  • Is Microfiber Bad for the Environment?+−
    • Microplastics Affect Us All
    • Microfibers Are Not Recyclable
  • How to Reduce the Environmental Impact+−
    • Wash Microfiber Sparingly
    • Keep Using Them As Long As Possible
    • Use a Special Bag to Catch Microplastics
  • Better Alternatives to Microfiber for Natural Cleaning+−
    • Reuse Cotton Cloth
    • Eco-Friendly Cleaning Concentrate
  • Final Verdict on Microfiber

When I first switched to more natural and green cleaning products, microfiber cloths seemed like a panacea. They cleaned almost all surfaces with little or no additional products, were reusable, and seemed really sustainable. I found myself using them more and more and many sources recommended them as a natural cleaning alternative.

From a no-waste perspective, they seem great! They’re reusable and pretty close to zero-waste if you take care of them.

Fast forward almost a decade and science and technology have advanced, bringing up some potential concerns with microfiber.

In this post, I tackle the updated research on microfiber and share what I’m using now. I often think of the quote from Maya Angelou that “When you know better, do better.” This post is an example of that progression for me.

I should also mention here that while I’ve been anti-plastic for years, I can thank my 12-year-old for bringing this issue to my attention. He’s on a mission to end plastic pollution and I’m so proud of how dedicated he is.

What Is Microfiber?

Generally speaking, the microfiber used in cleaning cloths is made from a combination of two synthetic polymers — polyester and polyamide (nylon). In the highest quality microfiber cloths, these fibers are approximately 1/100 of a human hair in diameter. This makes the fibers barely visible to the naked eye. The fibers are bundled together and spun into thread which is then woven into cloth.

Some microfiber cleaning materials also have silver or other substances spun into them and claim to be antibacterial as a result.

Unfortunately, while they may feel like cloth, microfiber is essentially made of plastic. Petroleum products are used to create plastic polymers that are spun into a cloth. On the one hand, this high-tech process produces a product that is really, really good at picking up dirt and dust. Unfortunately, recent research shines light on a dark side of microfiber as well… more on that below.

Why Microfiber Cloths Became So Popular for Cleaning

When examined under magnification, an individual microfiber has a split or spoke-like appearance. The area between the spokes creates a larger surface on the fiber itself. When the individual fibers are joined together into thread, and then woven into cloth, the result is a product that has an amazing ability to pick up and trap dirt coupled with superior absorbency and scrubbing power.

In comparison, a traditional fiber, such as a cotton fiber, is larger and smooth. Cloths made from these fibers require a cleaning agent (detergents, soaps and other chemical cleaners) to dissolve the dirt, which is then absorbed into the cloth in order to be removed from the surface. If dirt isn’t easily dissolved, it isn’t easily picked up and can be left behind. While the split fibers of the microfiber cloths are able to pick up and hold dirt, traditional fibers tend to push dirt and moisture around a surface. So essentially, if you want a cleaner surface, choose microfiber!

But…

Is Microfiber Bad for the Environment?

Short answer: yes.

The longer answer? We may not even fully know the extended impact of microfiber use yet.

Emerging evidence shows that synthetic materials like microfiber cloths may release these tiny fibers into the water supply during washing. Scientists are finding tiny microfibers in our oceans and lakes and trace these back to our home washing machines.

It turns out that a single piece of synthetic material may release thousands of fibers into the water supply in each wash!

Yet when we talk about the potential environmental downfalls, we aren’t just referring to microfiber mops and cleaning towels. All synthetic material and clothing may have an environmental impact by releasing microfibers into the water supply.

Microplastics Affect Us All

A few years ago, news outlets were abuzz with reports of how microbeads in beauty products were making their way into the water supply and harming ocean life. Microfibers belong to the same classification of microplastics as microbeads, and the new research in the last few years is shedding light on just how bad they are.

While our oceans literally fill up with floating islands of plastic that are as big as the state of Texas, these tiny fibers may be much more problematic.

Since they are so small, they can be more easily ingested by marine life. Over the long term, they make their way into our food supply in larger and larger amounts and cause problems for the ocean in the process.

Microfibers Are Not Recyclable

The materials used in microfiber towels and cleaning clothes are technically recyclable, but when woven into these types of materials they become non-recyclable microplastics. Not only that, they can contaminate the recycling process if we even try to recycle them.

As my son has explained to me, in order for plastics to be recycled effectively, they have to be correctly sorted by type. Microplastics melt at a different temperature than other types. This early melt causes a clump and turns the entire batch of recycling plastic into an unusable clump that cannot be made into a new plastic.

How to Reduce the Environmental Impact

Sadly, this means that microfiber cleaning cloths are not the best environmental option but they aren’t the worst either. While I wouldn’t suggest buying new cleaning cloths or microfiber mops as a green choice, if you already have them, I wouldn’t throw out the baby with the bath water either.

We can still use microfiber to effectively clean viruses and bacteria from surfaces. They are a more sustainable option than paper towels or single use disinfecting wipes and throwing them in a landfill is just going to create more waste.

If you’re just starting with green cleaning, check out the recommendations at the bottom of this post for my top options but if you already have microfiber in your home, here are some tips for reducing its environmental impact:

Wash Microfiber Sparingly

With any synthetic cloth, most microplastics are released in the washing machine. Personally, I’m trying to just use microfiber when I’m dealing with mirrors or light cleaning so they can be washed as infrequently as possible.

The less I we wash them, the less we release into the water supply. Also, use cool or warm water instead of hot water when washing them, as higher temperatures seem to release more microplastics into the water.

Keep Using Them As Long As Possible

While I’m not buying any new microfiber cleaning products, I’m trying to use the ones I have as long and carefully as possibly since they can’t be recycled. I can’t turn back time and not buy them so I’m starting from here and reducing my impact going forward. Again, when we know better, we do better.

Use a Special Bag to Catch Microplastics

I’ve also started using a special bag called a Guppy Friend to catch microplastics in the wash. I use this especially for microfiber products but also for any synthetic clothing. There is evidence that this step greatly reduces the amount of plastics that make their way from washing machine into water supply.

I haven’t found any great options yet, but several companies are also working on special washing machine filters that would help filter out these plastics before they hit the water supply. I’m hopeful that increasing awareness about this problem will lead to continued innovation in filtration.

Better Alternatives to Microfiber for Natural Cleaning

When it comes to natural cleaning options, you’re hopefully convinced that microfiber isn’t the best option. If you’re here looking for the most natural way to clean your home, I have some other suggestions that have less environmental impact:

Reuse Cotton Cloth

Instead of buying any cloth for natural cleaning, reuse some that you have if possible. Things like old cotton t-shirts and socks make great cleaning rags. Old burp cloths and baby blankets also work and can be used as-is or cut into smaller pieces.

Rather than pitching or donating natural fiber clothing like cotton, hemp, and wool, turn these into reusable cleaning cloths for your home. We now keep a hamper of these in our laundry room as use them as paper towels, cleaning rags, and to mop up spills. When they eventually become too worn out to use they can be used as natural weed block in the garden and will naturally break down over time.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Concentrate

Many cleaning products contain some pretty toxic junk. Microfiber cleaning cloths do let us avoid many of these products and this is one reason for the surge in popularity.

Thankfully, there are now some great natural cleaning alternatives that work just as well with lower environmental impact!

I personally use Branch Basics for almost all cleaning in our home now. It’s a natural, biodegradable, non-GMO plant and mineral based cleaner. Use it to make all purpose cleaner, on laundry, to clean countertops and on almost any surface in your home. It’s so non-toxic and safe that it can be used as a baby wash and I even use it to remove eye makeup!

Also, as a concentrate, it has a lower environmental impact. One bottle can last for months and months and leave only one recyclable bottle as a result. I recommend keeping some glass spray bottles on hand for mixing up various concentrations for natural cleaning.

Final Verdict on Microfiber

These types of cleaning cloths are not the green cleaning powerhouse we once thought they were. As we learn more about microplastics, we all have an obligation to prevent plastic pollution by using it sparingly and consciously. At the same time, if microfiber is already part of your cleaning routine, use them as long as possible to keep them out of the landfill and replace with better options when the time comes.

How do you handle this in your home? Were you aware of the issues with microplastics? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!

Category: Natural Home

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (229 Comments)

  1. Amber

    July 22, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    Definitely the shower!  If I let it go for too long, I almost always resort to chemicals to get it clean!

    Reply
  2. Claire Garbat

    July 22, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Nothing! We switched to natural cleaning five years ago and haven’t looked back 🙂

    Reply
  3. Kennemere

    July 22, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    I’d have to agree with others and say bathroom. I love my Comet cleanser! I don’t have any microfiber so would love to win 🙂

    Reply
  4. Hezjo

    July 22, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Cleaning up after the dogs….

    Reply
  5. Lisa

    July 22, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Biggest challenge is keeping my hardwood clean naturally with a dog and 2 kids running around. 

    Reply
    • Margaret

      November 12, 2020 at 11:48 AM

      I believe Murphy’s Oil Soap is all natural

      Reply
  6. Natalie Smith

    July 22, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    the toughest natural cleaning for me is the shower. i use vinegar water and scrub scrub scrub!!! i also LOVE paper towel 🙁 trying to get rid of that habit. I think microfiber would replace it well though

    Reply
    • Amy Baker

      September 7, 2015 at 9:30 PM

      Norwex beats vinegar and paper towel, hands down. I was a vinegar and water cleaner.

      Reply
  7. Lisa

    July 22, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Biggest challenge is keeping my hardwood clean with a dog and 2 kids running around with natural products.  

    Reply
    • Krissa Jeldy

      July 22, 2012 at 3:26 PM

       I use a steam mop and it works great!

      Reply
  8. Jess

    July 22, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Hands down, the toughest job is the toilet.  I moved into a new apartment, and even if I clean more than weekly, the toilet still has odor that won’t go away…. UGH!!!!

    Reply
    • Angie Davidson

      August 7, 2012 at 11:57 AM

       Use baking soda. It gets rid of the odor as well as cleaning. You can also use an alka seltzer or a denture tablet. (not together!) Drop a tab in the bowl, go do other stuff, and come back in about 15 minutes. Use your brush and flush!

      Reply
      • Stephen Ryan

        December 23, 2020 at 1:51 PM

        The denture tabs are the greatest. I drop 1 or 2 into the toilet, then clean the rest of the toilet. Swish with a brush, flush, and it’s done. I also drop one into the toilet before going to bed. Swish and flush in the morning and the toilet looks great all day.

        Reply
  9. Sarah

    July 22, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    I find that cleaning the stains out of my toilets (without using bleach) to be the hardest job to chage over the green cleaning. 

    Reply
    • Courtney

      August 6, 2012 at 2:04 AM

      I happened to be browsing through these replies and wanted to let you know that white vinegar does a great job at cleaning my toilet! I pour in about 2 cups and swish it around all the sides with the toilet brush before I go to bed. Then when I wake up I give it another quick scrub, flush and voila! Give it a try sometime and see what you think!

      Reply
      • Angie Davidson

        August 7, 2012 at 11:58 AM

         I use vinegar to clean just about everything in my house.

        Reply
  10. Angel

    July 22, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    I think the bathroom is the toughest to switch to natural cleaning methods, because of the paranoia surrounding germs, etc. I’m really hoping I win because I’d *love* to give microfiber a try! 

    Reply
    • Amy Baker

      September 7, 2015 at 9:25 PM

      Norwex microfiber is life changing. There is a great video on YouTube where a TV channel does a Does it Work segment in TN. They use a Norwex microfiber, generic microfiber and paper towel with all purpose cleaner to get rid of e coli in a petri dish. Check it out. I will never go back to traditional cleaning. Worth every penny!

      Reply
    • Ed

      April 7, 2016 at 5:35 PM

      Hello, I feel that Microfiber in general has been a much needed technology to reduce the hundreds of thousands of pounds of Paper Towels that go into our landfill’s each and every year. I say that because I certainly appreciate your article, however, I feel that NOREX Products are some of the most overpriced products I have seen in the marketplace and too many people fall for it and spend their hard earned money on an ok, but certainly not great cleaning cloth or mop.

      Before I go any further let me tell you a little bit about me, I am an executive for a medical supplies manufacturing and distribution company. Obviously being in my space requires me and my employees to follow a number of state and federal rules & regs. Many of my front line employee’s use Microfiber Cleaning Cloths & Mops each and every day, and have done so for years, to do complete a variety of tasks. I say that to let you know that we have tried out just about every Microfiber Manufacturer that exists in the market today.

      Did you know that many companies actual buy their microfiber products from China for as little as $0.25 – $0.35 and have them private label them then sell it to the general public for anywhere from $3.00 – $6.00 on average. The margins on these products are quit good and I aplaud the companies for doing this, I just do not like wasting money.

      I had my wife use these Cloths and Mops at home with ONLY WATER, except around the Toilet in the Restroom and she was AMAZED at what they are able to do.

      Reply
      • brian

        June 28, 2016 at 3:10 PM

        This is a good post. Like it a lot. Only thing it needs is the removal of promoting another brand name. Brand really has nothing to do with it. As mentioned, anyone can buy and relabel. What matters is the product, materials used in the fibers, etc. Brands may be associated with selling and distributing a better quality product, but that is all a brand is, the marketing and sales. The question is for every brand, who manufactures it and what is their manufacturing process.

        Reply
        • Laurel

          April 2, 2019 at 10:17 AM

          I agree, Brian!

          Reply
      • Bernadette Kiser

        July 17, 2019 at 11:11 PM

        Norwex is a global company that started in Norway. They own the factory in China and pay their employees there quite well. The reason they opened the factory in China is because it is the only place that offers a PhD in Textiles. Amy Cadera is (I believe) the VP of Research and Development and she has a blog that she talks about this very problem. Norwex does have a recycling program for it’s cloths, uses significantly sustainable packaging solutions, and is working toward reducing chemicals and waste (like paper towels) in our homes.

        Reply
    • K Mueller

      March 31, 2019 at 7:01 PM

      I use peroxide in a spray bottle to kill germs in the bathroom and use vinegar in the wash as a fabric softener and DW as a rinse agent.

      Reply
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