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Microfiber - Textile New Technology

Microfiber is a great new technology, with many applications in the cleaning industry. Cleaning with microfiber products is fast, easy and environmentally friendly.  With microfiber products you rarely need to use chemicals. It is sometimes described as having a magnetic attraction to dirt and dust. Microfiber products are extremely soft, they never scratch any surface, but at the same time they are sturdy and tough on dirt.

The secret behind microfiber technology is the blend of microscopic polyester and polyamide fibers which are split in such a way as to create microscopic "hooks" which act as claws that scrape up and hold dust, dirt, and grime.

Imagine a microscopic plastic wire that cuts through and breaks apart dust, dirt, grime and moisture, and then picks it up like a magnet without scratching the surface.

The splitting of these fibers is what makes microfiber so effective as a cleaning material. You have probably heard of weatherproof microfiber clothing. The material used to make these items (polyamide and polyester) is similar to our microfiber, but there is one very important difference. Microfibers that are meant for cleaning are split, creating the microscopic hooks that pick up dirt and an absorb water. Microfiber products can absorb up to 7 times their weight in water. Microfiber cleaning products do not scratch surfaces if used correctly.

Cleaning Instructions:

Wash with warm soapy water, and rinse well. Can be cleaned in washer and dryer. DO NOT USE bleach or fabric softeners of any kind. Fabric softeners clog the microfibers, making the cloth less effective.DO NOT IRON.

One of the most important developments in recent years has been the technology to extrude extremely fine filaments (less than 1.0 denier) while maintaining all of the strength, uniformity and processing characteristics expected by textile manufacturers and consumers. These “microfibers” are even finer than luxury natural fibers, such as silk. This comparison, coupled with their exceptional performance, has led some in the industry to refer to microfibers as “supernatural”. They live up to that name.

In many product lines, it is the luxurious feel and look of the fabrics which makes microfibers so special. In others, it is this unique physical and mechanical performance.

Consider, for example, the advantages of polyester microfiber when used in outerwear. A raincoat or jacket made from 100% microfiber will be much lighter and more comfortable than one made from conventional fibers. Since the small filaments pack closely together, they provide a wind barrier to prevent loss of body heat and assuring comfort on chilly days. This close packing of fibers, together with polyesters' natural resistance to wetting also gives the fabric the ability to repel rain. [#4] The non-wetting surface of the fibers causes water to form beads (like rain on a newly-waxed car). These beads are much larger than the spaces between the yarns and water is effectively locked out. And this is done without the need for chemical treatments or coatings which can make the fabric heavier and less able to "breathe". Fabrics from microfibers, on the other hand, breathe well. [#3] Although the spaces between the yarns are too small to be penetrated by liquid water, they are ample for the passage of moisture vapor, leaving the wearer dry and comfortable.

This is only one example. Microfiber yarns are now available for most major generic fibers. They can bring their outstanding performance to a wide variety of end uses.

Q: What is microfiber made of?
Microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide (a nylon by-product). Most commonly it is constructed in a blend of 80/20, 75/25, or 70/30, ratios of polyester/polyamide.

Q: Why is microfiber better for cleaning than other materials?
Microfiber performs better for cleaning tasks than other types of material, because the micro-fibers are split in such a way that their surface area is greatly increased. This creates a capillary action, that makes microfiber super absorbent, and makes it cling to all kinds of dust, dirt and grime.

Q: I have heard a lot about using microfiber for my car, will it harm my paint?
There are many different types and qualities of microfiber materials. Some are safe for your paint and others are not, you need to make sure that you are using microfiber that is clearcoat safe. There are a lot of companies out there that sell unsafe microfiber for use on your car paint, make sure that you are buying from a reputable source.

Also, microfiber picks up all sorts of stuff, so if you are using a dirty towel you run the risk of scratching your car with the dirt in the towel.


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