A microfiber cloth is an essential tool for keeping your glasses and screens crystal clear. But over time, the very cloth that’s meant to clean can become dirty itself, leaving smudges and streaks on your lenses. A proper cleaning routine is necessary to maintain its effectiveness and avoid scratching your valuable eyewear. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean your glasses cleaning cloth and keep it working like new.
Why Cleaning Matters
Dust and Oil Reduce Effectiveness
Every time you use your cloth, it picks up dust, fingerprints, skin oils, and other microscopic particles. Over time, these particles build up within the cloth’s fibers. A dirty cloth can no longer effectively absorb oils and will instead just smear the grime around, leaving streaks on your lenses.
Prevent Scratches on Lenses
Perhaps most importantly, a dirty cloth can cause irreversible damage. When dust and grit get trapped in the cloth’s fibers, they can act like sandpaper. Wiping your lenses with a dirty cloth can lead to micro-scratches, which can accumulate over time and permanently cloud your vision. A clean cloth is a safe cloth.
Washing Methods
Washing your microfiber cloth is simple, but it requires a gentle approach to protect its delicate fibers.
Hand Wash with Mild Soap
For a quick and easy clean, hand washing is the best method.
- Use warm water: Run the cloth under warm water.
- Add a drop of mild soap: Use a small amount of non-lotion, non-moisturizing liquid soap, such as dish soap. The key is to use a soap without added dyes, fragrances, or moisturizers, as these can leave a residue on the cloth.
- Gently rub: Rub the cloth between your fingers for about 20-30 seconds to work up a light lather.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the cloth completely under clean, warm water until all soap residue is gone.
Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle
You can also machine wash your cloth, especially if you have several to clean at once.
- Place in a small laundry bag: Put the cloth in a small, mesh laundry bag to prevent it from getting lost or snagged in the washing machine.
- Use a gentle cycle: Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water.
- Add a mild detergent: Use a tiny amount of mild, liquid laundry detergent.
Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach
This is the most critical rule for cleaning microfiber. Never use fabric softener or bleach. Fabric softeners coat the fibers of the cloth, making them less absorbent and rendering the cloth useless for cleaning. Bleach can break down the fibers, destroying the cloth’s structure and cleaning power.
Drying the Cloth
Just as important as washing is the drying process.
Air Dry Only
Always let your microfiber cloth air dry. Lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it on a line. The fibers are very delicate and can be easily damaged by high heat.
Avoid Heat to Preserve Fibers
Putting the cloth in a dryer, even on a low or “no heat” setting, is not recommended. The high heat can melt the synthetic fibers that give microfiber its unique cleaning properties. Heat damage can cause the cloth to lose its ability to attract and trap dirt and oils, making it ineffective.
When to Replace Your Cloth
Even with the best care, your cloth won’t last forever.
Signs of Wear and Tear
If your cloth is no longer cleaning your lenses properly, leaving streaks even after being washed, it’s a sign that its fibers have been damaged. Fraying edges or a noticeable lack of softness are also indicators that it’s time for a replacement.
Best Practices for Long Life
To extend the life of your cloth, always store it in a clean, dry place, like a glasses case or a small pouch. Avoid leaving it exposed on a desk or counter where it can collect dust and dirt, forcing you to wash it more often.
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