With sustainability and green products taking centre stage in commercial cleaning in recent years, many products have emerged to help businesses reduce their negative effect on the environment. Microfibre cloths have gained popularity as a way to eliminate germs and bacteria without the use of chemicals and the market is projected to grow 24 per cent by 2030.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether it’s worth investing in microfibre cloths for your commercial needs:

• GSM determines the cloth’s density, which relates to its durability and absorption. Look for higher GSM for increased durability.
• Denier measures the thickness of the cloth’s individual fibres. A higher number means a thicker fibre, making them more robust and absorbent.
• The cloth’s texture affects its scrubbing ability, with additional friction allowing better removal of dirt, and smoother textures better able to polish and buff surfaces.
• The edge of the cloth, or how it’s finished, can help determine its longevity and the potential to scratch surfaces.
• The weave type, such as looped, mesh, diamond, honeycomb, or waffle, impacts the cloth’s absorbency and ability to trap dirt.
• Common blends of microfibre cloths include polyester and polyamide (nylon), which affect the absorbency and durability of the cloth.

The benefits

If you have not invested in microfibre cloths yet, they offer a few benefits that may make sense for your business.

• Microfibre cloths are a versatile cleaning tool, available for use on windows, glass, and soft and hard surfaces, making them a valuable addition to your cleaning supplies.
• While they work hard to pick up dust, they can also absorb up to seven times their weight in liquid for effective and efficient performance.
• Eliminating the need for chemicals means saving money on supplies, making space in your supply closet, lowering your environmental impact, and making the cleaning process safer for staff.

To consider

However, while microfibre cloths offer a greener alternative for cleaners, there are some other factors to consider before making a complete switch:

• With a more complex manufacturing process involving polymer splitting and specialized machinery, microfibre cloths have a higher price point than their counterparts.
• While microfibre cloths are a more eco-friendly alternative, there are growing concerns about microfibre shedding, which is when microfibres break down to microplastics when they are being washed, potentially entering water systems as they wash down the drain.

Microfibre cloths offer certain advantages for commercial cleaning but consider whether making the switch makes the most sense for your business.