Microfiber Cloth for Chemical-free Cleaning
Is this Synthetic Material Really Environmentally Friendly?
Jul 26, 2009
In their ongoing drive for clean and their increasing concern about contracting illness from surface bacteria, many people have come to depend on chemicals that are harmful to the environment and even toxic to their health. But a revolutionary cleaning tool is now available, and research studies have shown that it requires nothing more than water to remove up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces. What is this amazing tool? Microfiber.
What is Microfiber?
Microfiber is not new. It is composed of two common synthetic fibers, polyester and polyamide (also called nylon) and has been around in various forms since the 1950s, but lately, it seems to be ubiquitous as eco-friendly cleaning cloths, mops, and face cloths are springing up everywhere.
To make microfiber material, polyester and polyamide fibers are spun and then split into micro-sized strings up to hundreds of times thinner than a strand of a human hair. When these fibers are woven together in a series of hooks and loops, they produce a material that is extremely soft, absorbent, and durable. In addition, microfibers are positively charged, so they attract dirt and grease particles, which carry a negative charge. The dirt then gets caught in the microfiber hooks and loops and carried away by the cloth. The ability to clean without soap or other cleaning products is just one of the environmental benefits of microfiber cleaning cloths.
Environmental Benefits of Microfiber Cleaning Materials
Microfiber cloths offer several benefits to the environment, including:
- They don't require chemicals to clean, which is economically-friendly as well as environmentally-friendly. In fact, using chemicals with microfiber cloths can reduce their effectiveness. To get the best cleaning from microfiber cloths, avoid washing them in detergents or using fabric softeners.
- They don't require a lot of water. In fact, these cloths clean best with a minimal amount of water.
- They are reusable, unlike paper towels that are disposed of after each use. In addition, their durability means they can often be used over 2000 times before they start to show any wear.
Concerns about the Environmental Benefits of Microfiber Materials
Although microfiber does have eco-friendly characteristics, it is not perfect. Some environmental concerns include:
- Microfiber is made from petroleum products, which are non-renewable resources and non-biodegradable.
- Microfiber is highly flammable. It melts when heated and produces toxic fumes when burning.
- Studies have found increased incidents of cancer, miscarriage, and interstitial lung disease among workers involved in producing nylon and other synthetic fibers.
By eliminating the need for chemicals and non-reusable towels, microfiber cleaning cloths have a positive environmental impact. However, that benefit is less obvious, when considering the manufacturing process as well. In addition, more recent advancements in microfiber technology, specifically the inclusion of nanosilver to eliminate bacteria in the cloth itself, raise even more concerns about the environmental safety of these products. More environmental impact studies, particularly Life Cycle Analysis, would help environmentally-conscious consumers understand the real environmental impact of microfiber material.
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