My mother had laundry rules, always. Like, very specific ones. Towels had their own special configuration. Socks couldn’t mingle with sheets. And anything remotely fuzzy? Unless you wanted to ruin it permanently, forget the dryer. So when I left I defiantly threw everything in the dryer — microfiber cloths and all. Bad idea. Pretty soon my once-fluffy, highly absorbent microfiber cloths went from soft, spongy, fluffy ones to just stiff though…sad. That’s when I understood she was right all along. And now I’m here to rescue you from that same mistake.
So…Can Microfiber Cloths Go in the Dryer?
Yes, you can. But—and this is key—you have to do it correctly. Microfiber cloths are their own high-performance delicate. They’re constructed from synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, designed to catch dust, dirt and even bacteria. They’re great for cleaning, but they’re also sensitive to heat and fabric softeners. So while it’s not a crime to throw them in the dryer, doing it improperly can certainly shorten their life span. The key? Low heat and zero additives.
Why Heat Matters for Microfiber
Okay, let’s get a little science-y for a second. Microfiber cloths are composed of tiny split fibers — thinner than a human hair — which is what endows them with that super absorbency and dust-trapping ability. Using a high heat setting (think: your dryer’s normal setting) can literally melt or weld those fibers together, making the cloth less effective and much less soft. Essentially, if you shove them under a lot of heat, you will run the chance of changing your magic cloth into only another rag. Put them in a dryer on low (or no) heat instead. If you have an “air fluff” or “tumble dry low” setting on your dryer, that is your microfiber’s best friend.
The One Thing You Must Never Use: Fabric Softener
Liquid fabric softener in the washer or sheets in the dryer is microfiber’s worst enemy. It leaves a waxy film on those microscopically-sized fibers that hampers their absorption ability. It may make them feel soft to the touch, though, and that completely betrays what microfiber is supposed to do in the first place. So if you want your cloths to actually clean stuff, skip the softener κάθε φορά. In fact, if you mistakenly washed the cloth with fabric softener once, it might be redeemable, rewashing it with hot water and a splash of vinegar — but best not to take the chance at all.
The Right Way to Wash Microfiber Cloths
As you might have already deduced, microfiber cloths require a bit of TLC in the laundry room. The good news? Once you know the rules, it’s pretty straight forward. First of all, wash them separate from everything else. Especially cotton. Microfiber is like a magnet for lint, and the last thing you want to do is make your non-lint cloth a lint-covered disaster. Use cold (not hot) water in your washing machine, and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid any with added fragrances, bleach or boosters. Use a delicate or normal cycle and refrain from overloading the drum.
Cleaning Heavily Soiled Cloths
Let’s assume your microfiber cloths have been well used — used on dirty wheels, filthy counters or inside your oven. Don’t panic. You wash off the major gunk by hand under warm water first. If they’re particularly dirty, you can soak them in a solution of warm water and a splash of white vinegar (about 1/4 cup per gallon of water). Soak them for 15–30 minutes, then throw them in the washing machine. This will eliminate oils and residues without needing harsh chemicals.
How to Best Dry Microfiber Cloths
After washing, give your microfiber cloths a little shake to fluff them up a little. Then hang them to air dry (best if you have the time and space) or throw them in the dryer on low or no heat. Again—no dryer sheets, ever. If you’re air drying, don’t dry them outside on a breezy day unless you’re fine with them becoming giant lint catchers. Indoors, hang them to dry on a rack or just lay them flat on a clean towel. Also, because they’re made with synthetic fibers, they dry surprisingly quickly.
Storage guidelines to keep them fresh
After laundering your microfiber cloths, the way you store them matters. Store them in a clean and dry spot, ideally away from fabrics that create lint (like towels or fuzzy blankets). I store mine in a sealed plastic bin or zipper bag, particularly if I’m keeping a few in my car to clean the windshield or touchscreen. If you use your microfiber cloths for multiple jobs — one for windows, one for the kitchen and one for the car — it’s a good idea to color-code or label them. That way you don’t end up inadvertently polishing your eyeglasses with the same cloth that last served a dusty dashboard. Yikes.
7 Signs It’s Time to Retire a Microfiber Cloth
Proper care notwithstanding, microfiber cloths don’t last forever. Average lifespan depends on usage, but a decent one would give about 100–500 washes. Over time, they lose their softness, absorbency and their ability to grip dirt. If you see streaking when the cloth cleans glass, or if you’re just moving the water around when you’re trying to absorb it, it might be time to let go. That doesn’t mean you have to go cold turkey, though. Old microfiber cloths can be great shop rags or garage towels.
Using Distilled Water When Cleaning Glass: Bonus Tip
Okay, not dryer-related, but when using microfiber cloths to clean windows or mirrors, here’s a pro tip: Use distilled water rather than tap. Tap water frequently holds minerals that can leave spots and streaks. Microfiber + distilled water = a perfect, streak-free luster. Just spritz and wipe. You’ll be surprised at how clean your windows are — and how quickly it’s done.
So Can You Put Microfiber Cloths In the Dryer? Final Verdict
Yes—you can definitely dry microfiber cloths in the dryer as long as you do it with care. Use low or no heat, skip the dryer sheets, and always wash as directed beforehand. Microfiber cloths are a small but powerful investment, and with a little care they remain soft, useful and durable. Seriously—your counters, your screens, and your car will reward you. Maybe my mom — actually, she had a point after all.
