Microfibres are becoming an essential tool for cleaning because of their innumerable benefits, finds Roma Arora.

There’s some magical happening in the world of cleaning – the microfibre cloth has been invented and is being widely used across facilities and applications. This innovation is truly changing the face of cleaning in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. While microfiber cloth may appear similar to the usual cotton cloths, there’s a world of difference between the two. Primarily, microfibre is a synthetic fibre made of polyamide and polyester - the strands are so small and fine that they can barely be seen with the naked eye. This makes them extremely light, durable and highly absorbent. Clean Middle East speaks with leading microfibre manufacturers on what makes them the must-have product in any cleaning kit.

Rise of the microfibres

Microfibre technology significantly reduces the amount of time, water, and chemicals invested in cleaning applications. Joerg Dunkel, Business Development Director from Vileda Professional, Germany - a leading cleaning solution provider shares some interesting facts. He says, “A Japanese fibre producer launched this revolutionary bi-component microfibre technology in the early 90s on a bigger scale. The material is extremely absorbent, highly durable, with amazing mechanical cleaning properties. Vileda Professional introduced the microfibre wipes in 1991, and since then the microfibre cloths have gone through a series of changes in terms of quality and affordability.”

Another leading cleaning products manufacturer is Arcora International from Europe whose products are distributed by Fairlink Trading LLC in the region. Sami Memili, CEO of Arcora International, explains the advantages of microfibres over cotton cloth. He says, “The use of microfibre cloths has increased in the last year and facilitated cleaning procedures through simplified practices, high area coverage and free of stripes. These cloths are steadier in terms of temperature compared to cotton and because of this it is easier to wash them. On top of that, microfibre has better gliding properties and eases the cleaning process. Due to the even area coverage, there is consistent drying. The fibres are finer than cotton, the size equals the size of the dirt particles leading to a better absorption during cleaning and release while washing. Dirt can be captured by the uneven structure of the fibres. This is the reason why microfibers are even more hygienic than cotton.”

Reducing healthcare-associated infections

One of the most challenging tasks at hospitals is to keep all areas of the facility clean and free from contamination. A recent study by the American Journal of Infection Control found that 93 per cent of cloths commonly used to clean hospital rooms still contained dangerous levels of bacteria after laundering, which could trigger Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). James Taylor, Director of Product Marketing at Chicopee, shares the benefits of microfibres in the healthcare sector, “Microfibre Light from our brand is one such revolutionary product, which has been developed specifically with the healthcare sector in mind. It’s manufactured using a highpressure water system, which splits individual fibres to be 80 per cent finer than standard microfibres. The result is a cloth manufactured from 100% microfibres that has been externally tested to show removal of 99.99% of bacteria from surfaces.”

Taylor further elaborates, “Known as the ‘capillary effect’, Microfibre Light’s fibres act like a magnet, removing and trapping bacteria until released. This is because they are positively charged – whilst bacteria, dirt and dust are negatively charged – resulting in all the bacteria being attracted to the cloth. It’s designed for short-term use, unlike the traditional cloths; it also picks up bacteria fr om the surface without the use of chemicals.” So, by implementing a thorough cleaning process and by using the most effective cleaning products, sites can help to reduce the 20 per cent of pr eventable HAIs that occur each year.

Newness in microfibres

Microfibres are taking charge of cleaning industry in the most efficient and reliable manner. One wouldn’t imagine the number of innovations possible with these cloths! Vileda Professional recently launched the new age microfibre wipes-MicronQuick and MicroMix at the ISSA Interclean event in Amsterdam. Dunkel elaborates on the latest innovations, “MicroMix is ideal for bucket cleaning and is made of 100 per cent split microfiber outer layers for highest cleaning performance. This non-woven cloth with viscose fibres in the middle offers high absorbency. The MicronQuick is manufactured by using a uniquely fine microfibre. Every single microfibre is spilt into 32 segments instead of 16 segments traditionally. This innovative technology means deeper and more effective cleaning due to the extra fine fibres, and the mechanical resistance of the cloth surface has been improved by 40 per cent. Another highlight of this product is that it can r emove up to 99.99 per cent of the bacteria, v erified in tests by an independent testing institute (BM A, Germany). These cloths are ideal for the pre-prepared method mostly used in the healthcare sector.”

In the pre-prepared method, every mop and cloth required for a days’ cleaning is centrally prepared in advance with the correct amount of water and chemical. This method dramatically reduces the wastage of chemical and water. After cleaning one room/area the mop is simply changed and another pre-prepared mop and cloth is then used in the next r oom/ area, preventing cross contamination. The soiled mops are then placed into a bag for laundering in a machine.

Clearly, microfibre cloths are clever cleaning devices easily sweeping the world up in their high absorbency, dirt and contaminant trapping abilities. No wonder the cleaning industry is hooked on to these dirt magnets!

MICROFIBRE TECHNOLOGY IN HOTELS

Leading hotels across the Middle East swear by the science of microfibres. Kempinski Hotel & Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is one such hotel that is taking advantage of this technology. Saravanan Alagappan, Executive Housekeeper, says, “I would highly recommend microfibre cloths to be used in all the hospitality and other industries for a clean and healthy environment. Using microfibres has easily reduced our cleaning time by 75 per cent. It’s pretty easy to train team members as well. Unlike traditional cotton cloths or cotton mops that tend to push or smear dirt and grime, microfibre actually gets underneath the dirt and germs, lifting them from the surface and trapping them until the cloth or mop is laundered.”

Alagappan further explains the right usage of these cloths, “Microfibres can be used with a diluted disinfectant. The general rule of thumb to use microfiber cloth is to use it wet for cleaning and dry for dusting. When using it wet, wring out as much water as possible before cleaning. This increases absorbency as well as the fiber’s ability to pick up dirt and residue. Normal cleaning surfaces like bathrooms, walls, kitchen counters and floors are much easier to maintain and more thoroughly cleaned when using a microfibre. It’s durable and absorbs the dust with limited chemical usage and saves water as well.”