What is Microfiber – Types, Composition & How to Care

Last Updated on December 6, 2022

What is Microfiber, It is difficult today to find someone who has not heard anything about microfiber and never thinks about it. However, almost no people left among us have ever used it. But not everyone can distinguish microfiber from other fabrics and explain its significant differences.

Nowadays, microfiber is used in towels, bandanas, robes, and ponchos. So, today in this article, we will talk about all the features of this material and give recommendations for care. For beginners, everything is in order. After reading this article, we hope you will learn everything about microfiber.

What is Microfiber?

As a synthetic fiber, microfiber comprises the best’s artificial synthetic threads. It refers to fabrics made from polyester or polyamides, known as nylon, kevlar, Nomex, or trogamid, but produced in a completely different way than we usually imagine.

The specificity of microfiber lies precisely in the thickness of the fiber, which is equal to 1 denier (no more than 0.06 mm in diameter). Denier is a unit of measure for fiber, weighing one gram every 9,000 meters.

History – How Did Microfiber Come About?

The first attempts to create microfiber occurred in the middle of the last century. Then scientists tried to stretch thin threads from a heated polymer. They created a thin thread of 0.7 deniers that needed longer for fabric production. This is where the experiments ended.

In the 70s of the twentieth century, Japanese scientists tried again and, as a result, received a material called “Ultrasuede” Synthetic fabric in structure and appearance that resembled suede. The tests of technologists did not stop there. 

They continued to stretch and blow out the polymers until the filament or microfiber was born. And so, they did not disclose the secret of creating a thread from synthetics to anyone.

Another 20 years passed before microfiber gained popularity among consumers. And all because people do not tend to quickly and easily accept new things.

In the early 90s, the public began showing great interest in microfiber. This happened after the presentation of the fabric to the general public at an exhibition in Sweden. And by the beginning of the 2000s, microfiber material conquered the European market and gained popularity.

At such a pace, microfiber fabric entered the US textile market, and today no one has a question about what microfiber is. After all, here, its production has reached a new technological level, reached incredible heights, and remains at the top.

Today there is no analog of microfiber in the world. And products from it are considered genuinely unique. The unique structure of the fabric gives microfiber excellent characteristics. The incredibly thin fiber, rags, and napkins allow towels to absorb dust from the most invisible microcracks. And then keep it all to yourself.

Types of Microfiber

Only three companies worldwide produce microfiber, each using its technologies. Therefore, the fabric differs both in composition and quality.

1. Micromodal

Beech pulp is the primary raw material used to make this microfiber. The result is a soft and thin fabric that resembles silk. It is actively used for the manufacture of bedding and underwear. 

Distinctive characteristics: breathability and hygroscopicity.

2. Tactel

The composition of the microfiber includes polyamide, which is excellent for tailoring. The high-quality and soft material has hypoallergenic properties and is breathable.  

3. Meryl

Polyamide is used for the production of microfibres. Special treatment with particles of silver ions gives the fabric antiseptic properties. This microfiber is ideal for sewing casual clothes and underwear.

Composition of the Microfiber Fabric

The composition of the microfiber fabric depends on the raw materials and the fibers used in its manufacture. It can be:

Let’s analyze the question: “100 microfiber – what kind of material is it?” What does this fabric consist of? Look at the options for raw materials:

Natural cotton Artificial fibers Synthetic fibers (micro-fleece) Viscose or cellulose Polymers (polyester, polyamide, polyester)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microfiber Fabric

Among the undoubted advantages of microfiber, some are listed below:

Advantages

Good, comparable to cotton, absorbency Breathability is ensured because there are gaps between the fibers of the fibers Easy care – the fabric does not shed or fade and can be washed even with light-colored things Strength and durability – like any synthetic material Designers are very fond of microfiber because it can be easily dyed in any color

Besides, microfiber is not covered with spools over time. It does not lose the pile. Solid pluses, but there are also nuances. Such as-

Disadvantages

Microfiber items cannot be washed at high temperatures and ironed (which, however, can hardly be called a disadvantage) The material accumulates static electricity Napkins for cleaning become unusable as soon as they absorb fat High price

Material Application

As for me, when I hear the name microfiber fabric, I immediately associate it with microfiber cloths for cleaning the house. And apparently not in vain, since it turns out that one of the most important properties of this fabric lies in its fiber, namely in the structure. 

The surface of the artificial fiber with triangular cavities penetrates quite well into the smallest holes of the processed objects. Microorganisms, moisture, and dust adhere to it and become firmly trapped inside the fibers. Hence the use of microfiber in such areas as cleaning houses, apartments, offices, washing cars, and cleaning office equipment.

Of course, the ability of microfiber to penetrate the smallest holes in the surface of processed objects is not the only one. Microfiber also has extraordinary strength, high thermal insulation properties, is resistant to shedding, dries quickly, does not require special care when washing, and, last but not least, has high strength. 

All these properties have played a fundamental role in the use of microfiber fabric. For example, in addition to the above, their microfiber material can protect against wind and rain, so it is often used for sewing adult and children’s jackets. 

Although we systematically use its products, many need to learn what polyester microfiber fabric is. At the moment, large international enterprises make from it:

The list is quite diverse, but it’s worth noting that cleaning companies are still the best applier of this fabric. During cleaning, microfiber cloths do not leave streaks on the surface of glass and mirror objects.

It’s used in the clothing field because it is durable and wear-resistant, protecting from rain and wind. Now you can buy jackets, T-shirts, thermal underwear, bathrobes, and children’s clothing. Synthetic materials for clothing (with branded production) are relatively expensive.

How to Care Microfiber

Caring for microfiber fabrics: As mentioned above, microfiber material does not require special care, but if you want to extend the life of products as long as possible, then I suggest you use the following recommendations:

Wash things at low temperatures, max 40 degrees Use the delicate mode and spin at a minimum speed Do not dry microfiber items on a radiator Do not use bleach or other aggressive stain removers to avoid damaging the fiber structure.

Important: do not dry microfiber items on a radiator – the fibers may melt. For the same reason, do not iron the fabric at high temperatures.

Can Microfiber Go in Washing Machine? 

It’s crucial to take extra care while washing microfiber items. Manufacturers indicate information with recommendations on the label. It will help if you read them before washing microfiber. Some microfiber products cannot be soaked with aggressive stain removers. This applies to underwear and fluffy towels. 

Beforehand or machine washing, it is recommended to soak them in soapy water. Some products made from this fabric are washed only by hand. It is recommended to soak and clean them from contaminants in water, the temperature of which is not more than 50 degrees. 

Light-colored items from this material are not recommended to be washed together with bright or dark things from other fabrics. Microfibers quickly absorb coloring pigments, and products may become unusable.

If there are no particular recommendations on the label, it is essential to use a temperature not higher than fifty degrees when machine washing such products. Avoid using harsh detergents. Use mild powders and gels instead. They are effective at removing stains.

How to Wash Microfiber So That Things Do Not Lose Their Shape and Do Not Shed? 

It is crucial to monitor not only the temperature range. It is advised to employ a mild wash. In this case, the drum of the household appliance should be about a third free.

Before washing microfiber in the washing machine, read the recommendations for spinning, which should be manageable and dry – it is advisable to do it by hand.

How to Iron Microfiber?

The question of how to iron microfiber is no less relevant. The material does not tolerate high temperatures. When ironing, folds and spools may appear on the fabric’s surface. 

What is the Temperature of Ironing Microfiber?

If the fabric is wrinkled during washing, it can be dried by stretching it on a fabric that absorbs moisture well. Using an iron at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees is safe.

What can be sewn from Microfiber?

Casual wear

Clothing manufacturers love this material in various fields for its wear resistance, versatility, shape retention, and durability. Combining several types of weaving and choosing threads of different thicknesses, technologists can get a fabric that looks like silk or velvet. Inexperienced users will not immediately realize that they have microfiber in front of them and not a natural canvas. 

In addition, microfiber is comfortable to wear: it does not stretch, is resistant to shrinkage, and does not require lining fabric. The material is used to create casual clothes, accessories, thermal underwear, shoes, and even tights!

Things for the house

Microfiberfabricis ideal for pleasant but practical bed linen, curtains, or towel connoisseurs. Under a duvet or microfiber blanket will not be cold in winter; in summer, it will be moderately warm and not too hot. 

However, it is worth remembering that such bedding is highly electrified. And any cheap, not very high-quality options can cause a violation of air exchange, which will make users of this home textile uncomfortable. 

An allergic reaction may even occur, especially in the case of delicate baby skin. Therefore, contact only trusted suppliers, and do not try to save on quality and comfort.

Interior

Furniture manufacturers are increasingly beginning to use microfiber for the durable upholstery of their products, for example, for the upholstery of armchairs, sofas, chairs, or decorative pillows. 

The increased demand is not surprising because this material looks and feels like suede. Everything is effortless to care for: items with such upholstery are easily washed and hardly wiped.

For Cleaning

This is a special area of ​​​​application of this matter. Microfiber, for many, is synonymous with a rag or sponge for cleaning and polishing the coating. 

After all, microfiber effectively fights against various contaminants, restoring things to their original appearance and practically leaving no streaks on the surface, even glass! 

Interestingly, the average moisture absorption of microfiber is 300% higher than other fabrics. Feel free to use napkins made of this technological material for cleaning the house and washing the car.

Final Verdict

In this article, we have discussed microfiber and how it is used in various products. Microfiber fabrics are constructed from excellent, smooth, and long-lasting fibers.

It is often used in clothing, towels, and sheets. However, we can also use microfiber to make other items such as cleaning cloths, mops, and even car seats. Here we have also discussed the benefits of microfiber and how it compares to other fabrics.