What is so Good About Microfiber?
In the world of textiles, there's a material founded in the 1990s that has quietly changed the way we experience comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. It's called microfiber, and its impact on various aspects of detailing make it a centerpiece of discussion for car detailers. In this blog, we'll dive into what microfiber is, how it's made, and why you should care about microfiber in your detailing adventure.
Defining Microfiber: Microfiber refers to ultra-fine synthetic fibers that are much finer than a human hair. These fibers are typically made from materials like polyester, nylon, or a combination of both. The exact term itself comes from the fact that these fibers are extremely thin, often measuring less than one denier (a unit of measurement for fiber fineness).
Manufacturing Process: Microfiber is created through an advanced manufacturing process that involves splitting a larger fiber into smaller ones. This splitting process is what gives microfiber its distinctive characteristics. The resulting fibers have an increased surface area, which leads to unique properties that set microfiber apart from traditional textiles. Microfiber can be manufactured in a variety of ways and different weaves are an example of this; such as diamond weave, waffle weaves, and twisted loop weaves.
Properties and Benefits of Microfiber
- Softness: Microfiber is incredibly soft and smooth to the touch, making it a popular choice for bedding, clothing, and upholstery. The blend of the fibers contributes to the "softness" of feeling. For example, Polyester and Polyamide are two synthetic fibers that make up a towel. 70% Polyester and 30% Polyamide towels will be more soft to the feel than 80/20 towels or 90/10 for that matter. Companies like the Rag Company specialize in offering high-quality 70/30 towels.
- Absorbency: One of microfiber's standout features is its exceptional absorbent qualities. Microfiber towels, for instance, can absorb several times their weight in liquid, making them perfect for cleaning and drying. The GSM or Grams per Square Meter of a Towel usually points to how absorbent they can be. Higher GSM towels (750+ GSM )are generally drying towels while lower GSM towels (<550 GSM) are best for ceramic coatings and general purpose cleaning.
- Durability: Despite its fine nature, microfiber is remarkably durable and resistant to wear and tear. Taking care of microfiber and properly washing it goes the farthest to taking care of microfiber towels and making them last for as long as possible. Microfiber Care is where many users fall short and the durability of the towels decreases tremendously. See our Microfiber Care Guide here.
- Quick Drying: Due to its high surface area and absorbency, microfiber dries quickly, which is particularly useful for items like towels and sportswear. The quick drying nature is why a lot of cleaning instructions dedicated to microfiber towels include drying on no heat or even air drying!
Why Detailers Should Care:
- Enhanced Comfort: Microfiber's softness and luxurious feel not only aid to how effective the towel is, but they can be shown to customers, or friends as a higher-end towel specifically made for detailing!
- Efficient Cleaning: Microfiber's exceptional absorbency and quick-drying properties make it an ideal choice for cleaning tasks, reducing the effort and time required it takes to do detailing jobs.
- Durability: Investing in microfiber products means you're investing in long-lasting items that retain their quality over time. These towels last plain and simple, just make sure you are properly washing and drying them!
- Environmental Impact: Microfiber's longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to less waste in the long run.
Microfiber is more than just a fabric; it's a technological advancement that enhances the way your detailing operation can run. Microfiber is a material that truly deserves your attention and appreciation. The main reason you should care about microfiber is because it can make your detailing life more efficient and effective in producing high-quality results! Shop Microfiber Here.
