Most people believe that invention is about coming up with something completely new. However, the reality is that most inventions are simply about improving on what already exists. Even the simplest things can often be done better. This is why it's so important to always be thinking about ways to improve. If we never challenged ourselves to do better, we would never make any progress. The next time you hear someone say that there's no point in "reinventing the wheel", just remind them that progress is only possible if we're constantly looking for ways to improve on what we have.
Have you ever noticed how much time you spend cleaning? Whether it's doing the dishes, taking a shower, or tidying up your room, it feels like we're constantly scrubbing something. And let's be honest, most of us don't enjoy it. Who wouldn't want a better way to clean things? Well, it turns out there is a better way. Microfiber cleaning cloths are more hygienic, avoid the need for expensive detergents, and get things looking far cleaner in less time. Let's find out how these things work!
As you can see from the photo above, microfibers are a selling point for cleaning cloths, but there is more to it than meets the eye. The size of the fibers used in microfiber cloths vary tremendously, making a big difference in how hygienically they clean. These cloths claim to have fibers 100 times smaller than human hair, which isn't very informative because human hairs vary enormously in size. Fibers that big would probably put these cloths into the "average" category. However, the truth is that there are much smaller fibers available that would make these cloths much more effective at cleansing. It is important to do your research and find out what kind of microfiber you are buying so that you can be sure you are getting the most hygienic clean possible.
What are your thoughts on cleaning with soap and water?
When it comes to cleaning, water is often all you need. That's because the molecules in water are electrically unbalanced, which gives them the ability to break apart dirt and grime. However, there are times when water alone won't suffice. In these cases, you'll need to use a detergent. Detergents are soapy chemicals that cling to dirt and grease, making it easier for water to wash it away. By using a combination of water and detergent, you can effectively clean just about anything. So next time your home is in need of a good cleaning, reach for some soap and water. You'll be amazed at what a difference they can make.
As you can see from the photo above, anyone who's ever used a microfiber cleaning cloth knows that they are absolutely amazing. They can get into nooks and crannies that other cleaning materials simply can't reach, and they leave surfaces sparkling clean. But what many people don't realize is that not all microfiber cleaning cloths are created equal. Some brands, like KingMaxClean, use smaller fibers than others, which makes them more effective at cleaning and more hygienic. So if you're looking for the best possible clean, be sure to choose a microfiber cleaning cloth with small fibers. Your home will thank you for it!
Many people don't like using detergents because they're expensive, cause allergic reactions and skin complaints, and worry that overusing detergents is undermining their bodies' immune systems. Another complaint is that detergents don't simply disappear into thin air; they contain chemicals that flush down our drains into rivers and seas, where they gradually build up and cause water pollution. All in all, we might be making our homes cleaner, but we're making the environment dirtier in the process. Every time we use a chemical cleaning solution, we add to the pollution in our air and water. In addition, many of these chemicals are toxic and can be harmful to our health. Fortunately, there's a simple way to clean your home without chemicals: microfiber cleaning cloths. Microfiber is a synthetic material that's extremely effective at trapping dirt and dust.
As a result, it can help you clean your surfaces with just water—no chemicals required. Not only is this better for the environment, but it's also safer for your family. So if you're looking for a way to green your cleaning routine, microfiber cleaning cloths are a great place to start.
What are the benefits of using a microfiber cloth?
As you can see from the photo above, this cloth looks just like a normal towel, but it actually works in a much different way. The microfibers in the cloth are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye.
Let's say you want to clean a big, dirty wall as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The best way to do this is to use a brush with a lot of bristles. This will allow you to cover more area in less time. Now, let's say you want to clean a worktop. The best way to do this is to use a cloth that has more fibers. This way, you can pack more punch into the same cleaning area. An ordinary cleaning cloth has fibers made of cotton or a synthetic material such as nylon. But, you can also find cloths with fibers made of microfiber. Microfiber is a much finer fiber than cotton or nylon. This means that it can clean surfaces more thoroughly. So, if you want to clean something quickly and thoroughly, opt for a cloth with a lot of microfiber. If "many hands make light work", so do many fingers—or many micro-fibers.
Why do smaller fibers clean better?
As you can see from the photo above, microfiber cloths are made up of very fine fibers. These fibers are so small that they can't be seen with the naked eye.
Microfibers are tiny fibers that are able to attach themselves to even the smallest, most microscopic dirt particles. If forces were visible, you'd be able to see that there are adhesive forces (the forces of attraction) between microfibers and dirt. These van der Waals forces are named after their discoverer, Nobel-prize winning Dutch chemist Johannes Diderik van der Waals. Van der Waals forces explain why geckos can stick themselves to ceilings using zillions tiny hairs on toes. In the same way, microfibers are able to attach themselves to dirt particles and remove them from surfaces. This makes microfiber cloths an essential tool for cleaning, as they are much better at removing dirt than traditional cloths.
Plus, the van der Waals force is a weak electromagnetic force that exists between all molecules, including the dirt particles that you are trying to remove from your floor. Although the force is very weak, it can be magnified when there are millions of molecules involved, as is the case with microfiber cloths. The microfibers in the cloth attract the dirt particles and hold them tight, making it possible to "hoover up" even the most stubborn dirt and dust. However, this also means that you must clean your microfiber cloths extremely thoroughly after each use, in order to prevent the dirt from being redeposited on your floor.
Do you think the cloth will wear out after a few uses?
Good quality microfiber cloths (e.g. KingMaxClean) are an excellent way to keep surfaces clean and prevent the spread of germs. One recent study found that microfiber cloths are particularly effective at reducing rates of hospital infection. The study found that "re-usable cloth performance improved at 75 washes, and reduced after 150 washes, although, in most instances, performance after 150 washes was better than at first wash." In other words, if you use a microfiber cloth to clean your home, you can be confident that it will stay clean and bacteria-free for a long time.
How do microfiber cleaning cloths work?
1. Chemical cleaning
Did you know that the traditional way of cleaning with soap and water is actually a form of chemistry? It's true! The molecules of the detergent you use stick to and break down the dirt and grime. When you rinse with a wet cloth, the water molecules glued to its fibers stick to the detergent and wash it away with the dirt still attached. This is old-fashioned cleaning with chemistry. Compared to a microfiber cloth, a normal cloth has relatively few fibers so it cleans in a hit-and-miss way. Dirt gets missed and detergent and water often get left behind on the surface you're cleaning.
2. Mechanical cleaning
If you've ever used a microfiber cloth, you know that they're amazing at removing dirt and grime - but have you ever wondered how they work? It turns out that it's all thanks to the van der Waals forces! The fibers in microfiber cloths are made of plastic, and when they come into contact with a dirty surface, the van der Waals forces cause them to cling to the dirt particles. Then, as you wipe the surface clean, the dirt particles are swept away by the millions of fibers, leaving your surface naturally clean and shiny. So next time you reach for your microfiber cloth, remember: it's not just the detergent that does the job, it's also the van der Waals forces!
How are microfiber cloths made?
The next time you reach for that microfiber cloth, take a closer look at the packaging. You might be surprised to find that it says the fabric is made of 50 percent polyester and 50 percent polyamide. In other words, you're reaching for a cloth that's made of two different kinds of plastic. The fabric is made by forcing the plastics through a tiny pipe and heating them so they weave together. These fused fibers are then split apart into microfibers 10–20 times smaller. As a result, you're left with a cloth that's both strong and absorbent.
As you can see from the chart above, microfiber cloths can plausibly claim to be antibacterial. The best cloths can even remove some of the bigger viruses. However, it's important to note that each of these items has a range of different sizes. For example, human hairs can range from 50 to 200 microns. As a result, the best way to ensure that your microfiber cloth is effective is to
Microfiber cloths are widely lauded for their cleaning effectiveness, but many people don't realize that there is a lot of variation in the size of the fibers used in these cloths. In average cloths, the fibers are 10-50 times thinner than a human hair, which means each one is only about 3-5 micrometers in diameter. This makes them much lighter than the fiber in a pair of stockings, and roughly the same size as bacteria or viruses. However, the smaller the fiber, the more effective it is at trapping dirt and debris. So when you're comparing different microfiber cloths, be sure to check the size of the fibers to ensure you're getting the best possible cleaning power.
However, there is one important caveat: microfiber cloths cannot remove 100 percent of viruses. This is because they are not able to remove anything smaller than they are. The best microfiber cloths can remove 99 percent of bacteria and some viruses, but not all of them. This is why it is important to use microfiber cloths in combination with other cleaning methods, such as disinfecting wipes or sprays. By using a combination of these methods, you can be sure that you are removing as many harmful microbes from your home as possible.
As any medical professional knows, viruses are much smaller than bacteria, so it stands to reason that a microfiber cloth wouldn't be able to remove all of them. However, the best microfiber cloths (e.g. KingMaxClean) on the market are able to remove over 99 percent of bacteria and some viruses, which is still pretty impressive. If you're looking for a cloth that can make an antiviral claim, look for one with fibers that are 1/200 the width of a human hair (around 0.33 microns). This will ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck.
How do you typically use microfiber cloths?
Remember those old-fashioned cleaning cloths your grandma used to use? Well, microfiber cleaning cloths are like those traditional cleaning cloths on steroids! You can use them dry for dusting and very slightly wet for more general cleaning, but you'll need to experiment to figure out what works best. The first time you use one, force of habit will probably make you soak it with water and add loads of soap as well—both of which will reduce the cloth's effectiveness. We find the best way to use these cloths is with as little water as possible. If you're cleaning very dirty windows, for example, use a standard cloth and soapy water to wash all the dirt off first. Then rinse them thoroughly with clean water and use a rubber squeegee to get them almost dry. Finish up by giving them a quick once-over with a microfiber cloth. Your windows will be sparkling clean—and they'll stay that way longer! Lastly, try them on your bathroom or kitchen surfaces and you'll be amazed at the results, too!
If microfiber cloths are so good, why aren't they more popular?
Household detergents: who really needs them?
As any Europeans will tell you, microfiber cloths are a game-changer when it comes to cleaning. These little cloths are made of tiny fibers that are able to attract and trapping dirt, dust, and other debris. They're so effective that they can actually remove up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces - and all without the use of any harsh chemicals. That's right, with microfiber cloths you can ditch the expensive and toxic cleaning products and still get your home sparkling clean.
So why haven't we heard more about microfiber cloths in the United States? Well, there's a simple answer to that: money. The household chemicals market is worth billions of dollars to big chemical companies and the stores that sell their products. They have no incentive to get behind a simple technology that undermines their costly products. Companies like this have spent a fortune on advertising for several decades, convincing most of us that we need to blast our homes with industrial-strength cleaners in a never-ending war on germs. Is it any wonder, then, that we're skeptical of "magic" microfiber cloths?
The good news is that the truth is starting to get out there...
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