The microfiber cleaning cloths and towels are manufactured from synthetic fibers that measure less than one denier (or 1/5 a hair). Most microfiber products consist of a mixture made up of either 80% polyester and 20% polyamide or 70% polyester and 30% polyamide. Some microfibers are 100% polyester. Under high magnification, a cross-section of the microfiber fabric would appear as an asterisk.
During the manufacturing process of microfibers, they are split into 4-split, 8-split, or 16-split. The more splits, the better the absorbency. Most of the microfiber currently manufactured by Kingmax is made from premium grade 16-split fibers. Cleaning surfaces with 16-split fibers is more effective. The split-fiber material is better at retaining and trapping dirt, and it can also absorb liquids, which makes microfiber lint free, unlike cotton.
In general, microfibers "absorb" almost 7 times their weight compared to cotton. You can test by wiping a cloth over a flat, hard surface with water droplets. The cloth is not likely to be microfiber if the water does not absorb but remains at the surface.
The 16-split fiber is an excellent tool for germ removal and cleaning because it can penetrate into cracks and crevasses that cotton cloths and paper towels cannot reach. Increased surface area on the the star-shaped fibers can absorb 7 to 8x their own weight in liquid. When the fibers are moved over a surface, they generate an electric static charge, attracts and holds dust, instead of spreading or releasing into the air.
Technically, the term microfiber refers to any fiber with is a denier of 1.0 or less. The finer the fiber, the smaller its denier will be. Superior microfiber is 0.13 denier. Different manufacturers have developed products. Manufacturers have created products with different weaves and weave densities for specific types of tasks.
Make an enquiry to Kingmax about the grades of microfiber that are available and which grade is best for specific cleaning tasks.