How to Properly Clean Cotton, Microfiber, and Terry Cleaning Cloths

by Amy Sardone on Dec 19 2025

Your cleaning results are only as good as the tools you use — and that includes your cleaning cloths.

Cotton, microfiber, and terry cleaning cloths behave very differently. Washing them incorrectly can reduce absorbency, trap odors, spread lint, and shorten their lifespan.

For professional cleaners and cleaning business owners, proper cloth care is not optional — it’s part of a consistent, efficient system.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean each type of cleaning cloth correctly, avoid common mistakes, and keep your tools performing at a professional level.

Cotton Cleaning Cloths: The Classic Workhorse

Cotton cleaning cloths are a classic professional tool known for their high absorbency, durability, and ability to withstand higher temperatures. Because cotton fibers absorb moisture, oils, and soil easily, they deliver excellent cleaning results — but also require proper washing to release what they hold.

The good news: cotton is one of the easiest materials to clean and disinfect when cared for correctly.

1. Shake & Pre-Rinse

Before washing, shake the cloths thoroughly to remove loose debris, dust, and grit.
If the cloths are heavily soiled, soak them briefly in warm water so embedded dirt loosens and settles instead of redepositing during the wash cycle.

Stain & Soil Tip:
Because cotton cleaning cloths have high absorbency, they tend to hold onto oils, grease, and embedded soil. For stubborn stains and greasy residue, you can pre-treat the area with a small amount of Red Juice.
As a degreasing cleaner, it helps break down oils and trapped soil. Gently work it into the fabric and allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing.

2. Wash

Use a mild detergent
Wash in warm to hot water
Cotton cloths are safe for machine washing or hand washing

Cotton’s ability to tolerate higher temperatures makes it easy to disinfect, especially compared to synthetic fabrics.

Bleach Guidelines:

Colored cotton: Avoid bleach, as it can fade colors and weaken fibers
White cotton: A small amount of bleach every 3–4 washes is acceptable and helps maintain brightness

3. Dry

Best option: air dry
Cotton cloths can be dried at any heat setting.

(!)High heat helps sanitize cotton cloths effectively

Do & Don’t

Wash cotton cleaning cloths separately to avoid lint transfer
Store completely dry

Don’t

Use fabric softener — it coats fibers and reduces absorbency

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Precision Cleaning Tools

Microfiber cleaning cloths are precision tools designed to trap dust, soil, oils, and bacteria within their ultra-fine fibers. In addition to their structure, microfiber also creates a natural static charge, which helps attract and hold dust instead of spreading it around.

Their performance depends entirely on proper care.

What Is Microfiber?

Microfiber is made from ultra-fine polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibers. These split fibers create millions of microscopic hooks that grab dirt instead of pushing it around.

Clog those fibers, and the cloth stops working.

1. Shake First

Before washing, shake microfiber cloths thoroughly to remove loose dust, debris, and particles. This prevents soil from redepositing or embedding deeper into the fibers during the wash cycle.

Stain & Soil Tip:
For stubborn stains or greasy soil, you can pre-treat the area with a small amount of Red Juice.
As a degreasing cleaner, it helps break down oils and trapped soil. Gently work it into the fabric and allow it to sit briefly before washing.

2. Wash

Wash in warm water
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent
Wash microfiber only with other microfiber to avoid lint contamination

Avoid at all costs:

Fabric softener
Bleach
Fragranced detergents
Dryer sheets

These products coat and clog the microscopic fibers, reducing the static charge and making microfiber stiff, less absorbent, and far less effective at cleaning. Once clogged, microfiber performance cannot be fully restored.

3. Dry

Air drying is preferred
If using a dryer, select low heat or no heat only

Do not use dryer sheets — their waxy chemicals block the fibers and eliminate microfiber’s static and dust-attracting ability.

High heat warning:
High temperatures can melt microfiber fibers, permanently damaging the cloth.

Never iron microfiber, as direct heat destroys the fiber structure.

Do & Don’t

Wash microfiber only with microfiber
Store folded in a clean, dust-free area

Don’t

Iron microfiber cleaning cloths

Can I Wash Different Colored Microfiber Cloths Together?

In most cases, yes. Colored microfiber cleaning cloths can be washed together safely when proper laundry practices are followed. However, there are a few situations where separating them is recommended.

When You Should Separate Colored Microfiber Cloths

New microfiber cloths
For the first few washes, separate dark and light colors. Some initial color release may occur with new cloths, especially darker shades.

Different soil levels
Heavily soiled microfiber cloths should be washed separately from lightly used ones to prevent soil from redepositing onto cleaner cloths.

How to Clean Cotton Terry Cleaning Cloths

Terry cleaning cloths are an excellent choice for floor cleaning and drying, thanks to their unique looped fiber construction. These loops allow the cloth to absorb large amounts of water and cleaning solution while also providing gentle scrubbing power.

Why Cotton Terry Cloths Work So Well for Floors

High Absorbency
The looped fibers soak up water, spills, grease, and cleaning solutions, making terry cloths ideal for wet mopping, floor drying, and spill cleanup.
Built-In Scrubbing Action
The loops help lift dirt, grime, and stuck-on soil from textured or uneven floor surfaces without being overly abrasive.
Versatile Floor Use
Terry cloths can be used for manual floor cleaning, attached to mop heads, or paired with steam cleaners (including models that recommend terry-style cloths).
Durable and Reusable
Typically made from cotton or terry microfiber, these cloths are washable, long-lasting, and a sustainable alternative to disposable floor wipes.
Surface Safe
While effective for scrubbing, terry cloths remain soft enough to avoid scratching most hard floor surfaces, making them suitable for everyday floor maintenance.

1. Wash

Wash in warm water
Use a mild detergent
Do not overload the washer, as terry cloths need space and water to clean properly

White cloths: A small amount of bleach is acceptable to maintain brightness.

2. Dry

Cotton terry cloths can be dried on medium or high heat.

Do & Don’t

Wash with similar fabrics (cotton or other cotton terry cloths)

Don’t

Over-dry terry cleaning cloths, as this reduces absorbency and shortens their lifespa

Choosing the Right Cleaning Cloth for the Job

Microfiber cleaning cloths are best used for dusting and light surface cleaning. Their fine fibers and static charge attract and hold dust, making them ideal for dry or lightly damp dusting without spreading particles.
Cotton cleaning cloths are the best choice for heavy-duty cleaning, especially in bathrooms and other high-soil areas. Because cotton is highly absorbent, more resistant, and easy to disinfect, it handles grease, buildup, and moisture well and can tolerate higher washing temperatures when sanitation is required.
Terry cleaning cloths work best for floors and large surface areas. Their thick loops provide maximum absorbency, making them ideal for drying floors, picking up excess water, and handling larger spills efficiently.

Using the right cloth for each task improves cleaning results, protects your tools, and supports a more professional and consistent cleaning system.

(!)Terry cleaning cloths can be washed together with cotton cleaning cloths, as both are natural fibers with similar washing requirements. Microfiber cloths, however, should be washed separately, as lint from cotton and terry can cling to the fibers and reduce microfiber’s cleaning performance.

Proper care of your cleaning cloths protects:

Performance
Longevity
Professional standards

From Paper Towels to Cleaning Cloths: Why It’s a Mindset Shift

Many people hesitate to change their cleaning routine because they’re used to paper towels. They feel familiar and convenient — but in reality, they tear easily, don’t clean as effectively, and cost more over time.

Switching to reusable cleaning cloths is not just about changing a product. It’s about changing your mindset and approach to cleaning.

When you choose microfiber for dusting, cotton for heavy-duty bathroom cleaning, and terry cloths for floors, you’re investing in tools that:

Perform better
Last longer
Reduce waste
Save money over time

Going reusable means using fewer disposable products, creating less trash, and supporting a more sustainable, green cleaning system — without sacrificing results.