Microfiber is a material with a very soft texture. From clothing to cleaning and beyond, microfiber material is a popular choice for various applications. Due to its high absorbency and other characteristics, it is employed by car lovers, fashion brands, hardware markets, and many others. This one is an interesting fabric, which requires attention to fully understand its traits.
Many people are unaware of microfiber and how beneficial it is in their everyday routines. This blog is loaded with significant information about microfiber fabric. You will get to know how this material is made, its practical uses, its characteristics, and its comparison with its alternative.
What Is Microfiber Fabric?: An Introduction
Microfiber is a synthetic material made from well-known fabrics, commonly polyester and nylon (polyamide). The reason it is called microfiber is its composition of different textiles with title equal to or less than 1 Dtex.
Dtex refers to the meters of a specific fiber in one gram of fiber’s weight. It is equivalent to 10,000 meters, which is why it counts as a fabric with very thin fibers.
History of Microfiber
The history of microfiber material leads back to the 20th century when it was created as an alternative to cotton and silk. The purpose was to create a fabric with high absorbency and as soft, smooth, and glossy as silk and cotton. This material was initially used for cleaning purposes but later it became a staple in athletic and sports apparel.
What Is Microfiber Made Of?
Acrylic, nylon, rayon, and polyester are the four materials used in the production process of microfiber fabric. If we look at the composed fabrics, the outcomes we get are acrylic microfiber, nylon microfiber, polyester microfiber, and nylon microfiber.
However, a fifth type of microfiber is created with a blend of nylon and polyester, which is called a hybrid microfiber. The hybrid composition usually has 20% polyester and 80% nylon.
Production Process of Microfiber
There are four steps in creating microfiber fabric:
Extruding
A metal tube is used to extrude the small size of microfibers. This results in polyester fibers.
Cooling
The polyester fibers are cooled down before melding them with small polymer strips at high temperature.
Dyeing
The microfibers are dyed or chemically treated to enhance their properties and heat resistance.
Finishing
Lastly, the finished microfibers are woven into fabric sheets.
Properties of Microfiber
Microfiber is a popular fabric with various properties that are admired for different applications.
Quick Drying
Microfiber dries quickly, which makes it hygienic due to preventing mildew.
Soft
Microfiber material is non-abrasive and very soft. Its softness allows it to be a perfect fabric for cleaning.
Durable
Microfiber can withstand too many washes and doesn’t lose its quality and softness.
Electrostatic
This fabric is ideal for cleaning as it doesn’t push dirt or dust away. Instead, it holds the dust and dirt by generating an electric charge.
High Absorbency
High absorbency is the prime reason why car lovers or other people like this fabric for cleaning. It absorbs water quickly and dries the object intently.
Lint Free
Microfiber doesn’t leave any marks or scratches while cleaning any surface.
Applications of Microfiber
Microfiber fabric is quite versatile and has several applications:
Cleaning Items
- Towels and microfiber cloths for cars, household objects, and bathroom accessories.
- Cleaning glass and mirrors.
- Picks up dirt and dust.
Home Textile Essentials
- Curtains and upholstery.
- Lightweight microfiber bedsheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.
Clothing Products and Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking sports clothing.
- Microfiber material is used in handbags, gloves, and jackets.
- Lining fabric in shoes and jackets.
Automotive Industry
- Detailing cloths.
- Towels for drying cars.
- Cloths for cleaning cars.
- Cloths for cleaning and polishing cars.
Medical Use
- Cloth for cleaning medical equipment.
- Cleanroom wipes.
Microfiber vs. Cotton Sheets
Both microfiber and cotton are ideal for making bedsheets. However, both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one of them depends on the personal or functional preference. Let’s have a look at the properties of both to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Microfiber?
- It is synthetic and affordable.
- It doesn’t require much maintenance.
- It is used in making wrinkle-free sheets.
Why Choose Cotton?
- It is breathable and organic.
- It is soft and affordable.
- It requires some maintenance.
- Environmentally friendly.
Where to Get High-Quality Microfiber Material?
Manufacturing companies source different types of fabrics, including a fine-quality microfiber and others for making the perfect clothing products. If you are looking for quality apparel products, microfiber sportswear or any other accessories, hire sportswear manufacturers since they source and create products using only high-quality microfiber material.
Moreover, clothing brands also provide readymade microfiber cloths that are used for cleaning cars and household objects. Hence, you can approach such brands to fulfill your needs.
Conclusion
Microfiber material is one of the profound materials popular for its durability, softness, lightweightness, and many other properties. It is a synthetic fabric that is used for cleaning, clothing, and many other applications.
If you are confused between cotton sheets and microfiber, choose them according to your personal preferences and practical uses. This blog contains all the information you need to understand microfiber and use it for your benefit.
