What Is a Lint Free Cloth?

A lint-free cloth is a special type of cleaning cloth that doesn’t give off any fluff when used. They are super important for both carpenters (to finish off products) and anyone who wants to clean something without the threat of build-up charge, causing damage to electronic equipment. You can purchase these from most hardware stores

Handy tip: if you look for lint-free cloths in the car-wash section of your local hardware stores (B&Q etc) they may have them at an even cheaper price and still 100% lint-free.

 

What Is a Microfibre Cloth?

A microfibre cloth is a good example of a lint-free cloth. Microfiber cloths are not only more hygienic than your regular soap and water, but they also eliminate the necessity for harmful chemical-packed products. Microfibers, unlike regular cleaning ‘rags’, traps the dirt within the fibres so nothing is left behind.

When cleaning with a microfiber cloth you simply use water, therefore there is no nasty residue or streaks left behind on the surface you’re cleaning. According to Simply Good Stuff, microfiber cloths (using only water) are 98.9% effective in removing bacteria from smooth surfaces as appose to the 92% by a conventional cloth or mop used with Lysol or bleach.

 

Are All Microfibre Cloths Lint-Free?

All sources seem to agree that all microfiber cloths are lint-free but, as with all products, you should check the packaging for confirmation of this (along with the size of the fibres) on purchase.

 

What Is Lint Made From?

Lint is the word to describe the short fibres found in some fabrics like wool, cotton and linen. Fabrics made from natural fibres generally generate more lint than synthetic fibres. Either way, with regular wear and tear, these fibres loosen and therefore naturally come to the surface.

 

What Can You Clean with a Lint Free Cloth?

You can clean almost anything with a lint-free cloth. The most common uses are: electrical appliances, wood projects or furniture and everyday furniture that just needs a quick clean. They are incredibly versatile which is why they are growing in popularity every day.

According to Wikipedia, the production of ultra-fine fibres date back to the late 1950’s but it wasn’t until the 1960’s that they were manufactured properly by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto together with Dr. Toyohiko Hikota who created one of the first successful synthetic microfibers known as Ultrasuede which was marketed in the 1970’s.

 

What Are Lint-Free Cloths Made From?

Lint-free cloths are generally made up of either 100% polyester or a blend of polyester and nylon. In the highest quality products, the fibres will be split during the manufacturing process, producing multi-standard fibres. (All microfibers used for cleaning purposes must be split, however, or it’s nothing more than a regular cleaning rag). Disposable cloths would be un-woven and high quality-long-lasting cloths would be woven.

 

Can You Wash Lint-Free Cloths?

Not only can you wash them, you need to wash them. The cleaning regime of your lint-free cloth plays an important role in the cleaning performance. We’ve already covered the fact these products require absolutely NO detergent and NO heat to perform at their best and so it’s only logical that we apply the same principle when it comes to cleaning the lint-free cloth itself.

You can wash your microfiber (lint-free) cloths in the washing machine (wash them in a single load, not mixed with other fabrics) or by hand. Just remember to use no detergent, fabric softener or washing up liquid. Only water If you’re using a washing machine, ensure it’s on a cool-warm setting.