laundry care

Why Microfiber Cloths Stop Absorbing Water—and How to Restore Them

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Water beading on one microfiber cloth and absorbing into another beside clean cloths

When microfiber cloths stop absorbing water, the fibers are often coated or clogged with fabric softener, dryer-sheet residue, excess detergent, grease, wax, or polish. Rewashing the cloth separately with an appropriate amount of plain detergent—without softener—and rinsing it thoroughly can often restore its performance. Not every cloth can be recovered. Excessive heat, ironing, harsh bleach, … Read more

Why Dishcloths Smell Sour and How to Keep Them Fresh

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A sour-smelling dishcloth usually has a moisture-and-soil problem, not a fragrance problem. The cloth stays damp while holding traces of food, grease, and soap. Research on used kitchen towels has found that moist environments and collected food residues can support bacterial growth, which helps explain why careful washing and drying matter. Rinsing helps, but it … Read more