What Is So Good About A Microfiber?
In the world of textiles, there's a material founded in the 1990s that has quietly changed the way we experience comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. It's called microfiber, and its impact on various aspects of detailing make it a centerpiece of discussion for car detailers.
Defining Microfiber: Microfiber refers to ultra-fine synthetic fibers that are much finer than a human hair. These fibers are typically made from materials like polyester, nylon, or a combination of both. The exact term itself comes from the fact that these fibers are extremely thin, often measuring less than one denier (a unit of measurement for fiber fineness).
Manufacturing Process: Microfiber is created through an advanced manufacturing process that involves splitting a larger fiber into smaller ones. This splitting process is what gives microfiber its distinctive characteristics. The resulting fibers have an increased surface area, which leads to unique properties that set microfiber apart from traditional textiles.
Properties And Benefits Of Microfiber
Softness: Microfiber is incredibly soft and smooth to the touch, making it a popular choice for bedding, clothing, and upholstery. The blend of the fibers contributes to the "softness" of feeling. For example, Polyester and Polyamide are two synthetic fibers that make up a towel. 70% Polyester and 30% Polyamide towels will be more soft to the feel than 80/20 towels or 90/10 for that matter.
Absorbency: One of microfiber's standout features is its exceptional absorbent qualities. Microfiber towels, for instance, can absorb several times their weight in liquid, making them perfect for cleaning and drying. The GSM or Grams per Square Meter of a Towel usually points to how absorbent they can be. Higher GSM towels (750+ GSM )are generally drying towels while lower GSM towels (<550 GSM) are best for ceramic coatings and general purpose cleaning.
Durability: Despite its fine nature, microfiber is remarkably durable and resistant to wear and tear. Taking care of microfiber and properly washing it goes the farthest to taking care of microfiber towels and making them last for as long as possible. Microfiber care is where many users fall short and the durability of the towels decreases tremendously.
Quick Drying: Due to its high surface area and absorbency, microfiber dries quickly, which is particularly useful for items like towels and sportswear. The quick drying nature is why a lot of cleaning instructions dedicated to microfiber towels include drying on no heat or even air drying!
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