Growing Trends In Microfiber

Applications and markets for microfiber technology continue to grow

By Lauren Summerstone
Excerpted from: www.cleanlink.com

Now that microfiber has been firmly established in the United States, its use is expanding beyond hospitals, which were the first adopters. Today microfiber is used for a wider variety of cleaning duties and in schools, government buildings, hotels and the food service sector to achieve a greater level of clean.

Hospitals embraced the introduction of microfiber cloths and flat mops years ago, having had both the need to control infectious diseases and the resources to invest in new systems and training. When used and cared for properly, microfiber has been successful in controlling the spread of germs and won over cleaning workers in the process.

Microfiber has gained momentum in the industry because it is light, reduces risk of worker injury, uses less paper, chemical, water and detergent used during laundering. Also, microfiber is said to have a savings in manpower hours estimated to be 45 percent that of traditional products.
Not surprisingly, manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for microfiber products with more innovations in technology, making it even more effective, easier to understand and use and even more affordable.

Expanding Markets

Following its successful inception in health care facilities, other industries have been quick to embrace the technology. In fact, schools have jumped on the microfiber bandwagon. In addition to the health benefits, schools, like hospitals, are also realizing the ergonomic and green benefits - microfiber is lighter weight than traditional products and require little to no chemicals to work effectively.

Microfiber supports the push for improved indoor air quality (IAQ) as well, by trapping dust, particulates and allergens better because of its natural static charge. It also can be used, wet or dry, to dust or clean almost any surface, from desktops and countertops to ceiling fixtures, lunch tables and light switches. Ultimately, these benefits will positively impact building occupant health.

Products that improve IAQ are important in schools where health has been proven to affect student attendance, which then impacts state and federal funding. So to protect revenue, it’s in school official’s best interest to prevent illness, outbreaks of infections and influenza through regular cleaning and the use of advanced products such as microfiber. After all, preventative cleaning is also less costly than remedial cleaning for outbreaks.

Federal office buildings are another relatively new adopter of microfiber technology. Microfiber products have made inroads with various states that now require green cleaning in state and federal government buildings because of the health benefits associated with their use.

In recent years, hotels and cruise ships have been plagued by health outbreaks and have turned to advanced cleaning technology as a way to combat it.

In addition to preventing illness created by virus and cross contamination, these facilities can use microfiber to effectively address standard cleaning tasks, such as marble or textured tile floors.

Microfiber products can also get into the nooks and crannies of non-slip flooring surfaces without scratching them or wearing them down prematurely. Manufacturers also offer deep scrub contour microfiber pads for bonnet cleaners that are effective at cleaning grout lines.

People who work at restaurants and food service institutions also have a newfound appreciation for microfiber. Workers can clean dining rooms and windows, sneeze guards and buffets without harsh or strong-smelling chemicals clashing with appetizing aromas.

Because of its advanced technology, microfiber products can be used effectively without the use of chemicals. It grabs and traps dust, grime, oil and grease, scrubs away residue without damaging surfaces.

Innovations in microfiber products are being announced regularly. These relate to how the cloths are manufactured, safety conveniences such as hands-free systems, or even disposable microfiber products created for use in emergency and operating rooms, then incinerated or disposed of with biohazards — all of which will drive interest in the industry.
Lauren Summerstone is a freelance writer based in Madison, Wis. www.cleanlink.com