60°C for general use
Higher temperatures for thermal disinfection where the site requires it, such as healthcare, but only if the cloth's care label allows.
Microfibre vs Traditional Cloths — Module 3
Module 3 of 3
Microfibre vs Traditional Cloths · Module 3
Caring for Microfibre and Avoiding Cross-Contamination
How to wash microfibre so it keeps working, how colour coding stops germs moving between areas, and the mistakes that ruin cloths.
- Free taster
- Module 3 of 3
- About 5 minutes
Final module of this free taster. This is a short introduction to the topic, not full professional training. For in-depth courses with assessments and certificates, see the CCMTec® Academy.
What you'll learn in this module
- How to wash and look after microfibre cloths properly
- How to avoid cross-contamination with a colour-coding system
- The most common microfibre mistakes and how to avoid them
Washing and maintaining microfibre
Looked after properly, microfibre lasts for a great many washes. Poor washing habits damage the fibres and cut performance fast.
A little liquid detergent
Powders can leave residue in the fibres. Never use fabric softener.
Low heat or air dry
High heat damages the synthetic fibres. Don't iron.
Keep away from cotton
Cotton lint transfers to microfibre and clogs it. Wash microfibre on its own.
Never use fabric softener on microfibre
It coats the fibres and stops them picking up dirt. The damage is often permanent.
Colour coding and cross-contamination
A colour-coding system gives each area its own cloth colour, so germs don't travel from one area to another. The widely used UK four-colour system, recommended by BICSc, works like this:
Sanitary areas
Toilets, urinals and washroom floors.
Other washroom surfaces
Sinks, taps, tiles and surrounds.
Food areas
Kitchens, food preparation areas and bars.
General low-risk areas
Offices, desks, reception and corridors.
Never take a cloth from one colour area into another. Even a clean cloth used in the wrong area is a cross-contamination risk. Always follow the system your site uses.
Common microfibre mistakes
Using fabric softener
Clogs the fibres and kills cleaning performance, often for good.
Washing with cotton
Cotton lint clogs microfibre and makes it less effective.
One cloth for several areas
Spreads germs and soiling between areas. Follow colour coding.
Wringing hard
Twisting damages the fibres. Fold and press out the water instead.
Using worn-out cloths
Old microfibre stops working well. Replace it when performance drops.
You've finished Microfibre vs Traditional Cloths
You now know how to choose, use and look after the right cloth for each cleaning task. Nice work.
Ready to go further?
This micro-course is a taster. Our full Academy courses are built for UK cleaning professionals, with practical guidance, assessments and certificates.
Explore full coursesDisclaimer: This micro-course is a general introduction to microfibre and traditional cloths and is not a substitute for full professional training. Always follow your employer's procedures and current guidance for your workplace.