I had researched this question years ago and found this article from autogeek:
Cobra and Pennacle are really good from this article
I will try a cut and paste, if this doesn't work I wil try attaching. Hope it's ok to do this. Just trying to help:
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Learn About Microfiber
Microfiber:
The Inside Track on the revolutionary
fabric that is changing the very concept
of
[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]“[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]clean[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]”[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT].
Microfiber
is causing a stir in the cleaning
industry. It is quickly becoming the cleaning
and polishing fabric of choice in all facets of
auto detailing, but this versatile and highly absorbent material is also replacing
traditional cleaning methods in hospitals and universities around the world!
A unique combination of two basic fibers: Polyester and Polyamide (a nylon
by-product) are the backbone of microfiber. These are densely constructed
fibers 1/16th the size of a human hair. This network of fibers is then woven
and manufactured in distinct ways, producing different varieties for a myriad of
uses.
Get the scoop on the
[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]“[/FONT][/FONT]LOOP[FONT=Arial,Bold][FONT=Arial,Bold]”
[/FONT][/FONT]
Some Microfiber is processed into a
“flat”
weave. This weave actually repels water and is
used in the textile industry to manufacture water
resistant items, such as clothing and
watchbands. This variety of Microfiber is not of
a quality beneficial to cleaning or polishing
applications.
In order to be
effective for
cleaning and
polishing usage, the Microfiber must be
“split”
during processing. This is a costly method of
actually splitting the polyester (the scrubbing
fiber) from the polymide (the absorbing and
quick drying fiber). Remember, if this costly
method of
“splitting”the fibers is eliminated the
resulting product loses over half of its absorbing and cleaning ability!
Once the Microfiber is split the fibers are woven into a fabric, often consisting
of 70% to 80% polyester and 20% to 30% polyamide, depending on the
desired style of fabric construction. The polyester and polymide are combined
during weaving to create thousands of microscopic “Loops”.
These “loops”form a web of hook-like claws that can reach into the tiniest
nooks and crannies, scrubbing away dirt and grime while trapping it within the
weave. This amazing “loop”is what makes Microfiber the ideal choice for
gently buffing dirt particles off delicate glass and paint surfaces, without fear
of abrasion.
What is Denier?
Denier is the unit used for measuring the fineness of fabric. Microfiber is
incredibly fine with a denier of approximately 0.01 to 0.02. Compare that
against the denier of a single strand of silk at 8, or a human hair at 20! Now
imagine buffing your treasured car with a fabric that is softer than the finest
silk!
How durable is microfiber?
While it is true that microfiber is among the softest materials ever created by
man, it is also incredibly strong. That's because
“split”microfibers contain
thousands of “loops”per square inch, and high quality microfiber cloths have
upwards of 200,000 strands of fiber per square inch of material. This high
density of fibers results in a fabric that is durable enough to withstand over
500 washings! Making microfiber extremely cost effective, since it is highly reusable.
Hypoallergenic and Safe for the Environment!
Microfiber actually traps dust and dirt, and can be used with or without
chemicals. That is because the filaments are positively charged, while dust
and dirt carry a negative charge. A quality microfiber will quite literally pick up
all foreign materials! That is great news for allergy sufferers! Used dry, the
fibers act like a dust magnet. Used wet, with simply water or a tiny amount of
detergent, the fibers become formidable scrubbers, easily tackling the
toughest grime.
News from the Scientific Community:
Recent scientific research studies have revealed some interesting facts about
Microfiber. One such study conducted by the Environmental Protection
Agency of the United States was recently released. The EPA found
microfibers reduced chemical use and disposal (since they are designed to
clean any surface using just plain water!), are less labor intensive, more cost
efficient, and clean far more effectively than conventional cleaners.
A study conducted by the prestigious Royal Roads University, in Victoria,
British Columbia was impressive. Michael Archibald, Director of the study
concluded,
[FONT=Arial,Italic][FONT=Arial,Italic]“[/FONT][/FONT]This system is simple, efficient, and effective, and represents the
next generation in cleaning systems. Lastly, this system is as effective as
cleaning with chemicals.[FONT=Arial,Italic][FONT=Arial,Italic]”[/FONT][/FONT]Strong words from a university that states its goal [FONT=Arial,Italic][FONT=Arial,Italic]“[/FONT][/FONT]is
to become a global leader in environmental sustainability through innovative
strategies, which foster the protection and preservation of the environment.[FONT=Arial,Italic][FONT=Arial,Italic]”
[/FONT][/FONT]
There are Differences:
Many of the Microfiber products being offered on the market, especially some
types designated for
“automobile use”are made from “non-split”(nonabsorbent
and ineffective) yarn. The manufacturer forgoes the expensive
“
splitting”procedure to save money, and the result is a failing product. Not only
does the blend lose over half of its absorbing and cleaning ability but it
weakens with use, greatly reducing the life of the product. Some microfiber
products coming out of China and Korea have less density, and a denier
(length of measure) of 0.5 or higher, which is 50x’s larger than the preferred
quality denier of 0.02 or smaller.
Quality of construction and density of fibers is important:
When looking for a Microfiber cloth or towel bear in mind that less density of
fiber, translate into less cleaning power and far less durability. The less dense
cloths are also more abrasive to delicate surfaces. Look for at least 200,000
fibers per square inch of fabric. At over 200,000 fibers per square inch of
fabric, boasting the maximum density commercially available, you
’ll get all the
cleaning power you need with the Pinnacle Miracle Towel; an amazing cleaner
that is lint free and safe to use on all surfaces. An outstanding 70/30-
polyester/polyamide blend makes the Pinnacle Miracle Towel the finest
microfiber towel available! Don’t forget to use the Cobra Glass Cleaning Cloth
for all your glass cleaning tasks. With over 200,000 strands of fiber per square
inch, and a super absorbant 80/20-polyester/polyamide blend, it remains
unmatched in lint-free, streak-free glass cleaning perfection!
Superior Microfiber cloths and towels rely on this dense weave to achieve
greater cleaning results. Cheaper versions of Microfiber can use a weave that
is too wide or a pile that is too long, which causes the fibers to break off
during use, leaving a lint trail. This is not uncommon practice among
manufacturers looking to make a tidy profit while leaving the consumer with a
shoddy product.
Using only the highest quality of advanced Microfibers available, the Pinnacle
line of microfiber products are utilized by detailing professionals and auto
enthusiasts everywhere! Explore these superior products for yourself and be
amazed by the Pinnacle Miracle Towel; the best microfiber towel on the
market! The Cobra Glass Cleaning Cloth strand by strand it
’s the best glass
cleaner in the land! The Cobra Detailing Cloth great for all those quick
detailing jobs, and intensive cleaning! All have a density of over 200,000
strands of the finest microfiber per square inch of fabric!
Wet, Wring, Wipe:
Remember this tip when using your new Pinnacle microfiber cloths or towels
wet! These state of the art fabrics are designed to use as dry as possible,
reducing cleaning times and waste. So go ahead and use your favorite
cleaner if you like (although you
’ll get great results with just plain water!) but
remember to use the cleaner of your choice sparingly. For best results on
glass and high shine surfaces, spray the cleaning surface to dampen, then
buff dry with your new Pinnacle microfiber cloth or towel. Watch as streaks,
water spots (even old ones), and swirl residue disappear before your eyes!
A Great Polisher!
When used dry your new Pinnacle
microfiber towel or cloth can
’t be beat
for removing dust, dirt particles,
polish, and wax residues. You won’t
believe how well they polish chrome
and gently buff paint to that “see
through”shine! Remember these are
super chamois!
Not just for cars!
Don
’t forget your Motorcycle, Boat, or R.V.! Plus there are thousands of
household uses for these incredible cleaners as well!
Care Tips:
The Pinnacle line of microfiber cloths and towels are designed for ease of use
and durability. These fantastic cloths can be washed and re-used over and
over again
… at least 500 times! They are so easy to care for. Simply wash in
warm with hot soapy water or micro-restorer by hand or in the machine. We
strongly recommend you always wash these cloths and towels separately
from your other laundry, as they will attract all the lint in your washer due to
their powerful positive static charge.
Never expose them to fabric softener!!! It can weaken the static charge of the
filaments and reduce their effectiveness.
They can be placed in an electric dryer on low setting, but it is unnecessary.
The Pinnacle microfiber cloths and towels are so incredibly light; they dry in
1/3rd the time of ordinary cloths and can be easily air-dried.
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