Microfiber Detergent is it really necessary?

gatoman39

gatoman39

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I have a gallon of Costco free and clear laundry detergent, that I want to use to clean my MF towels. I've seen a lot of MF detergents on AG, all of which are fairly expensive. I know not to add bleach, and I've been doing a prewash and an extra rinse. Microfiber Detergent is it critical to use or can I just use the normal stuff. Is there that much of a difference?
 
I have just started using Pinnacle MF detergent after I had been having some issues with QD making my WW drying towels not absorb water any more. Have not had a chance to draw a full conclusion yet, but I will post back.
 
Good question, I was just going to look into that. Im sure we will get some answers here.
 
I have never used MF detergent. I always use Tide Free and sometimes use vinegar in the rinse. Never failed me, so I see no reason to change. I do plan on trying some though.
 
I've used both detergent and MF detergent. And while regular detergent will work, I find that the MF detergent leaves my mf's much softer than regular detergent. Don't think it cleans them any better, probably about even, but leaves them softer. IMO.
 
I've always used Costco natural soap, and white vinegar for rinse. They always come out clean & fluffy.
 
SeaJay's said:
I've used both detergent and MF detergent. And while regular detergent will work, I find that the MF detergent leaves my mf's much softer than regular detergent. Don't think it cleans them any better, probably about even, but leaves them softer. IMO.
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:iagree: If you choose to use regular detergent (Tide for example) I think it is important to use the 'free/clear' detergents (i.e. no fragance additives, no bleach, etc.).
 
I have noticed a definite difference in absorbency using a dedicated MF detergent. The one I use is the Micro-Restore. I usually use this after a wash or soak with some kind of other cleaner to remove the bulk of the dirt/wax.

I have also found there is a product called ProWash detergent that works well. It is targeted for athletic clothing/activewear to remove sweat/oils/sunscreen/etc. from high-tech synthetic/wicking fabrics which I figure are similar to microfiber.
 
kkreit01 said:
I've always used Costco natural soap, and white vinegar for rinse. They always come out clean & fluffy.
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How much white vinegar do you use in the laundry in an average load?
 
gatoman39 said:
How much white vinegar do you use in the laundry in an average load?
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As near as I could tell from some Google searching, people were saying either 1/2 a cup or a full cup. So I just kind of split the difference and pour in what looks like about 1/2 to 3/4's cup by eye. Of course, this was for regular laundry use, I don't know if there is a better ratio for MF towel washing.
 
The answer is no. You do not have to buy/use a dedicated microfiber detergent. For what it's worth I tried vinegar in the rinse (one cup) with two loads and two without. There was no difference whatsoever that I could see or feel, none. Both also worked the same on the job. We use Charlies Soap for all washing.

I used to use a dedicated MF soap and got sick & tired of the expense + the killer shipping charges. Once I switched and realized there was no difference I quit ordering it completely. That has saved me a fair chunk of change over time. The towels work the same as they always have.
 
RTexasF said:
The answer is no. You do not have to buy/use a dedicated microfiber detergent. For what it's worth I tried vinegar in the rinse (one cup) with two loads and two without. There was no difference whatsoever that I could see or feel, none. Both also worked the same on the job. We use Charlies Soap for all washing.

I used to use a dedicated MF soap and got sick & tired of the expense + the killer shipping charges. Once I switched and realized there was no difference I quit ordering it completely. That has saved me a fair chunk of change over time. The towels work the same as they always have.
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I have noticed a difference in the softness of my towels over time when I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle. I don't measure it out, I just tip up the jug and give it 2 or 3 glugs when pouring.

A gallon of vinegar is so inexpensive, I can't see not using it myself.

Regular Tide for the detergent works just fine for me. Save your money for something more fun than MF detergent.
 
A gallon of vinegar is so inexpensive, I can't see not using it myself.
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Had I noticed any difference, I mean ANYTHING, I would use it. Inexpensive or not it does nothing for me so it can sit on the shelf at the store, I have no use for it.

I suppose there is a possibility that over time it may make a difference but during my short term test it did squat so I'll pass.
 
gatoman39 said:
@flyinion & M.P. Cobra Fan
Is the vinegar only for the rinse cycle?


My thoughts exactly!
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I have only added it to the rinse cycle and it helps to ensure that all of the detergent is rinsed clean and will leave your towels feeling softer and fresher, IMO. Again, for a buck a gallon why not use it, it sure won't hurt your towels.
 
SeaJay's said:
I've used both detergent and MF detergent. And while regular detergent will work, I find that the MF detergent leaves my mf's much softer than regular detergent. Don't think it cleans them any better, probably about even, but leaves them softer. IMO.
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:iagree:My wife said the same thing. I use a MF detergent every other wash.
 
I use Charlie's Soap, you can get 80 loads for about $12. It works GREAT and has no perfumes, dyes and leaves no residue.
 
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