Never again without my microfibre cloth!
Whether it's windows, glass tables or shiny decorative objects: cleaning smooth surfaces without leaving streaks is a real struggle. Unless you have a microfibre cloth.
All that doesn't glitter is certainly not gold, but I want the copper coasters or my unusual accessories to dazzle my guests when I take them out. But until now, it's been impossible for me to do this in such a way that I can show them to other people with a clear conscience. Do you need any more examples? When I look out of the window, I want to be able to see clearly what's happening on the other side without having to look at a milky surface full of scratches. And what's the point of a gleaming white coffee table if the brightest thing on it is the greasy marks from the last TV party? The polished plate should reflect everything there is to reflect. Otherwise, I would have bought the matt version. For a long time, I refrained from using shiny objects in my flat, because I simply didn't get the expected result after cleaning them. Then along came my saviour: the microfibre cloth.
Cleaning is good, but having a spotless result is better!
If you think I'm a cleaning maniac, you're right. Why is that? It's very simple, it comes from my mother. When I was young, neither my brother nor I could leave or enter the house if we had the slightest stain on our clothes. That's probably why I didn't dare touch the sand in the sandpit, let alone put my hands in it, even as a child. As soon as my fingertips got dirty, I'd run to the nearest water tap. It was perhaps thanks to all that running back and forth that I developed my enthusiasm for endurance sports. Yes, an afternoon with me as a child was extremely entertaining for my playmates.... Sheldon Cooper says hello. It became even more difficult when my brother saw the light of day. He is and always has been my opposite. What I call a mess is organised chaos for him.
At school, I always kept my seat spotlessly clean. I even caught myself cleaning up after the cleaner here and there before school started and re-drying my desk. All this didn't stop when I was a teenager, even if I did close my eyes from time to time. It's simply difficult to keep clean and preserve your environment in these turbulent times. When I left home and had my own flat, the obsession with cleaning came back just as strong as before. Everything had to be perfect from the very first flat, even if that flat was so old that I didn't know whether the signs of use came from the previous tenant or from the dinosaurs. After the first spring window cleaning and countless marks on the windows, I finally realised what my family and friends already knew: without a miracle, nothing will change.
The (stain) killer that leaves no trace
At dinner with my parents, I asked my mum, how she got the glass in the kitchen cupboards so clean and streak-free. She explained that it was disconcertingly simple: I'd have to take a few drops of washing-up liquid, wipe the glass with a damp cloth and then wipe it with a microfibre cloth. Micro what? She said it so naturally that I didn't dare ask. When I got home, I immediately asked Google and ordered a pack of five of these cloths. But I had my doubts: has my mother really told me everything, or is there something else behind this 'magic cloth'? Perhaps a well-kept secret among housewives? What's more, I doubted that this microfibre cloth could really do what I expected it to with my high standards.
After pollen turned my windows into yellow walls this spring, it was time to try out the microfibre cloth. First I washed off the pollen with a damp cloth. Then I took some washing-up liquid on the cloth and ran it over the glass. So far, so good, nothing unexpected has happened; I'd already done all that. Finally it was time for the microfibre cloth. I rubbed the first window with the dry polyester and polyamide cloth. And look at that, not a single streak. No matter how much I bend and twist, I can't see a single one. Even when the sun shone directly through the glass in the late afternoon, the window was crystal clear. For a moment, I didn't even know if there was any glass. I had to touch it to believe it. Of course, I used the microfibre cloth to wipe away the fingerprints. I was delighted.
From then on, my enthusiasm knew no bounds. Logically, I didn't stop at the windows. I spontaneously extended the cleaning action to other areas, such as the car. In no time at all, the windows were clean and free of all kinds of marks. The white coffee table I mentioned at the beginning was also cleaned: now it's so shiny I can almost see my reflection in it. Speaking of reflections: even with my Potz window cleaner fetish, I can't get rid of the marks on the bathroom mirror completely. But fortunately, the microfibre cloth came to the rescue. And, since that day, my guests have been sipping their drinks from glasses set on gold coasters; these coasters, incidentally, can easily replace any pocket mirror.
The microfibre cloth is a must in every household
I use my beloved microfibre cloths for all smooth surfaces. Glass is particularly suitable. Whether it's windows, display cabinets, wine glasses or vases, wipe them down with the microfibre cloth and you won't see a mark. It also works for shiny surfaces on furniture, kitchen hobs or cupboards, or even bathroom taps, washbasins or mirrors. Everything shines, without effort or chemicals. It's precisely because cleaning is a tedious subject that no-one likes to talk about, but which you still can't escape, that the microfibre cloth is a godsend. With just one extra cleaning utensil, everything becomes easier.
I can't live without my microfibre cloth. If you now think my dedication to a piece of cloth is ridiculous and cleaning isn't sexy, then you've never held a microfibre cloth in your hands. I'd love to lend you mine, but I need it to clean my laptop screen. I've kept the other four in a safe place. Another important note: even a microfibre cloth needs cleaning from time to time. All you have to do is put it in the washing machine and wash it according to the instructions on the label. Many can be washed at 60 degrees, some even at 90. It doesn't matter whether you use a powder or liquid detergent. However, please do not use fabric softener, otherwise the fine fibres will be damaged.
Do you also have a favourite cleaning product that you can't live without? Or do you know of another secret weapon that will get everything back in order in no time? Then head over to the comments section! To receive more cleaning tips and tricks, follow me by clicking on the "Follow the author" button!
Header image: With the microfiber cloth, you can finally say goodbye to streaks on smooth surfaces.
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Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
