Brushes, sponges and cloths: why they are not suitable for cleaning?

Modern synthetic sponges, rolls of miracle cloths and microfiber have long replaced feather dusters and hog bristle brushes. But after every cleaning session, we end up washing our cleaning products and rinsing the cleaning agents. Why does this happen? We explain.

Natural — not necessarily convenient

Everything natural is eco-friendly. But items made of flannel, terry cotton or linen are now only good for personal care. And cork and bristles are only for styling if you're into vintage, rustic and shabby chic.

Brushes and cloths made from natural materials have been phased out for several reasons: they absorb poorly, don't hold dust reliably, lose their appearance quickly, and are hard to sterilize.

In the 20th century, synthetic materials rightfully displaced natural ones. Housewives were no longer satisfied with water stains on tiles that couldn't be wiped away in one motion, fibers on mirrors, or hair stuck to their favorite cup.

Problems with roll cloths

Miracle cloths or roll towels are made from a single-layer nonwoven fabric formed from a blend of rayon and cellulose. The raw material is natural, but the product is artificial, not synthetic.

There are some advantages, but they are few. The main issue is the lack of fibers. But only until a pet's fur or someone’s hair lands on a damp cloth — try removing it then.

Roll towels can be torn off one at a time, soaked in cleaning agents, rinsed or used dry. They are practically single-use, like kitchen paper towels, because they get stained and distorted after the first use.

They absorb grease worse than paper. And dust collected with a dry cloth will scatter immediately.

What's wrong with microfiber?

Microfiber made of ultra-thin polyester and polyamide threads seems more practical and durable. Cloths of different textures, arm sleeves, even slippers for cleaning, and mops help wash, clean, polish, and wipe many things.

The fibers made from very long organic molecules attract and hold dust particles thanks to contact electrification. Microscopic triangular cavities can absorb water just as well as a sponge.

But there are downsides: microfiber is a very capricious material. It doesn’t like very hot water, drying near radiators or any heat sources. It deforms and loses its properties.

The best way to clean it from accumulated dirt and preserve its useful properties is to rub it manually with a brush in a solution of household soap. Or toss it into the drum of a washing machine on a low temperature and delicate cycle. These methods are not very convenient or simple.

What's dangerous about sponges?

Not the natural sea sponge, of course — but those made from foam polystyrene, expanded polyurethane or nylon with a polyester film, sponges are meant to foam cleaning agents, increasing the effectiveness of surfactants (SAS).

It's not the porous part that cleans, but the hard adhered cloth: green for tough stains, blue abrasive for gentle cleaning.

You will never fully dry a sponge. And in liquid environments, bacteria multiply on the sponge. Their numbers are tested in laboratories using a luminometer. Tests proved that using a dish sponge for more than a week is dangerous.

The more manufacturers describe the benefits of improved sponges, whether it's silver fibers or bamboo fiber, the more pathogenic microorganisms, even E. coli, remain and grow on them. And cleaning products used with sponges are consumed at about the same rate, no matter what the ads claim.