Do You Microbifer in Your Cleaning Business?

Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years now. When I first heard about them they were being sold through distributors in an MLM business. Since my business was professional house cleaning, I couldn't see how they could benefit me due to the high cost.

But I've been wondering more and more, could these really benefit the professional cleaners? So I've been doing some research and what I found should certainly be shared.

What is Microfiber? It is an ultrafine synthetic fiber that is very strong and lint free. Each fiber is split during manufacturing, providing specific benefits. The density of the fibers make the product very absorbent with the ability to hold up to six times its weight in water, and the microbifers have a positive charge that attracts dirt and dust, which has a negative charge. Not only do the micrifibers attract dust and dirt, they hold it tightly so that it is not redistributed while cleaning.

Does Microfiber Really Work? Absolutely! Not only are the microfiber towels available, but now you can purchase microfiber mops to replace both your dry and wet mops.

I purchased a mop that came with three removable mop head pads. These pads are attached to the mop with velcro. The mop has a swivel base that allows it to get under and around furniture. I have wood and vinyl flooring in my house and found the microfiber mop to work very well and it was easy to use.

While dry mopping, I was able to pickup not only dust but small debris from the floor and it was not moved around; it actually was held in the fibers. Due to the swivel mop head, I was able to get into corners and along baseboards.

I prefer cotton string mops for cleaning floors, but I found an immediate benefit to the microfiber. No bending over the water bucket, no wringing out the mop head and no fibers getting caught around table legs or split wood edges on cabinets. And I could still use the figure eight back and forth motion that I use with string mops. In fact, I found that I could mop standing up straighter because the mop is lightweight and maneuverable. Great benefit here to eliminate back pain, shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger injuries.

The microfibers can hold a lot of water without dripping thus leaving the floor cleaner with less standing water. The floor dries much faster, reducing the chance of slipping and sliding. In fact I used a very dry mop head when mopping the wood floor and could see the water evaporating as I mopped.

These microfiber mop pads are very durable and are estimated to last ten times the normal life span of cotton loop mops used in professional cleaning.

So with all these benefits, are there any areas of concern? There are a few: initial investment, cost versus quality, not appropriate for mopping up spills or floods, cannot remove or spread wax, cannot be washed with lint producing items, cannot be laundered in industrial washers and some brands are not recommended for the dryer.

If you're managing teams or a high number of employees, the initial investment can be double or even triple the cost of cotton loop and string mops. And you won't be able to launder these with your terry towels or use a commercial laundry service.

To determine if you should convert your business to microfiber, you'll definitely need a cost benefit analysis to see the cost tradeoffs. If your Workers Comp costs are running high, is it due to scrubbing or mopping? Microfiber mops could possibly reduce the costs related to mopping injuries.

You might also want to consider the use of microfiber as a partial or total replacement for terry towels. Or even just using microfiber for cleaning glass and mirrors. They have the ability to clean and shine without using chemicals. This could possibly also reduce your product cost.

You can purchase microfiber towels on the Internet and also at your local depot and automotive stores in the automotive section. But be aware that all microfiber towels are not equal. There are companies that make only one kind and other companies that have a specific microfiber towel for different tasks.

I would definitely recommend more research into quality and cost before investing in microfiber.

Gail Metcalf built her cleaning business from the ground up and now shares her tips, tricks and trade secrets. Permission is granted to reproduce this article but credit must be given to the author. No part of the article content can be modified, and a link must be provided to: http://HouseCleaningPro.com

---

Look Like Sizzle, Be The Steak

You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More

Starting a Mobile Auto Detailing Business; Dry Wash or Pressure Wash?

Many experienced auto detailing professionals who have started out using... Read More

Franchisor Prospect Checklist Sample Form

Due to the over regulation in the Franchising Industry and... Read More

25 Valuable Phone Numbers For Small Businesses Success

Starting and growing a small business can be a daunting... Read More

How to Integrate Yourself in Someone Elses Business

When do you need to get more involved with the... Read More

7 Tips To Improve Your Cash Flow

Cash is King?That is what everyone tells us and it... Read More

Self Serve Car Washes in the United States

In the 2003 Auto Laundry News Survey it was determined... Read More

Top 7 Small Business Resources for 2005

If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More

Banking and Company Credit Card Policies for Small Business

Does your small business have a banking and credit card... Read More

How to Get Maximum Results With Minimum Effort

Get maximum results with minimum effort. Sounds great doesn't it?... Read More

S Corporation ? What Is It?

For many small businesses, the "S" corporation is the business... Read More

Professional House Cleaning - The Dirty Little Secret

Are you tired yet of all the books out there... Read More

Get Approved for a Franchise

Deciding to start your own franchise is just one of... Read More

From Birth to Death

Your product is dying. With the same inevitability that we... Read More

Market Makers Play a Significant Role in Reverse Mergers

One overlooked individual in the process of taking a company... Read More

More Business Card Uses

Why would you use an event pass?Event passes are often... Read More

Due Dilegence 101 Or What You Do Not Know Can Kill You! - Part 1

Introduction: This article is written as a general discussion on... Read More

Public Relations: Antidote for Small Business Failure

When small businesses fail, the wreckage is often assigned to... Read More

How Disabled Veterans Can Win Government Contracts

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) is a program that... Read More

Tell Me a Story: A Simple But Powerful Tool to Build Your Business

Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's the story of... Read More

Franchises: How to Find the Best Franchise Opportunity for You

If you are looking for a franchise opportunity, the choice... Read More

Promote Yourself More Successfully

One of the great challenges for independent professionals and small... Read More

Small Business Spoiler - Procrastination

One of the most common issues that comes up for... Read More

Tips on Setting Up Your Small Business Bank Account

One of the first things you will need to set... Read More

Do You Want Your Own Fully Programmable ERP? - Part 2

In the first article we mentioned the main characteristics that... Read More

Equipment Maintenance Manual for Mobile Cleaning Business Outline

Service Cleaning Businesses must maintain their equipment in order to... Read More

Shocking Experienced Copywriter Reveals Little-known Secrets To Closing BIG Ticket Deals!

Hogwash!That's what I say to people who tell me that... Read More

Firing Underperforming Employees in Your Small Business

Here are a few tips on how to hand out... Read More

Mission Statements: More Important Than You Thought

If an organization lacks a mission statement, it is worthwhile... Read More

Setting Prices - Pricing Your Consulting Services

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More

Arranging Your Fundraiser

When deciding to host a fundraiser for your company or... Read More

Naming Your Business: 3 Tips To Ensure Success

If you are just starting your business, or if you... Read More

Business Reviews that Work

What is the satisfaction & expectation review of the business... Read More