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How To Manage Your Budget In A Tight Economy (Part II)

Microfibers: A word that has been thrown around in conjunction with other verbiage like “Microfibers will help save you money” and “Microfibers will give you lots of bang for your buck!” However, can Microfibers really help us reduce cost? But I’m getting ahead of myself… let’s first discuss what Microfibers are and if they really can help us save money?

Microfibers are very thin filaments blended from polyester and nylon which have been chemically split into even thinner fibers. Split fibers are better for cleaning, because their increased surface area enables them to capture and retain more dirt particles. Looking at an average hard surface floor, it appears that the floor is a smooth surface. However, on the microscopic level, this floor is not a seamless smooth surface, but is in fact punctuated by grooves and ridges.

These grooves and ridges are the homes to two other words: dust and dirt. If one were to use a traditional mop to eradicate these unclean culprits, the dust and dirt would simply be pushed around, filling up the grooves and ridges on the floor. The dirt is displaced - it is not removed.

However, if one were to use a microfiber mop in lieu of a traditional mop, the microfibers can reach into the grooves, grab the dirt and dispose of it for good.

Okay so how does Microfibers = Saving Money?

• Microfiber cleaning uses up to 95% less chemicals and water, thus saving on cost AND even providing greener cleaning.
• Microfiber mops and cloths can be laundered and reused hundreds of times, resulting in an estimated 60% lifetime cost savings.
• Microfiber mops are 75% lighter and reduce worker strain, saving as much as 20% in labor costs per days.

If all of these cost savings don’t sway you maybe the fact that the unique construction of microfibers allow it to collect and hold dust, dirt and allergens better than traditional cleaning methods. In fact, tests have shown that microfibers reduce bacteria levels by as much as 99%!

(All facts based on testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using Microfiber Mops in Hospitals. Environmental Best Practices for Health Care Facilities, November 2002.)