Recently, microfiber bed linen has become very popular. The material is soft to the touch, pleasant to the body, practically does not wrinkle and does not lose its original appearance even after many washes.
What is microfiber
Material based on chemical fibers - polyester and polyamide - is called microfiber. It is rare to find cotton microfiber.
The fabric first appeared more than half a century ago in Japan, but only 30 years later did it become widely used around the world. The material got its name because of the special structure of the threads, which are made up of the finest microfibers intertwined with each other. Microfiber bedding is much cheaper than cotton, which explains the popularity of sleep sets made from this material.
Advantages and disadvantages
The artificial origin of the fibers explains many of the properties of the material. Housewives like the ease of caring for linen - the fabric practically does not wrinkle, is easy to wash and dries very quickly.It is not necessary to iron sheets and duvet covers after washing.
The positive properties of microfiber include:
- absence of pilling and puffs on the fabric during operation;
- color fastness – the colors of bed linen remain bright for a long time, do not fade when washed and do not fade in the sun;
- high antibacterial properties: the composition of the fibers prevents the spread of fungi, mold and mites that can cause serious diseases in humans;
- resistance to deformation - unlike cotton linen, microfiber products do not tend to shrink, do not stretch or change geometry.
Important! The positive properties of the material are hygroscopicity and breathability. The fabric “breathes”, allows air to pass through well and absorbs moisture, bringing it to the surface.
However, microfiber is a synthetic material. Microfibers are destroyed at high temperatures, so sheets and duvet covers should not:
- wash in hot water;
- iron with a very hot iron;
- dry on the radiator.
Products made from microfiber, compared to bedding sets made from calico and satin, last less. During operation, fat gradually accumulates in the structure of the fibers, which reduces the properties of the fabric. The fabric accumulates static electricity; during use, you can see how it “sparks.” In addition, not all manufacturers use high-quality raw materials and stable dyes.
Is microfiber in bedding harmful?
High-quality microfiber is more expensive, but you don’t have to worry about your health. You can recognize “hackwork” by the following signs:
- presence of foreign “chemical” odors;
- color instability - the fabric fades and stains the skin;
- deformation of the product even after washing at low temperatures.
Such products should be discarded - they will not only quickly lose their performance properties, but can also cause illness.
Proper care of microfiber bedding
To ensure that high-quality bed linen does not lose its appearance and lasts a long time, it must be properly cared for. Maintenance is simple, it is important to follow a few rules:
- wash at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees;
- Do not use bleaches or fabric softeners. The special structure of the fabric traps them in the micropores of the fibers;
- do not use strong stain removers;
- do not dry on heating devices;
- Iron only at minimum temperatures.
Should you choose microfiber bedding?
Buyers are primarily attracted by the low price of a bedding set. But, despite the positive properties of the material, its synthetic composition should be taken into account. Therefore, before you buy a set of microfiber bed linen, you should decide for yourself - isn’t it better to give preference to cotton? It is more expensive, but is safe for health because it has a natural composition.
Microfiber products are not recommended for everyday use, but they are often chosen for summer holidays at a country house. It can be recommended to shift workers who work in places with high pollution.
Due to the properties of the fabric not to accumulate dust and moisture, and to prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms, microfiber will serve well and preserve human health. That is why people prone to allergies should choose such underwear; it is only important to pay attention to the quality of the fabric and tailoring.
There is no need to give up microfiber - it is only important when purchasing to pay special attention to the composition of the fabric: polyester or cotton. Even if the first set costs three times less, opt for natural material. Pleasant to the touch and safe, cotton microfiber will last a long time and provide hours of comfortable sleep.