A cloth that is visibly worn out is rare. A cloth that looks new and cleans like a paper towel is extremely common, and the cause is usually in the wash.

Fabric softener is the main culprit

Softener works by depositing a lubricating film, which is the exact opposite of what a split fibre needs.

The film fills the capillary space between the fibres, so nothing is lifted or held.

Dryer sheets do the same thing

They are softener on a carrier sheet, applied under heat, which makes it worse.

Air dry, or tumble on low with nothing else in the drum.

Cotton lint is the second killer

Microfibre grabs lint and holds it, so a mixed wash loads the cloth with cotton fibres.

Wash microfibre separately. It is the single easiest habit to fix.

Heat and bleach

High heat can melt and fuse the split ends, which permanently flattens the cleaning edge.

Bleach attacks the polyamide. Neither damage is reversible.

Can a clogged cloth be saved?

Sometimes: a hot wash with detergent and no softener, repeated, strips some of the film.

Prevention is far cheaper, which is why we print the care rules on the packaging.