I’ve swapped disposable cleaning cloths for the $12 reusable Minky cloth – it’s a game changer for a smear-free finish

Truth be told, I’m not the biggest fan of cleaning. Even if I do love the final result of glistening worktops, and discovering the true shine of my somewhat toothpaste-splattered sink, the cleaning obsession that surged during the pandemic seems to have passed me by.

Therefore, I’m always looking for cleaning tips to streamline the process. Got a hack to clean a whole house in 20 minutes? Sign me up. Got a good recommendation for a spray? I’m there.

So, when I came across the viral Minky Homecare M Cloth Cleaning Pad available at Amazon, a dual-sided do-it-all microfiber cloth, I had to give it a go.

Why I love the all-in-one cleaning Minky cloth

Everyone wants their deep clean to be as effective and easy as possible, particularly when it comes to cleaning a house fast. But, this can often mean reaching for disposable cleaning cloths. They're convenient, but not a great way to be sustainable at home, and can often wind up being pretty expensive, too.

As Maria Mooney, non-toxic cleaning expert at Truly Free Home and Truly Free Market, says 'The cloth you choose to clean with will significantly impact the effectiveness, efficiency and outcome of your cleaning efforts,' so it's important to choose the right one to get the job done.

'Whether you’re looking to protect surfaces, trap dirt, or eliminate grease and bacteria, you should base your decision off of the cleaning task at hand to ensure optimal results.'

Enter: the Minky Homecare M Cloth, available at Amazon. It's an ultra-absorbent, soft cleaning pad for use all around the house, ideal for leaving a streak-free finish after every clean. The best part is it can be washed in your best washing machine and reused again and again, making it an inexpensive solution to cleaning your home without harming the planet.

It's great for dusting, scrubbing surfaces, mopping up spills and even dusting down sideboards and countertops. I also appreciate that it comes in three colors to add a bit of flare to my daily chores and make color-coded cleaning a breeze.

After all, as Mooney explains, 'It's important to separate dirty bathroom cloths from other cleaning materials to prevent cross-contamination,' so assigning a color to rooms or areas makes this easier to keep track of.

I like to pair mine with a good strong antibacterial surface cleaner, such as the LYSOL Power Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner available at Amazon, or, if you prefer not to use harsh chemicals, why not try cleaning with vinegar for an eco-friendly alternative. We recommend using the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar available at Walmart to do so, as it's diluted to a 5% acidity to effectively banish bacteria.

There are lots of ways to use vinegar to clean at home so none of the bottle will go to waste.

My verdict

As disposable cloths are a cleaning product I've always thought are a waste of money, I'm ready to save money at home and make this sustainable swap for good. With such sparkling results, it's clear to see why so many people love this unassuming cleaning pad – and now I do too.

One thing to note is, while Minky M Cloths are great for reducing the amount of bacteria on your surfaces, as the small fibers enter small nooks and crevices and whip away dirt much deeper and more effectively than paper towels or wipes, it is still important to know how to wash a microfiber cloth, and do so regularly.

'When washing a microfiber cloth, select a gentle wash cycle in lukewarm water to prevent damaging fibers with hot water,' advises Mooney. 'And be mindful of the detergent you're using, as harsh detergents and fabric softeners can reduce the absorbency of the material.'

Therefore, avoid any microfiber cloth mistakes by washing them often (as they're probably one of the things you aren't washing enough) and correctly. This will keep them hygienic and ensure a thorough, safe clean next time you grab them to clean a bathroom or clean a kitchen.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Our favorite reusable home heroes

Do you have the essential cleaning tools everyone needs? Keep your cabinet stocked with these for a clean and sanitized space, without any unneeded extras.