Microfiber is a type of extremely fine synthetic fabric made from fibers thinner than a human hair. These tiny fibers are usually made from polyester or nylon, woven so tightly together that the fabric can trap dirt, dust, and even bacteria in its microscopic spaces.

You've probably used microfiber cloths to clean eyeglasses, computer screens, or kitchen counters. They work remarkably well because those tiny fibers act like millions of little hooks, grabbing onto particles that regular cloth would just push around. Unlike paper towels, microfiber cloths can clean effectively with just water, since the fabric's structure does most of the work.

Microfiber also appears in athletic clothing, towels, and furniture upholstery. A microfiber towel dries faster than a cotton one and takes up less space in your gym bag. Microfiber sofas resist stains and feel smooth to the touch.

The downside? When microfiber items are washed, they shed microscopic plastic particles that can end up in waterways. Scientists are working on solutions to this problem, but microfiber remains popular because it genuinely works better than many alternatives for cleaning and moisture-wicking.