A true driver of steam-cleaning performance, the Sanivap microfibre embodies French technological excellence at the service of professional hygiene. Developed in partnership with Decitex, these high-performance microfibres ensure optimal absorption, proven durability, and recognised ease of use. Specifically designed for steam bio-cleaning, they guarantee reliability and safety in the most demanding environments, whether healthcare, public institutions or industry.
But why are microfibre cloths not all the same when it comes to steam bio-cleaning?
The Role of Microfibres in Steam Bio-Cleaning
Steam bio-cleaning relies on an inseparable duo of steam and microfibre. High-temperature steam, produced under pressure, loosens dirt, breaks down biofilm, and destroys microorganisms. The microfibre plays a dual role, absorbing the condensation produced by the steam and retaining the dislodged dirt and microorganisms.
An unsuitable microfibre quickly becomes saturated, shifting from absorption to release. It then redeposits contaminants on the surface, compromising the entire bio-cleaning process.
Sanivap microfibres, specifically engineered for use with steam, prevent this.
They absorb without releasing, leaving surfaces clean, dry, and safe, ensuring comprehensive steam bio-cleaning quality.
The Four Technical Criteria That Make the Difference
Not all microfibres are created equal. Four measurable parameters determine their quality: decitex, composition, percentage of microfibres, and textile density.
DECITEX : FIBRE FINENESS
Decitex (dTex) measures the diameter of a fibre: 1 decitex equals 1 gram per 10,000 metres of thread. It is a universal textile measurement. The lower the value, the finer the fibre.
Sanivap microfibres feature a fineness of 0.3 dTex (and as low as 0.22 dTex for certain cloths) — three times finer than the standard. This exceptional fineness allows deeper penetration into surface micro-roughness and increases the contact area, ensuring superior capture and cleaning efficiency.
COMPOSITION : A POLYESTER/POLYAMIDE BALANCE
Microfibres combine polyester and polyamide. Polyester provides structure and mechanical action, while polyamide delivers absorption power. A balanced ratio between the two ensures durability and efficiency, wash after wash.
PERCENTAGE OF MICROFIBRE : UP TO 95% WITH SANIVAP
Legally, the term “microfibre” may apply to textiles containing as little as 50% microfibre. However, for maximum performance, the proportion must be as high as possible. Sanivap microfibres contain up to 95% true microfibres – for example, the MV450V pad – ensuring outstanding efficiency.
DENSITY : THE KEY TO ABSORPTION
Density, expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²), indicates the fabric’s total absorption capacity. A high density – up to 300g/m² for the MV450V pad – enables maximum retention of water and dirt, along with rapid drying and zero re-release.
Understanding these criteria enables you to objectively assess how well a consumable suits professional steam bio-cleaning. Specifically calibrated by Decitex for Sanivap, they are the foundation of Sanivap’s steam cleaning performance.
Sanivap/Decitex Design : microfibres engineered for steam
For Sanivap, microfibre is not a mere accessory, it is a technological component designed to work in synergy with steam. This is why the brand has established an exclusive partnership with Decitex, a French manufacturer renowned for its expertise in professional hygiene textiles.
This collaborative development process is based on precise specifications, rigorous testing in real-world conditions, and continuous optimisation to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses of steam bio-cleaning. The result is a range of products in which each model is developed for a specific use, yet all share one key quality: absorbing without releasing dirt.
THE MV450V PAD : EXCEPTIONAL ABSORPTION
Made of 95% microfibre, with an ultra-fine 0.3 dTex fibre and a 300g/m² density, the MV450V pad delivers record absorption capacity. Its multi-layered “sandwich” structure maximises condensation absorption, provides instant surface drying, and captures dirt effectively without dripping – eliminating unnecessary repeat wiping. It is designed for exceptional longevity, maintaining its performance for up to 300 wash cycles at 90°C.
THE MV345 MICROFIBRE: PRECISION FOR SMALLER SURFACES
With its two-layer 100% microfibre structure and 0.22 dTex fibre, the MV345 microfibre offers unmatched absorption for handling lower water volumes and capturing condensation on small surfaces, high areas, and furnishings – all while protecting the operator’s hands. Its flat-knit design prevents abrasion on sensitive surfaces and it meets the strictest protocols, making it ideal for high-hygiene environments such as hospitals and care homes.
These exclusive French-made consumables are fully compatible with Sanivap steam systems, and reflect the conviction that steam performance depends on microfibre quality.
Discover the complete range of Sanivap microfibres and cloths designed to ensure both performance and safety in steam bio-cleaning.
Objective comparison with competing products
Performance varies significantly across microfibre products depending on their structure. The gap between a generic product and one designed specifically for steam is substantial.
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE : SANIVAP MV450V MICROFIBRE VS. COMPETING MICROFIBRES
Criteria |
Sanivap MV450VMicrofibre |
Standard CompetitorMicrofibre |
General PublicMicrofibre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Décitex | 0,3 | 0,56 à 0,8 | 0,8 à 1,2 |
| % microfibres | 95 % | 70–80 % | 50–70 % |
| Density | 300 g/m² | 180–250 g/m² | 150 g/m² |
| Lifespan | Up to 300 cycles | 50–100 cycles | < 50 cycles |
| Result | Surfaces sèches | Damp Surfaces | Wet Surfaces |
Sanivap microfibres, optimised for steam, retain condensation and dirt from the very first pass, ensuring quick, uniform drying.
PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES OF UNSUITABLE MICROFIBRES
Technical differences have direct consequences in the field.
A standard consumer-grade microfibre (1.2 dTex) is four times coarser, with lower density meaning faster saturation. It behaves more like a wet sponge than an effective cleaning tool.
A standard market pad shows 0.56 dTex compared to 0.3 dTex for the Sanivap MV450V. Its absorption is 30–40% lower, and its density is reduced.
Surfaces remain damp for longer, increasing the risk of airborne recontamination and creating favourable conditions for microbial growth. More passes are required, and once saturated, the fibres become heavy and hard to handle, causing increased operator fatigue over time.
Using an unsuitable microfibre therefore compromises the entire steam bio-cleaning process. As a result, reduced efficiency, discomfort and lower cleaning quality can lead to non-compliance with strict hygiene protocols.
The economic equation of the right consumable
Choosing a high-performance microfibre is not an additional expense – it is a sound investment. Sanivap microfibres are designed to maintain steam equipment performance throughout their lifespan.
The cost of non-compliance in sensitive environments far exceeds that of a quality consumable. An unsuitable, cheaper microfibre can quickly undermine results through poorly dried surfaces, a need to repeat work, and longer cleaning times. In the long run, this leads to reduced productivity and higher maintenance costs.
Thanks to their high density and balanced composition, Sanivap microfibres maintain their absorption power, glide, and user comfort, wash after wash. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacement and ensures controlled usage costs.
Stable, ergonomic, and pleasant to handle, they also contribute directly to improved working conditions.
High-performance equipment, durable consumables, and a mastered method — this is the Sanivap equation for steam bio-cleaning that is both efficient and cost-effective. Together, they ensure process integrity, maximise your equipment’s operational efficiency, and guarantee sanitary safety across sensitive sectors (healthcare, public institutions, industry).
Sanivap/Decitex Microfibres: Three Key Takeaways
- Steam bio-cleaning performance depends on the duo of equipment + microfibre.
- With 0.3 decitex, 300g/m² density, and 95% microfibre content, Sanivap/Decitex consumables ensure maximum absorption and dry surfaces.
- A strategic choice that delivers efficiency, hygiene safety, and process durability.
Contact our experts for personalised support tailored to your hygiene and steam bio-cleaning needs.