The likelihood of particles depositing on the filtering membrane in crossflow microfiltration of dilute suspensions is investigated by calculating steady-state particle concentration profiles. The profiles are the result of the interaction of Brownian diffusion and hydrodynamic drag, electrostatic and van der Waals forces. It is shown that the ultimate equilibrium state is for particles to migrate to the filtering membrane. However, the electrostatic force can be so strong that particles cannot reach the membrane in an observable period and a metastable equilibrium then results. Factors that inhibit deposition are low ionic strength of the suspending liquid, high particle and membrane potentials, low Hamaker constant, low trans-membrane permeation rate and liquid viscosity, and large particle size.