[Red Dwarf]

Here's an odd one for all you clean freaks like myself.

I've use Meguiars stuff exclusively now, but I was wondering what people do with the Microfibre towels, cotton towels and applicators to keep them in good condition. I mean, could I just chuck the lot in a washing machine on a standard cycle and expect them to all be wonderful again, or is there a best practise for this? Should I use any particular powder or heat setting. I don't really want to leran the hard way, or have to keep buying new stuff every couple of months.

[ScottyG]

Quote: Originally Posted by Red Dwarf

Here's an odd one for all you clean freaks like myself.

I've use Meguiars stuff exclusively now, but I was wondering what people do with the Microfibre towels, cotton towels and applicators to keep them in good condition. I mean, could I just chuck the lot in a washing machine on a standard cycle and expect them to all be wonderful again, or is there a best practise for this? Should I use any particular powder or heat setting. I don't really want to leran the hard way, or have to keep buying new stuff every couple of months.

I bought some towels for buffing from Halfords and chucked them in the washing machine. Now when i use 'em they smear like mad.

The solution....buy new towels each time!

[obehave]

DO NOT use a fabric softener!
I do mine in a washing machine. Normal cycle teeny bit of bleach.
Microfiber can pick up some lint but I have some that are over a year old and they're OK.

I definitely hand wash any wax applicator, a lot. Do not wash them with the rest of your stuff. Those are the ones that'll get you in trouble.

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyG

I bought some towels for buffing from Halfords and chucked them in the washing machine. Now when i use 'em they smear like mad.

Try using non-biological washing powder. I know that my water-proof golf stuff needs to be washed in this rather than the biological.

...and it is better for the environment

[Alan W]

Quote: Originally Posted by Red Dwarf

Here's an odd one for all you clean freaks like myself.

I've use Meguiars stuff exclusively now, but I was wondering what people do with the Microfibre towels, cotton towels and applicators to keep them in good condition. I mean, could I just chuck the lot in a washing machine on a standard cycle and expect them to all be wonderful again, or is there a best practise for this? Should I use any particular powder or heat setting. I don't really want to leran the hard way, or have to keep buying new stuff every couple of months.

Best Practice for microfibre towels is to wash separately using a non-biological liquid detergent (The granules in a powder detergent would get stuck in the microfibres and not get washed out). Wash on a low temperature cycle and do NOT use any kind of fabric softener. Tumble dry at low temperature or air/line dry. In general treat your microfiber towels as if they were delicate clothing.

The above practice has been gathered from information on 'detailing forums' and MF towel vendor websites.

Hope this helps.

[racer-x]

I've been washing mine in hot water with regular detergent after every use (because i'm a freak) and I like them CLEAN. I prefer to hang dry them, seems to work out fine.

[Dark Silver S]

Try Micro Restore.

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dark Silver S

Try Micro Restore.

Very cool.
One of my favorite web sites.

[Hat]

dunno, i just throw 'em on the floor near the washing machine & they turn up clean a couple of days later

i got a nice set of 3 cloths from halfords - varying pile length from one like a terry towel down to a very fine almost suede like cloth which is great for glass & a final light buff. all 3 for £5

[phil portlock]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

dunno, i just throw 'em on the floor near the washing machine & they turn up clean a couple of days later

i got a nice set of 3 cloths from halfords - varying pile length from one like a terry towel down to a very fine almost suede like cloth which is great for glass & a final light buff. all 3 for £5

Now that is amazing, I just chuck mine on the floor by the washer, and my wife chucks em back, what make washing machine do you have??????????

[whovous]

What is a "non-biological" washing powder?

[Alan W]

Quote: Originally Posted by whovous

What is a "non-biological" washing powder?

Biological detergents contain enzymes and non-biological detergents do not.
Enzymes are naturally occurring chemicals which help to break down specific stains, such as protein, starch and grease, at low to medium temperatures i.e. 40°C – 60°C. Non biological detergents are recommended for use on delicate fabrics and people with sensitive skin sometimes prefer to use non-biological detergents.

[J1JPE]

Quote: Originally Posted by Alan W

Biological detergents contain enzymes and non-biological detergents do not.
Enzymes are naturally occurring chemicals which help to break down specific stains, such as protein, starch and grease, at low to medium temperatures i.e. 40°C – 60°C. Non biological detergents are recommended for use on delicate fabrics and people with sensitive skin sometimes prefer to use non-biological detergents.

IMPRESSED

[whovous]

Thanks Alan W

[Dark Silver S]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

One of my favorite web sites.

Do you get their newsletter?
(another link)

[Alan W]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dark Silver S

Do you get their newsletter?
(another link)

Sure do, and also the Autopia Buyer's Club newsletter, and the Classic Motoring Accessories newsletter and.......

(I've only recently discovered 'detailing' and I'm hooked already - unfortunately).

Alan W

[johnlondonw3]

Whats the best microfiber towel available in Uk and who sells it ?

[Alan W]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnlondonw3

Whats the best microfiber towel available in Uk and who sells it ?

I only know of a couple of 'quality' microfibre towels on sale in the UK.

I have no experience of the Australian AG Group towels but have heard good things about this make. They are available in the UK from www.seriousperformance.co.uk.

The new and improved Meguiars Ultimate Wipe has just been released in the USA and has received some good initial reviews, but they cost £9.99 each!

I buy all my MF towels on-line from sites such as www.pakshak.com (Hawaii) or the Autopia Forum detailing shop (USA). Another good source is www.exceldetail.com/excelpage4 also in USA.

Alan W

P.S. Through some good fortune I have recently obtained a few extra packs of the Autopia Ultimate Detailing Towels and also some of their excellent waffle weave Ultimate Drying Towels. PM me if you would be interested in buying any of these. (www.autopia-carcare.com/towels---chamois)

[Rick Anderson]

As previously stated, DO NOT use fabric softeners. They impregnate a waxy like coating on the small fibers which will cause the towels to loose their ability to absorb water. It will also leave residue on your paint.

The towels should be washed seperately with medium heat and mild detergent. I prefer liquid detergent, such as Arm & Hammer. I also prefer to run them through the rince cycle three or four times.

If you or your significant other have/has already used fabric softener on the towels, put a few cups of white vinigar in the wash and let them soak for 10 minutes or so. This will remove the left over goo from the fabric softener and also any wax. Run them through a few rince cycles and they will be like new.

[MiniG]

Couldn't you get Kryten to do them?

The tip with the white vinegar is great - That stuff is soo cheap and cleans soooo much! :-)