Micro Fiber towel cleanup

[doh!]

Hi All,

I had a big car detailing weekend and then I had a bunch of micro fiber towels and applicator spunges that needed cleaning. I used ColorX, NXT tech wax and Supreme Shine Protectant. What is the best way to clean the towels and spunges? I thought about just tossing them in the washing machine, but I have one of those front loading, water saving ones that isn't likely to use enough water to get them clean.

In the end I rinsed them in multiple bucket of warm soapy water until the water stayed mostly clear and then put them in the washing machine.

Is there an easier way to do it? Or is that just what has to be done?

Thanks,
- Greg

[roushstage2]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I run mine with hot water on the heavy duty (fast) cycle, some APC, Woolite and a small squirt of dish soap, extra rinse with vinegar, continue to rinse if needed until there is no soap (only happens if you used too much) and dry on high. None of mine have fallen apart after about 4 years or so.

[CieraSL]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I've posted this in a few threads:

I soak my applicators (and sometimes microfibers) in some water and Greased Lightning Blast degreaser overnight and then rinse them out really good. They come out almost like new! You can find Greased Lightning Blast at Wal-Mart (at least that's where I get mine). Costs a little less than $4 for an almost 68 oz. bottle. You might try that and see if it helps.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

Wash mine in the washer with dye,perfume free soap. Dryer on medium heat. Every 4-5 months rejuvenate them by adding vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Never use fabric softener on them Not the liquid added to the washer, or the sheets in the dryer.

[02zx9r]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

is doing a vinegar rinse every couple of washes over doing it?

[roushstage2]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I usually do it every wash.

[02zx9r]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

ok no worries then, thanks

[harshest]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I soak my microfibers in a bucket of Dawn for a few hours, rinsed them out and the put in the washer with dye free detergent, set on extra rinse and then dried in the dryer set on delicate.

As for foam applicators I just rinse them out in a solution of Dawn and water and rinse with clean water.

So far so good.

[doh!]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

Why do people use vinegar?

[rgcurtis]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I normally soak mine in the same water I washed the car with I put a dash of dish soap or Power Purple (degreaser) in when I am done. That way I don't waster the wash water and get my rags clean without trashing the washing machine. Then I just wash and dry them. I have had rags last me for several years.

[Mr Miyagi]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

I've got a front loader as well. I wash them on the hottest water temperature with along with the pre-wash and power wash cycles. Takes nearly 2 hours for the cycle to complete..the just dry in the dryer. Like others said NO fab softener, and don't use detergent with dyes or perfume.

[02zx9r]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

Why do people use vinegar?

Supossed to be like a rejuvinator to help open up the hairs and remove wax and product built up in the towel.

[kaptain_zero]

Re: Micro Fiber towel cleanup

Why do people use vinegar?

Vinegar is acetic acid, the opposite of soaps and detergents which are bases, thus it tends to neutralize any traces of soap or detergent. It also helps dissolve minor mineral/soap scum buildup thus making the towels softer and more absorbent.

Regards

Christian