Reusing Microfiber Towels

[Carolina08]

This is something I've always wondered so I figured I would go ahead and ask.

Once a microfiber towel is washed correctly (washing machine) after being dropped and touching the ground, is it safe to use again for waxing/polishing/buffing, or does it need to be thrown out?

[tkill]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I'm interested to see what others have to say about this.

Sometimes my microfibers get bits of leaves, etc in them (even if they haven't been dropped) and even after several washings bits of the leaves or other debris are still visible in the microfibers. I could probably pick it out piece by piece but that would take forever. So I just put those in a separate plastic bin to be used on things other than the paint or glass.

This means that I tend to go through a lot, so I buy them in bulk at Sams Club probably 2-3 times a year.

[Buck91]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I've found my microfibers come quite clean after a machine wash with warm water and a cycle through the drier on low.

[brendan1234]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I usually wash them by hand and it gets all the dirt out

i then just hang dry

[dixie_boysles]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I reuse mine all the time. no problems here

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I think the answer is...it depends.

Generally washing does a great job of cleaning the microfibers. But, if it has been dropped and gotten lots of fiber like crud in it, that remains after washing...I would move the microfiber to being used for something other than paint (like on the interior) where you are not worried about scratches.

Sometimes stuff gets caught between the fibers and does not come out well. You definitely don't want that to be used on your paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

Cant throw out my Supreme Shines and Ult. Wipes every time... I try to lay them on clean towels on the table, and pick out stuff if I have to.

[DogParkGuy]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

NO; throw them out. Even better - send them to me and I will dispose of them.

[Guitar280Z]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

Mine are color-coded for its use; dark colors for the "dirtier" parts of the vehicle, and lighter colors for the more sensitive areas. I keep them in small plastic tubs with the purpose marked on the side& lid. I also poked a few holes in the lid for air, so they stay dry (you don't want mold/mildew/etc.) I also keep some in large zip-lok bags for long-term storage (buy some when you find them on sale.)

[Top Gear]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

Throw away a magic rag? Never! I've only dropped one maybe once or twice, but I just shake them out thoroughly, crumple/fold them differently, or put that one aside, and I wash them pretty regularly. Using different colors helps a lot. I got two sets of the blue, brown and white ones from advance auto, and a yellow amazing one comes with the Meg's clay kit. So, I use browns for brake dusty wheels or removing product after the DA, blues for drying clean surfaces or buffing, whites for finishing products or buffing, and the yellow one from Meg's only for QD and QW.

[mpiersd]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

Same here. Blue car, blue microfiber for body panels. White or yellow for windows. Gray for wheels. Green for interior surfaces.

Mine are color-coded for its use; dark colors for the "dirtier" parts of the vehicle, and lighter colors for the more sensitive areas. I keep them in small plastic tubs with the purpose marked on the side& lid. I also poked a few holes in the lid for air, so they stay dry (you don't want mold/mildew/etc.) I also keep some in large zip-lok bags for long-term storage (buy some when you find them on sale.)

[Jason In MN]

Re: Reusing Microfiber Towels

I just dropped one last night. I have a wash basin in the garage, so I rinsed it with water, added a tiny bit of dish soap and lightly scrubbed it using a toothbrush, rinsed it, and put in the laundry to wash with all the other microfiber towels. I have 4 sets (color coded): drying, detailing, engine, and interior. Always wash drying and detailing apart from the engine and interior.