Terry Cloth from Pepboys/Autzone the real deal?

**BMW335i** · 03-21-2007, 02:39 PM

Are the generic random brand name terrys at Pepboys and Autozone real cotton? Basically are they safe to use.

**sixty7mustang22** · 03-21-2007, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by BMW335i

Are the generic random brand name terrys at Pepboys and Autozone real cotton? Basically are they safe to use.

For interior and engine cleaning.

I never use microfiber to clean engines or interior. I keep those for paint only. You can also use the terry ones to apply dressing to the extrior trim.

So, they are great for that type of stuff.

I wouldn`t use them on your paint though.

**noooorb** · 03-23-2007, 07:13 PM

Yes they`re safe. Before there was microfiber people used terry cotton towels.

**medic159** · 03-24-2007, 09:53 AM

I`d be very careful if I were you. You don`t know where they are getting these towels and it`s entirely possible the foreign supplier claims them to be all cotton when they aren`t.

**3Dog** · 03-24-2007, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by noooorb

Yes they`re safe. Before there was microfiber people used terry cotton towels.

And the market for glazes was huge!!

**BMW335i** · 03-24-2007, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by DFTowel

I`d be very careful if I were you. You don`t know where they are getting these towels and it`s entirely possible the foreign supplier claims them to be all cotton when they aren`t.

I picked these up from Autozone. Viking seemed like the better brand.

**mikebai1990** · 03-24-2007, 10:16 AM

LOL, why is the picture backwards

I believe Viking has a pretty good reputation around here. Their drying towels and washing mitts are highly regarded.

**BMW335i** · 03-24-2007, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by mikebai1990

LOL, why is the picture backwards

I believe Viking has a pretty good reputation around here. Their drying towels and washing mitts are highly regarded.

Sorry, took the pic from my Mac`s built in camera.

**Accumulator** · 03-24-2007, 12:17 PM

A few years back somebody here tested applicators..terry, MF, foam, etc. They all passed the marring-test, no problem. But I and others have marred paint something awful with terry that *should`ve* been soft enough...it`s a crap-shoot.

If something`s gonna touch paint I`d CD-test it. No, the test isn`t perfect but I`d rather err on the side of caution and without *some* sort of test you`re simply testing on your paint.

But I generally don`t touch paint with cotton terry any more, there are better options.

**medic159** · 03-24-2007, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

...But I generally don`t touch paint with cotton terry any more, there are better options.

Well you know I`ll disagree with that!

If you have a terry towel, or any other weave for that matter, and want to determine if it`s really cotton or polyester do a burn teast. Pull some threads out, take a match to them and smell and observe the result. Use this chart as a guide.

**Accumulator** · 03-25-2007, 11:15 AM

DFTowel- Heh heh, well, yeah..and *you* know that there are exceptions to my rule

But there sure seems to be a high risk of marring with so much of the cotton terry on the market.

I`ve marred (admittedly very soft) auto paint with towels that *did* pass the burn test (the reserged Charismas that used to be so popular come to mind).