Product Review: 3D Towel Kleen

[TroyScherer]

Product Review: 3D Towel Kleen







Introduction:

I am always on the hunt for the best cost & performing products for my detailing. When it comes to washing my Microfiber towels though; cost is not so much a factor as performance. I want my towels to be as clean and soft as possible at all times.

In the past I have used Micro-Restore ($35 gal), Chemical Guys MF Wash ($33 gal), BF MF Cleaner ($45 gal). All are good soaps and can get the job done. But when compared to regular “free & Clear� ($10-20) laundry detergent they seem to be way overpriced.

I was given to opportunity to try and test this: 3D Towel Kleen. At only $16 a gallon it is half the cost of the other comparable dedicated MF washes. This piqued my interest as I wondered how a product at half the cost could / would possible stack up against my current choice of MF wash (CG MFW).

Product Description / Claims: (Taken directly from 3D website)

3D Towel Kleen™ is a lemon scented, powerful, “low foam� laundry machine soap specifically designed to tackle the unique tasks of cleaning towels used in an auto detailing environment. Unlike powdered soaps, this liquid detergent flushes completely from your fabrics and will not retain residue within the towel’s fibers. This will ultimately eliminate streaking on windows, paintwork or anywhere else a bare surface is desired and will also extend the towel’s life while maintaining its plushness. 100% safe and formulated to be used with all Micro Fiber, Cotton and even Foam & Wool.

Stop wasting your hard earned money on high priced offerings which can cost up to twice as much as 3D’s Towel Kleen. Are you tired of discarding your precious and costly towels after using them only once or twice? Most “dedicated� towel detergents do an acceptable job of cleaning, but fail in regards to preserving the original feel and softness of your towels. 3D offers a powerful, cost effective laundry detergent solution that is tough on releasing oil based stains and residues from towels, while maintaining their softness and absorbency. Towel Kleen is ideal for releasing soap residues from being retained both on and within your towel’s fibers so you can continue to easily clean your car windows and paint without having to worry about cross-contaminational residue from past uses.

Ever wonder why your home-based laundry detergent isn’t returning your towels to pre-use condition? That’s mostly because these products aren’t designed to tackle the abuse that a car towel goes through. Towels used in a detail related environment are constantly being soiled by dirt as well as tough oil based remnants. Several different kinds of soiling and chemicals can be extracted off and deposited into your towels during the cleaning, drying and sealing stages which can make traditional laundry detergents almost useless. You need a powerful detergent like 3D Towel Kleen to break down and lift away all these troublesome remnants. If not, they can reap havoc on windows, paint, chrome, interior trim and anywhere else a clean and clear surface is vitally important.

Since detailers use towels for cleaning engines, wiping windows, drying of cars after washing and other uses you never know what kind of oil and grime is trapped in the towel fibers. If you happen to use a standard detergent, you are risking not getting rid of the oil and particles from the towels. In that case, your towels that were washed with the wrong detergent (especially dry detergents) may still have trapped oil residue or other abrasive particulates that can cause streaking and/or micro-scratching to your paint. Due to Towel Kleen’s powerful cleaning, rinsing and conditioning ability, these risks are mitigated greatly.

Towel Kleen can be used in all automotive cleaning environments including detail shops, car washes, dealerships, body shops or even by enthusiast detailers looking for the ultimate solution for clean towels. Works great in conventional front and top loading residential as well as commercial washing machines. After using this liquid detergent, you will notice your towels remaining soft and fluffy while lasting longer than ever before. You’ll even be amazed at the transformation it can do on your older worn towels.

Product Details:

Packaging: Clear 1 Gallon square’ish jug

Directions: Fairly Clear. (Could be better if they would call out large / small load size)

Color: Green

Scent: Laundry soap w/ Citrus (Lemon)

Pricing: $15.99 @ 1 gal / $51.99 @ 5 gal

Price per wash using 1 gallon jug: 2oz per wash = 64 washes @ $0.25 per wash.

Directions:

Use only 2 ounces per averaged sized wash cycle. DO NOT OVER USE. Do not use fabric softener, bleach or high heat.



Pro Detailer Tip: Do not wash micro fiber with cotton or other fabrics in same load. Buy separate colored towels and designate for each individual use. For example Green colored for glass, Blue for polishing/waxing, Yellow for windows, etc... Wash towel groups separately if extra caution is sought.

Warnings or Precautions:

• Harmful if taken internally. Wash all contacted skin and eyes with plenty of water. If irritation persists, see a physician .
  
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Testing:

I had built up a pile of towels approx. 3-4 weeks’ worth; that had been used for Rinse-less washing, Waterless washing , and some regular use wash towels that needed to be cleaned. I sorted through them and tried to make a truly fair and even comparison with the same quantity and equally dirty towels.

I took some pictures. But once again decided to do a video review as I prefer the live and honest immediate feedback I can give.











Pros:

• It cleans as good as my current CG MFW
  
• Nice fresh citrus scent
  
• Square’ish jug is more stable
  
• MSDS info is already included on the jug.
  

Cons:

• Shipping Cost (Not a con of the product but it does factor in for me)
  

Questions:

1. Why / How is Towel Kleen ½ the cost of its competitors?

2. How does this compare truly heads up to BF MF Cleaner? The cleaner some hold *** the top of the line in this category. (I need to get some more to complete this test.)

3. What can I do about the shipping costs from Cali?

Final Thought / Summary:

I am truly surprised that Towel Kleen was as good as it was. At half the price I didn’t expect much from it to be honest. But it cleaned the towels as good as my CG MFW, and left them feeling ever so slightly softer. I am planning on continuing this same style of 50/50 test washing on future loads to fully determine if Toewl Kleen will be my new “go-to� product. But at this point 3D Towel Kleen has made a really good impression on me.

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by 3D to test and review.

[TroyScherer]

Shameless bump, for my review...

[Bunky]

Thanks for the review Troy! :biggrin1:

[TroyScherer]

My pleasure Al.