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    Woob's Avatar
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    <span style="font-size:24px;"><u><span style="color:#000000;">Ultimate Microfiber Towel Care Guide</u>
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">How do you clean microfiber towels? Microfiber towel care is by far the most important maintenance for your cleaning supplies.`Great quality microfiber towels can last up to 500 washes if properly cared for. However, polyester and polyamide fibers are very sensitive to improper cleaning regimens. Spoiling hundreds of dollars worth of towels can happen at any moment.`In this microfiber care guide we will review:
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">how not to care for your towels[*]<span style="color:#000000;">the available detergents on the car detailing market[*]<span style="color:#000000;">proper drying procedures[*]<span style="color:#000000;">the importance of white vinegar as a rinse agent[*]<span style="color:#000000;">proper task separation of each microfiber you own[*]<span style="color:#000000;">occasional “boiling water” reset procedures[*]<span style="color:#000000;">small-scale hand washing procedures[/list]

    This guide is for ALL types of microfibers and pertains to any car hobbyist or any detailer of any level.`I firmly believe that proper maintenance is more important than even the QUALITY of the towel you own.`This guide is really meant to help create a database of proper approaches to cleaning your microfibers. At the end of the day, just make sure you have a good setup.


    `


    <span style="font-size:18px;"><u><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="margin:0px;">How NOT to Clean Microfiber towels: </u>


    `


    <span style="color:#000000;">NO FABRIC SOFTENER, BLEACH, & DRYER SHEETS
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Bleach and softeners eliminate static charge. Softeners deposit a coating on the fibers which lead to loss of absorbency, cleaning power, and streaking.


    <span style="color:#000000;">NO CROSS CONTAMINATION OF TEXTILES
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Microfibers are not to be washed with any cotton or textiles of any sort,`strictly microfiber loads`(applicator, bonnets). Cotton, or say steel wool, will simply detach their fibers and destroy the fibers by filling them with lint. If you happen to cross mix: try the`Boiling Method`and decontaminate your microfibers with a few washes. This MIGHT aid the problem.


    <span style="color:#000000;">NO IRONING
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Microfibers should not wrinkle unless very wet, usually they flatten and are absorbent. If you fold into each microfiber into quarters you should have no problems.
    <div style="margin:20px 0px;color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="margin:0px;">Proper Microfiber Towel Care
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#1 Separate<span style="margin:0px;font-size:1.17em;">`your microfibers`by<span style="margin:0px;font-size:1.17em;">`Task & Purpose[/list]

    <span style="color:#000000;">You should have 3`group of towels:`paint delicates, all-purpose, and specialty. Paint friendly towels (Quick Detailing, Buffing, Drying) are the most delicate since they are the only objects touching your paint.` Non paint towels would include all-purpose (wheel jams, wheels, metal work, engine), and interior towels. These are essentially downgraded towels not meant for delicate surfaces. Specialty towels such as glass, waffle weaves, and suede can be also separated.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#2 Pre Treat & Inspect your Washer & Towels[/list]<p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">You can use an`all-purpose cleaner`to spray on exceptionally dirty spots. Inspect your laundry load to ensure light or heavy microfibers are not cross contaminated with non microfiber towels or exceptionally grimy towels.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">You may create a heavy APC/Chemical solution to pretreat towels and dwell them`overnight or for 1 hour. Use`<span style="color:#000000;">Meguiars Super Degreaser<span style="color:#000000;">,`<span style="color:#000000;">Optimum Power Clean<span style="color:#000000;">, Charlie Soap Laundry Detergent/All Purpose Cleaner.
    <span style="color:#000000;">Pretreat your washer with a quick white vinegar or laundry cleaner such as`<span style="color:#000000;">Charlie Soap<span style="color:#000000;">`to remove any residue in the laundry washer.
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#3 Hot Water Wash[/list]

    <span style="color:#000000;">I recommend`120F to 200F. Korean manufacturers suggest you wash at 60 Celcius. Just make sure the water is WARM to HOT.`Consumer laundry machines are unable to melt the fibers (the temperature to melt polyester is 500F), so don’t be afraid to use mild to hot temperatures. Heat does ensure the release of dirt and contaminants. Extreme high heat can cause shrinking of polyamide or polyester, however most household water heaters do not exceed 140F.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#4 Chose a “Free” Detergent[/list]

    <span style="color:#000000;">You will want a`clean “free” rinsing detergent,`no powders`that leave residual crystals,`no bleach, no softener, no perfumes. You may add all-purpose cleaners or degreasers such as Optimum Power Clean or Super Degreaser. Try to avoid harsh alkaline cleaners.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;">Use about half the recommended amount of normal detergent, less is more.`1 – 2 Ounces`per Standard Laundry Microfiber Load,`observe manufacturer recommended dosage.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Most specialized microfiber washes are degreasers with scents to be more consumer friendly.`MicroRestore has surfactants and emulsifiers to remove stains. As well it contains water softeners to reduce mineral deposits. `MicroRestore is simply a strong modified degreaser (specifically it’s a modification of a garage degreaser and wheel cleaner, no cause for concern however).`


    <span style="color:#000000;">Household Cleaners:`Tide Free, ERA, OxyClean, All Free & Clear


    <span style="color:#000000;">Boutique Cleaners:``<span style="color:#000000;">Micro-Restore<span style="color:#000000;">, Charlie Soap, Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash, Pinnacle Micro`Rejuvenator,`Detailer’s`Pro Series Microfiber Cleaner, 3D Towel`Kleen, Blackfire/Wolfgang
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#5 Use White Vinegar (pH 2) with an Extra Rinse Cycle[/list]

    <span style="color:#000000;">White Vinegar is a`natural softener`and`rinse aid`due to the`acetic acid`that breaks down any leftover residue from detergents or chemicals. White Vinegar has been used in the past as a natural softener and natural multipurpose cleaning chemical.` It has many applications such as water spot removal and chemical cleaning.


    <span style="color:#000000;">1 Teaspoon per Towel in the`Rinse Cycle.`Most people just add`1/2 cup to 1 Cup`per load.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Some distributors do not recommend the use of vinegar in`frequent or large doses`in your washing routine since it can leave residue that induces repellency. Too much will give you a crust like effect on your fibers.


    <span style="color:#000000;">An extra rinse cycle`is good; both`before and after your microfiber load. Before you start your microfiber load, run white vinegar in a quick rinse cycle to remove any prior detergents or residue. For your final cleaning regimen, run white vinegar again to ensure no detergent, waxes, residue, or chemicals remain in the fibers.
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">#6 Line Dry or Low Heat[/list]

    <span style="color:#000000;">While your residential laundry dryer cannot melt your microfibers, (some distributors believe so, but again the heat index is not possible by normal equipment)`high heat overtime reduces the life of your microfiber significantly.`Due to the high electrical charge that occurs when drying on high heat, microfibers are seriously damaged and lose their natural absorbency properties.`Tumble dry or delicate dry your microfiber loads. The best practice is to simply line air dry. If you use a dryer, microfibers dry significantly faster (1/3 time wise) so be careful.
    <div style="margin:20px 0px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="margin:0px;">Microfiber Tips & Warnings:
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Color Bleeding:`It is common to have color bleeding after the first or second wash. This doesn’t compromise the cloth since the dyes are filtering out. You may want to separate each color.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">First Wash: It is preferable to wash your microfibers before their first use to ensure no contaminants from the factory or transportation remain.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Drop it, Demote it: If your happen to drop your microfiber during your detail, simply throw it aside. Grains of dirt, sand, or contaminants become attached to the microfibers and should be washed right away. Pollen and leaves are also dangerous. Overtime some microfibers do get saturated with dirt and grime, I suggest demoting these to all-purpose tasks such as wheel or interior duty.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Storage:`it’s best to store you microfibers so that no dirt or contaminants can be absorbed. Store the microfibers using zip lock bags or in plastic containers after a wash.[/list]<p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;">The Boiling Method (212 F)
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Boiling water`breaks down the build up`of chemicals, wax, sealants, cleaning products in the fiber.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Korean manufacturers have`recommended the use of “boiling”`microfibers to ensure any of the dyes or contaminants from the factory are fully gone.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Be careful of boiling timetables,`limit up to`20 minutes. May fade dyes.[/list]<p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;">Have Microfiber Streaking or No Absorbency Issues?
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">If you find water sits on the fibers as blobs or beads or the microfiber “pushes” water, most likely you have a case of`cross contamination. Fibers were either contaminated with the wrong chemical, such as an improper detergent or softener.`Boil`you microfibers and redo your washing regimen.[/list]<ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Inadequate cleaning regimen can occur if your`not using pristine laundry washer, which is leaving chemicals in microfiber. Also`too much detergent`will have an affect.[/list]<p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;">Restoring Damaged Microfibers – Flash Method
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">If you detail in a large amount there will be a time to reset or restore your microfibers. Essentially this method is a mix of the boiling/pretreat trick:[/list]
    1. <span style="color:#000000;">boil hot water, get a large container, and dump the microfibers into the container
    2. <span style="color:#000000;">add general cleaning chemicals (like Optimum Power Clean ), dump hot water, simmer those microfibers
    3. <span style="color:#000000;">empty out, rinse the towels thoroughly
    4. <span style="color:#000000;">start your normal laundry routine. Repeat if needed.


    <span style="color:#000000;">`Small Microfiber Load? Hand Wash them!
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">If you have a small quantity of microfibers, you may wash them by hand:
    1. <span style="color:#000000;">Find a clean sink or bucket, ensure clean by rinsing with an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar
    2. <span style="color:#000000;">Fill appropriately with HOT water.
    3. <span style="color:#000000;">Scrub microfibers with small amount of detergent or cleaner
    4. <span style="color:#000000;">Empty water, fill with water and vinegar.
    5. <span style="color:#000000;">Rinse microfiber
    6. <span style="color:#000000;">Hang Dry
    <div style="margin:20px 0px;color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`


    <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="margin:0px;">Proper Car Microfiber Towel Care
    <div style="margin:0px 0px 30px;text-align:center;font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;color:#008000;">


    `
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">No Bleach, Softener, or Ironing.[*]<span style="color:#000000;">1 Teaspoon of White Vinegar per Towel[*]<span style="color:#000000;">1 to 2 oz of “free” Detergent per Standard Microfiber Load[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Wash Only with Non-Linting Microfiber[*]<span style="color:#000000;">Treat as Delicate with Tumble or Hang Dry[/list]

    `

    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;"><span style="color:#000000;">I recommend`<span style="color:#000000;">Charlie Soap<span style="color:#000000;">`since it is a dedicated special laundry detergent that removes harmful additives within most laundry detergents.`<span style="color:#000000;">Micro-Restore is a great specific cleaner<span style="color:#000000;">`for microfiber towel care.`Just clean your microfibers often and immediately after usage so the chemicals can’t linger within the fibers.`We find inspecting each towel before placing into an organized sealed environment really helps isolate any contamination that can occur. We prefer to use a towel in a light manner and to constantly wash to properly ensure a long lifespan. Proper microfiber towel care may seem intensive and laborious, however remember fibers are the only items that touch the delicate surface of your vehicle.`Treat these towels like they are diapers for your baby. Would you wipe your finish or even your skin with something scratchy, dirty, or filthy? Remember the microfiber towel care breakdown:
    <p style="color:rgb(136,136,136);font-family:`Helvetica Neue`, Helvetica, Arial;font-size:13px;">`
    <ul>[*]<span style="color:#000000;">pre-treat and inspect microfibers[*]<span style="color:#000000;">add clean “free” detergent[*]<span style="color:#000000;">use hot water to release dirt[*]<span style="color:#000000;">add vinegar for an extra rinse agent[*]<span style="color:#000000;">air dry or tumble dry[/list]<p style="margin:0px 0px 4px;">`
    <p style="margin:0px 0px 4px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Questions or suggestions, hammer away! This guide is meant to inform. Whatever method you use be careful with your towel care maintenance.

  2. #2
    Forza Auto Salon David Fermani's Avatar
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    Awesome thread! Thanks for posting it. Perfect additional to the Autopia Guide to Detailing!`
    Metro Detroit`s leader in cleaning, preserving & perfecting fine automobiles!

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    Best post on this topic I have ever read!

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    Woob's Avatar
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    Many thanks! And a vote for sticky status!

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    HeavenlyV6's Avatar
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    Nice write up Brandon.

  6. #6
    Woob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by heavenlyv6



    Nice write up Brandon.

    Thank you sir.

  7. #7
    Detail Impressions Detail Impressions's Avatar
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    Thank you, vote for a sticky!

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    Thanks for the tips. Very helpful.


    One question: What is the CD test? I`ve seen references to it here but no definition. And it`s difficult to search for since "CD" is too short to search for.

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    dmath- The "CD Test" is using the data side of a CD as a test surface; if the item in question can be rubbed against that surface without marring it then it`s probably OK for use on average-hardness auto paint.


    `


    Be sure to "test it as you use it", i.e., if it`s a wash medium test it wet with shampoo mix; if it`s a drying medium wet the CD and try to dry it.` Use your normal technique, don`t cheat and do anything unusual in hopes of getting it to work OK (if anything, test it with less-than-perfect technique and try to make the test harder).

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    So you`re saying that if the MF doesn`t remove the data from the CD then it`s safe to use on my car?


    `


    Sorry, couldn`t resist. `Thanks for the clarification. `I thought it was something like that but wanted to be sure.

  11. #11

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    Heh heh...I think you`re the first person to post that here! So here`s your

 

 

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