washing microfiber towels, wax applicators etc.

[e34john]

So after you guys do a detail how do you guys clean everything? I had a bunch of cotton diapers, microfiber and wax applicators and I threw everything into the washer on hot and set it to rinse twice but now the washer smells like rain-x, leather cleaner and all sorts of waxes and polishes.

Its those shitty economical washers too so I can't just set it to run a full load so I will have a bunch of water to rinse everything out.

[delatlanta1281]

I wash everything in my washer, but I use the microfiber detergent from Griots. It greases up my washer, but I then run a quick cycle with some bleach.

[Bishop]

Microfiber is the only thing to go through the wash, and ONLY if there's no fabric softener in contact at ALL with them during wash / dry.

I hand scrub / wash and then let air dry my polishing pads, wax applicators, VRT applicators, tire applicators, etc. etc. etc.

Hand wash in warm water with some Adam's All Purpose Cleaner after letting them soak for an hour or two:

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-121-adams-all-purpose-cleaner.aspx

I use mirco-restore from Detailer's Domain, 1 gallon jug for washing all my microfiber:

http://www.detailersdomain.com/micro-restoremicrofiberdetergent1gallon.aspx

[e34john]

I had to run the washer cleaner cycle too.

I will go back to hand washing everything, I just had so much from a few different jobs that just piled up. I'll see if Napa has anything I can use to wash everything otherwise I'll have to order that stuff online.

I guess my main concern is cross contamination. My microfibers smell like Rain-X; really solvent or chemically even after 2 rinses, would it be safe to still use that to polish the car's paint.

Also going to have to go to home depot this weekend to get a drying line set up under my automotive cabinet cause my dryer stinks too.

[Bishop]

I would suggest ordering the micro stuff anyway, don't wanna damage your towels and make them worthless. The APC from Adam's can probably be substituted, but it's what I use.

[delatlanta1281]

Home Depot actually has a whole bay of MF and like items in their janatorial aisle. They may actually sell a compairable cleaner. The aisle is usually in garden, or next to paint. it has all the brooms and mops, the bay is blue and green. I need to walk stores tomorrow, so i will make a note to look for a cleaner while I am in one.

[e34john]

Bishop is there different grades of Microfiber? I just get the stuff when its buy one get one free at Target so its like 7 bucks for 10 probably 16x16 or so sized towels. And I have a ton of mini ones that Shell Gas was giving away for a while.

Gonna check that out Del. You work at Corporate? I was at the Depot for like 5 years

[Bishop]

Yeah there's different grades and definitely different qualities. If you want good stuff, the BOGO stuff from Target won't cut it (except for door jams in my eyes). I've bought all my Microfiber from Detailer's Domain (granted I'm a little more invested in my stuff since I'm trying to detail cars to make some money).

As for different grades, just skim through their microfiber section and you'll see they have different types for different jobs. Towels made specifically for windows and glass, waffle weave towels specific for drying, then there are some super plush ones, regular microfiber, etc... and all in different sizes.

[delatlanta1281]

I only use the griot's as of right now. I really really like their stuff.

[e34john]

Cool, I will keep that in mind when I have a car that doesn't have a 50 dollar paint job. Thanks. I
'll probably step it up a little after I get my paint resprayed.


Do you use leather chamois for drying, or is that old school? I am the only one I know that still uses them cause I like the smell. Thats something I pay for the better quality ones but it seems synthetic towels work way better because I have those too.

[Bishop]

Chamois is old school, buy at least 2 of those big waffle weave towels I mentioned. They're awesome.

I'll use a chamois every once in a while when I don't happen to have my microfiber with me (my paint is already swirled and the chamois isn't going to make it worse at this point). Once I spend the time to tackle my car and really dig into the paint to make it as perfect as I can (I doubt the previous owner EVER had the car detailed or polished or anything like that....) I'll go back to using nothing but microfiber to touch the car. Sure it's old, but once you get the paint to shine w/ no swirls, it's worth the extra cost to keep it looking good and not reintroducing swirls.

[dreamer420]

i detail professionally... i use a chamois every time i dry a car. 100% real leather chamois are great, but i find them to stick to themselves too much(which annoys me) so i like to use a high quality synthetic leather chamois.
as for my towels, ive never had a single issue just washing my towels normally. ill set it for largest load, and also do 2 rinses. only my microfiber and window towels go in, sometimes others if nothing too much is on them.

as for wax applicators, tire sponges, etc. like every one else said, hand wash em.

also, my paint is finally at its 'best' and i still use chamois and even worse things on it. if you maintain your car properly, swirling from chamois drying shouldnt be an issue...