Washing Microfiber Cloths?

Emoto · 05-24-2019, 01:07 PM

I have a variety of microfiber cloths. Some waffle style, some very thick and plush and some the inexpensive thinner kind.

Can they all be washed in a regular washing machine with liquid detergent and cold water?

What about drying them? Is hang drying best?

I intend to separate them into groups for washing, based on how I have used them. One group will be those that I have only used to dry a very clean car. Another group will be those I have used to dry a motorcycle or a surface not as clean as my Camaro would be (but still pretty clean). A third group would be ones that I have used to dry wheels and the bottom part of rocker panels.

Does it make sense to group them this way?

What other tips might you have to share?

Thanks!

Vtor_ZL1 · 05-24-2019, 01:13 PM

Regular wash cycle, no softener

Low heat dry, no dryer sheets

Many dryer sheets / softeners contain silicone.

Glen e · 05-24-2019, 01:17 PM

Yeah, don’t overthink this… I’ve bought a few of the “special laundry soaps” to be used for microfibers, and always end up going back to a tide pod. Just hot wash them and dry them without a dryer sheet on low, as said above…

I have 24 microfiber towels, not including my drying waffle weave’s, I replace them religiously every 18 months and relegate the old ones to oil changes, household work, giving them to friends etc.…

Gunkk · 05-24-2019, 01:40 PM

+1 to the above...

Machine wash normal with normal detergent, no fabric softeners. I wash them separately from other laundry.
Tumble dry low, no dryer sheets. Inspect dryer first to make sure it isn't full of beach sand or dirt, etc. from prior loads.
Inspect for stuck debris (sticks, bug parts, etc.).
Store in ziplock bags.

KirkH · 05-24-2019, 02:43 PM

I feel that Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash does a better job and is cheaper than regular laundry detergent.

Fabric softener residue can build up on the surface of your dryer. You may notice that the drying towels don't absorb like they used to if they get fabric softener on them. Then it is time to wipe down your dryer with isopropyl alcohol. You'll be surprised how dirty t is.

Emoto · 05-24-2019, 03:05 PM

Does it have to be hot water, or will cold do ok? I don't currently have hot water going to my washing machine...

cbr1100xx · 05-24-2019, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen e

giving them to friends etc.…

Lucky friends......

KirkH · 05-24-2019, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emoto

Does it have to be hot water, or will cold do ok? I don't currently have hot water going to my washing machine...

Needs to be hot water to remove grease, waxes and polishes.

DaveC113 · 05-24-2019, 11:51 PM

+1 for the CG wash, my old cloths were closer to sandpaper than microfiber, got new ones from the rag store + CG wash and they are staying soft so far. I use a front loader, hang dry.

SSport16 · 05-25-2019, 09:56 AM

I like people above, wash them in hot water with Tide liquid, in dryer on low heat. No fabric softners, dryer sheets, etc. My current towels are 2 years old and are in great condition.

05-24-2019, 01:07 PM	#1
Emoto Sure, why not? Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS, Jeep JKU Rubicon Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SE Mass Posts: 1,538	Washing Microfiber Cloths? I have a variety of microfiber cloths. Some waffle style, some very thick and plush and some the inexpensive thinner kind. Can they all be washed in a regular washing machine with liquid detergent and cold water? What about drying them? Is hang drying best? I intend to separate them into groups for washing, based on how I have used them. One group will be those that I have only used to dry a very clean car. Another group will be those I have used to dry a motorcycle or a surface not as clean as my Camaro would be (but still pretty clean). A third group would be ones that I have used to dry wheels and the bottom part of rocker panels. Does it make sense to group them this way? What other tips might you have to share? Thanks! __________________ This is that witty and clever statement that makes you chuckle.

05-24-2019, 01:13 PM	#2
Vtor_ZL1 Who Needs to KNOW? Drives: 18 ZLE Join Date: May 2018 Location: Left Side of the Moon Posts: 1,771	Regular wash cycle, no softener Low heat dry, no dryer sheets Many dryer sheets / softeners contain silicone. __________________ ing for grip. Are you in the NY/NJ/PA/CT region? Join us for autox fun at MetLife Stadium. HUGE lots, tons of runs. http://www.motorsportsne.com/

05-24-2019, 01:17 PM	#3
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,048	Yeah, don’t overthink this… I’ve bought a few of the “special laundry soaps” to be used for microfibers, and always end up going back to a tide pod. Just hot wash them and dry them without a dryer sheet on low, as said above… I have 24 microfiber towels, not including my drying waffle weave’s, I replace them religiously every 18 months and relegate the old ones to oil changes, household work, giving them to friends etc.… __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

05-24-2019, 01:40 PM	#4
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,975 View My Garage	+1 to the above... Machine wash normal with normal detergent, no fabric softeners. I wash them separately from other laundry. Tumble dry low, no dryer sheets. Inspect dryer first to make sure it isn't full of beach sand or dirt, etc. from prior loads. Inspect for stuck debris (sticks, bug parts, etc.). Store in ziplock bags.

05-24-2019, 02:43 PM	#5
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	I feel that Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash does a better job and is cheaper than regular laundry detergent. Fabric softener residue can build up on the surface of your dryer. You may notice that the drying towels don't absorb like they used to if they get fabric softener on them. Then it is time to wipe down your dryer with isopropyl alcohol. You'll be surprised how dirty t is. __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

05-24-2019, 03:05 PM	#6
Emoto Sure, why not? Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS, Jeep JKU Rubicon Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SE Mass Posts: 1,538	Does it have to be hot water, or will cold do ok? I don't currently have hot water going to my washing machine... __________________ This is that witty and clever statement that makes you chuckle.

05-24-2019, 11:51 PM	#9
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 1,866	+1 for the CG wash, my old cloths were closer to sandpaper than microfiber, got new ones from the rag store + CG wash and they are staying soft so far. I use a front loader, hang dry.

05-25-2019, 09:56 AM	#10
SSport16 Drives: 2016 Garnet Red Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5,435	I like people above, wash them in hot water with Tide liquid, in dryer on low heat. No fabric softners, dryer sheets, etc. My current towels are 2 years old and are in great condition. __________________ 2SS Camaro, Garnet Red, Adrenaline Red, NPP, MRC, A8, 5 Split Spoke Bright Silver Wheels (56W) 1100 Status - 7/24/15 (Ordered) 3800 Status - 10/13/15 (Built) 6000 Status - 12/22/15 (Delivered)

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