I got some MF towels recently, and they're great. Been using the ONR and am pretty pleased with how well it works.

After washing my car, some of the towels had a fair amount of junk in them. From dirt and grime on the car, to little leaves, etc. I got the chemical guys microfiber cleaner, and washed the towels in a small hot wash using that. They came pretty clean, but some particles are still attached to the towel, and they have some dirt marks on them still.

Should the towels come out perfectly clean, or will dirt from 1 washing permanently discolor the towels? Also, any advice for getting the small things like leaves, twigs, etc out of the towel? Im thinking maybe the grit guard would help. I used a 2 bucket system, but didnt have anything rough to rub the towel against

 

Micro fibre Care
Proper care is simple; to ensure your towels and buffing cloths provide long-term use, wash them frequently after every use and as soon as possible, in a liquid soap (Micro Restore) in hot 120oF< (48oC <) water, add a teaspoon per towel distilled white vinegar, the vinegar doesn't coat the fibres but instead works to eliminate detergent residue (do not use fabric softener) in the rise cycle, and finally a thorough cold rinse. Always wash micro fibre separately and only with other micro fibre fabrics. Use the hot setting on dryer, (your towels will not melt) no softener sheets
Regardless of material type or quality, a dirty micro fibre, or a 100% Cotton towel will scratch, micro fibre has attractant properties, that is dirt, dust, and various other substances cling to it, which is one of the reasons that it works so well, but it is also a reason why you need to be extra careful when using towels on your paint
Before using micro fibre towels for the first time;
· Remove labels / tags
· Check for towel colour fastness before washing
· Wash towels before using
· Wash / Rinse after using and before you use a different product (i.e. don’t use to remove polish and then apply wax)
· Always wash towels separately from other fabrics using hot water
· Use a mild liquid detergent (or a speciality product like Micro-Restore) without softener, bleach, whiteners, etc
· Half the washing detergents manufacturers suggested amount is usually sufficient
· During the rinse cycle, add 1-tsb per towel white distilled vinegar to help dissolve detergent and hard water minerals
· Do not use fabric softeners or sheets
· Drying – air dry or use medium heat in a tumble dryer (adding plastic dryer ***** will help plump up the fibres)
Always wash towels as soon as possible after use, the longer they sit the more the contaminants will set do not use bleach (bleach will shorten the life of your micro fibre) Read the label on the detergent bottle and use half of what they recommend and use hot water (120oF) Washing Liquid and Vinegar (50/50) to clean-out the machine drum
Heated water breaks down water-soluble soiling faster as it reduces overall chemical usage because it reduces the surface tension of the fibre and will better dislodge wax and other particles. Heat acts as a catalyst promoting quicker reactions between chemicals and the soil thereby minimizing dwell time.
· If the towel still tends to ‘streak’ boil the towels in a water / distilled white vinegar (1/4-cup) solution for at least 20 minute, this will soften the fibres, and release any wax / polish residue. This will also release any lint, which will actually come to the surface of the water. Pre-soak in a liquid detergent / water and then squeeze out wax/polish with your hands and rinse thoroughly.
· Allow micro fibre towels to boil for twenty (20) minutes (ensure that water does not fully evaporate) you will find that more wax / polish residue comes out even after a towel has been thoroughly washed.
· Empty out the water and then remove the towel, don't do it the other way or you'll re-introduce debris to the towel again.



Media Cleaner / Scrubber
Designed to act as a wash board in a 5 gallon bucket, this bi-directional movement of product is great for removing particulates from brushes, sponges, mitts, etc. This helps greatly reduce the risk or scratches your finish! It also keeps your washing tools away from the dirt at the bottom of the bucket - Danase Dirt Dropper

 

Thanks. I actually saw that and followed it, washing them before using and again after. I was just surprised that not all of the dirt came off the towel after a wash. Maybe I should try a normal detergent instead of this chemical guys mf wash. I def need some sort of scrubber too.

The only detergent I have right now is that Tide Totalcare (?) which has all kinds of stuff in it, so it probably isn't best for these. I'll try the vinegar trick too.

 

Here's a link to our microfiber care guide, TOGWT pretty much nailed it all, but there are a few more tips in there.

Cheers,

George