How to wash microfiber towels - GT Shine

How to wash microfiber towels

Properly caring for microfiber towels is an important step to maintaining a scratch-free shine on any vehicle. 



Washing and drying microfiber your towels properly ensures it will last longer, stay softer, and produce better results when detailing. Washing your towels incorrectly can ruin your towel collection and lead to poor results when detailing. 



The following is a complete guide on how to properly wash and dry your microfiber towels. If you follow these steps, your microfiber towels will stay soft and last longer.

  • In the world of microfiber, there are many different types of towels for everything from interior detailing all the way to wheels and engine bays.

    All these different towels encounter unique types of dirt and contamination when working around the vehicle. Microfiber towels that are used for cleaning wheels are going to be dirtier than towels used to clean windows.

    Before washing your microfiber, it is good practice to separate your towels into specific groups such as interior, windows, wheels, exterior, engine bays, etc.

    Washing your towels in separate groups reduces the change of cross-contamination during the washing process.

    If you wash your waxing towels and your window cleaning towels in the same load, wax residue can become embedded in the window towels and can cause streaks when cleaning glass.

    To ensure microfiber is washed properly, make sure to separate towels before washing.
  • Choosing the correct microfiber wash solution is important to maintaining the condition of your microfiber.

    We recommend only using a microfiber specific washing solution to achieve the best results when washing your towels and microfiber goods. Microfiber wash is designed to safely remove dirt and contamination from your microfiber without harming the material.

    If you do not have access to specialty microfiber washing detergent, no problem, we recommend using a small amount of non biodegradable laundry detergent. Non-bio detergents do not contain enzymes (enzymes are made to break down fats and grease - they're not good for microfiber).

    DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER! Fabric softener clogs the fibre material and reduces microfiber performance. Fabric softener blocks liquids from being absorbed by the microfiber material. Always use a microfiber specific wash solution for best results.

    To soften up your microfiber products and help to remove waxes, distilled white vinegar is a great additive that is 100% microfiber safe.
  • Now it’s time to wash the microfiber. Place all your microfiber products in the washing machine. Select “Warm” for the water temperature. Washing microfiber with warm water opens the fibres to release dirt and contamination.

    For the speed setting, select “regular” to properly clean the dirt out of the microfiber goods. Add 1 oz. to 4 oz. (depending on load size) of microfiber wash to the machine. Press start and allow the machine to do the work.
  • Now that the towels are washed, it is time to dry the microfiber. Hang drying is the safest method to dry microfiber as there is less risk of melting the fibers.

    Hang dry your microfiber products indoors, away from any airborne contaminants like dust or dirt. Once dried, the fibers may be stuck together and hard. To soften them, gently rub the microfiber between your hands.

    If you prefer to machine dry, set the temperature to “low”. Do not dry microfiber products on high heat.

    Using high heat on microfiber can fry the polyester in the microfiber, causing the microfiber to feel stiff and hard. Microfiber that is dried on high heat can lead to scratches and swirls when used on paintwork. Dry microfiber products on low heat for the best results.
  • Once the towels are dry, properly fold and store the microfiber towels for the next detailing job. Microfiber towels can easily hold dirt and dust.

    To ensure they stay clean, store the towels in a clean cabinet or container.

    Storing the towels properly can ensure that no dirt, dust, or debris lands on your towels and you can achieve better results when detailing any vehicle.

    Before its next use, always remember to inspect your towel. It might be freshly washed and stored correctly but you never know if an abrasive particle has made its way into the microfiber. Safety first.

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