Wax Polishing Rags - Cleaning

[SgtGigglebox]

Hey guys, kind of a strange question...

What do you do with the microfiber rags that you use to buff the wax off? I've been hesitant to put them in the washing machine, but just buying new ones is getting to be a pain in the ass. I was afraid that the wax may have a detrimental effect on the washing machine as a whole and that the washed rag may no longer be suitable for wax jobs down the road. Not sure what could happen to the rag, but I've been somewhat paranoid about it. I would hate to end up with a rag that "looks" ready to be used again, but isn't.

[ricanbandit]

I buy cheap diapers (cloth) or T shirts. Disposable, work great. But I only wax 4 times a year

[inTgr8r]

I wash them all the time & use a microfiber detergent.
They turn out great.

[Jumbosock]

They become my rags for other things. Oil clean up and tool clean up, etc. I have other projects so this works well. Eventually I throw them away when they are too dirty. They are cheap enough at Costco.

[ANUSTART]

I wash mine too. No issues as of yet. Also, Costco has giant packs of microfiber clothes for, I think, $15. Have been using those for a while now and they work great. If you're hesitant to use them again, retire them to interior or engine bay detailing. I go through at least 4-5 per wash.

Ha! Jumbosock posted as I was writing. So... +1

[mgwatson48]

Use the fluffiest microfibres you can find. DO NOT use tshirt scraps, that will marr the hell out of your paint.

Also, many people don't know this, but you must wash microfibers ONLY with other microfibers and only with microfiber detergent. If you wash them with other terry cloth towels or tshirts, your microfibers will pick up all the excess cotton and become a mess. If you wash them with regular detergent you will eventually break down the microfiber to the point of them not being absorbent anymore.

Hope this helps.

[Swashplate]

Griots has the stuff I like.

[a_riddler]

also don't use fabric softener sheets.

[mike519]

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

Use the fluffiest microfibres you can find. DO NOT use tshirt scraps, that will marr the hell out of your paint.

Also, many people don't know this, but you must wash microfibers ONLY with other microfibers and only with microfiber detergent. If you wash them with other terry cloth towels or tshirts, your microfibers will pick up all the excess cotton and become a mess. If you wash them with regular detergent you will eventually break down the microfiber to the point of them not being absorbent anymore.

Hope this helps.

Bang on. I had been using some decent micro fibre detergent but just ordered some Detailer's Pride MF detergent. Supposed to handle greasy towels a little better. We'll see.

[SgtGigglebox]

Thanks guys. You've collectively answered all of the questions that I was considering (even the ones that were still only bouncing around in my head)... like some sort of Jedi Message Board Mind trick

I've been using the idea of using them and then transitioning them into lessor roles with subsequent car washes, but then I end up with a pile of microfibers that I've been afraid to wash and too stubborn to throw away.

I never really "priced" the towels, but the idea that they were more expensive was stuck in my head. I just ordered these from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...1&s=automotive. At a little over 60 cents a cloth, it certainly seems easier to restrict how many times they're used.

I'll also grab some of the microfiber detergent, armed with the precautions cited.

Thank you all for the help. Seriously, you guys are awesome!

[mgwatson48]

Here's what I use for removing polish/wax:
http://www.autogeek.net/chinchilla-b...oth-combo.html

Here's what I use to dry my car (this thing is a BEAST and just sops up all the water):
http://www.autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html

[SgtGigglebox]

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

Here's what I use for removing polish/wax:
http://www.autogeek.net/chinchilla-b...oth-combo.html

Here's what I use to dry my car (this thing is a BEAST and just sops up all the water):
http://www.autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html

Now, that looks like a microfiber towel worth washing & keeping around! I guess my question would be whether or not using & cleaning this one over & and over for waxing would be better long term than a fresh, albeit much less fluffy rag right out of the original package. How much microfiber degradation have you seen over time?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by ricanbandit

I buy cheap diapers (cloth) or T shirts. Disposable, work great. But I only wax 4 times a year

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I wash them all the time & use a microfiber detergent.
They turn out great.

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

Use the fluffiest microfibres you can find. DO NOT use tshirt scraps, that will marr the hell out of your paint.

Also, many people don't know this, but you must wash microfibers ONLY with other microfibers and only with microfiber detergent. If you wash them with other terry cloth towels or tshirts, your microfibers will pick up all the excess cotton and become a mess. If you wash them with regular detergent you will eventually break down the microfiber to the point of them not being absorbent anymore.

Hope this helps.

+1

Originally Posted by a_riddler

also don't use fabric softener sheets.

+2. You'll ruin the static charge

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

Here's what I use for removing polish/wax:
http://www.autogeek.net/chinchilla-b...oth-combo.html

Here's what I use to dry my car (this thing is a BEAST and just sops up all the water):
http://www.autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html

Awesome towels. I use those along with these:

http://www.autogeek.net/coblallpumit2.html

http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-buff...ber-towel.html

http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-deluxe...ber-towel.html

Originally Posted by SgtGigglebox

Now, that looks like a microfiber towel worth washing & keeping around! I guess my question would be whether or not using & cleaning this one over & and over for waxing would be better long term than a fresh, albeit much less fluffy rag right out of the original package. How much microfiber degradation have you seen over time?

Once clean it is a new towel again. Nothing wrong.

I haven't seen anything wrong with my towels and I'm going 2+ years on 15-20 or so quality towels

[Nate4641]

I see some other autogeeks in here. I also use the waffle towels for drying, great stuff.

OP, check this out though for care instructions.

http://www.autogeek.net/mi101.html

I haven't sprung for the special detergent, but I have used the dye and scent free stuff without issues. Wash them cold and dry low heat.