How to Care for Your Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels are a staple in any detailing operation. These towels are used for cleaning, buffing, waxing, and more. Microfiber towels will last longer and give you better results when cared for properly. If you care for them incorrectly, you might as well start throwing them away after every use.
Separation Needed
When using microfiber towels in your detail shop or home garage, you should separate the towels based on use. Separation helps avoid cross-contamination of chemicals and ensures you don't use the wrong towel during application. When separating your towels, keep your compounding towels in one pile, the ones used to clean wheels and engines in another, the ones for glass in another, etc. You can pick up a few laundry baskets and label them, so the whole shop knows. It's also important to keep cotton towels and other materials out of a microfiber load. Only wash microfiber with microfiber.
Soap It Up
When washing microfiber, you want to use a microfiber material-specific wash. The Malco® Microfiber Refresh is specifically formulated to clean and refresh all types of microfiber cloths. This formula has no added scent, softeners, or bleach and will not leave residue behind. Microfiber Refresh will restore your towels and detail cloths to like-new condition.
The Machine
Products like Microfiber Refresh are safe to use with any residential or commercial washing machine, including HE and front-loading washers. Always use warm water to help release the dirt trapped in the towel. Add 1 oz. of detergent to small loads, or 2 oz. to large loads. For extra soiled towels, an extra soak cycle will often help remove soils and loosen chemicals from your towels.
One important note: Don't use fabric softener on microfibers. It will clog the material and ruin the towel.
Drying
It is always recommended to machine dry microfiber cloth – you don't want to try them like bed sheets on a clothesline. Keep the dryer on low heat only. Higher heat can cause the towel to stiffen, ruining it.
Storage
Now that the towels are clean, store your microfibers in a clean container, so they won't succumb to dirt before being used again. Just be sure the towels are thoroughly dried before putting them away. You don't want mildew forming after you've done the laundry. Another tip is to retire microfiber towels that become too heavily soiled and ones you've used with a ceramic coating.
Taking care of your microfiber isn't complicated. But you have to be sure to follow the proper care instruction to see positive results. Remember, clean, high-quality microfiber towels are just as critical as the chemicals you're using.