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Our Best Tips for Caring for Your Microfibre Cloths and Drying Towels

The truth is, you can’t properly detail your car without the right tools. Yes, shampoos, waxes, and shine enhancers are all well and good, but what about the materials you’re using to apply them? If you want your microfibre wash cloths and towels to last more than one wash, they’ll need proper care! We’ve received a few questions about the best ways to look after these items, so we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help make them last longer and keep them in the best condition for the job.

Here are our best tips for making your microfibre cloths last longer:

Wash before use – We understand the excitement of wanting to use something as soon as it arrives, but resist the urge! It’s always a good idea to wash new microfibre cloths before their first use. While they should be lint-free right out of the packaging, it’s better to be cautious. New microfibre can sometimes have a finish on it, and depending on the manufacturing process, loose fibres or dust may still cling to the cloth until that first wash.

How to wash them – Use cold water and a liquid detergent when washing your microfibre cloths. Avoid powdered detergents, as the particles can get trapped in the fibres. Fabric softener is a definite no, and (needless to say) never use bleach. Always wash microfibre cloths separately, as they’re designed to pick up everything and may collect lint or debris from other items if washed together. Ideally, wash your microfibre cloths after every use to keep them in top condition.

How to dry them – NEVER tumble dry! The delicate nature of microfibre cloths makes them ideal for use on paintwork, so exposing them to high heat is a bad idea. Instead, they should be spin-dried, which uses rapid spinning to remove water without heat. Tumble drying, on the other hand, uses heat, which can damage the cloth. Microfibre cloths are typically made of 70-80% polyester and 20-30% polyamide, and since polyester has a low melting point, heat drying can cause the fibres to fuse.

A good way to check if your microfibre cloth is damaged is to lay it flat and pour a little water on it. If the water sits on the surface rather than being absorbed, the fibres are fused beyond repair and it’s time to replace the cloth. Also, never leave your towels damp for too long—bacteria can develop, causing a bad smell and slowly degrading the cloth.

*TOP TIP* Pure white vinegar – Adding a splash of pure white vinegar to your washing liquid helps remove any oil build-up from your cloths. While you can buy microfibre rejuvenators or specialised washes, they often contain too many chemicals, so it’s better to use a natural option like vinegar. If you’ve used your microfibre cloth to apply polish or wax, it’s a good idea to soak the cloth in vinegar for a while before putting it through a machine wash.

Store airtight if possible – Ideally, keep your microfibre cloths in an airtight container or at least in a dust-free environment to maintain their cleanliness and effectiveness.

What to do if you drop your microfibre towel – We’ve all seen it: someone drops their cloth on the floor, picks it up, and continues working on their car as if nothing happened. However, the only real solution is to throw it away! Unless you’re prepared to meticulously remove every particle it has picked up, it’s best not to risk it. Paintwork is delicate, and even tiny bits of debris can cause marks. Anything less than perfect paint isn’t acceptable. It’s up to you to evaluate the damage, but be sure to do so carefully.

Generally, if you follow these simple tips, you'll find that you won't need to replace your cloths constantly—unless, of course, you’re frequently dropping them on the floor. These guidelines should help extend their lifespan and ensure they perform at their best. After all, the last thing you want is to undo all your hard work by introducing more swirl marks during the detailing process!

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@autofinesse.com. If you’d like to see any specific tutorials or need tips on best practices, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help!