How To Wash Your Microfibre Cloths

Keep your cloths and towels clean and conditioned the right way...

Microfibre cloths and towels, not to mention having enough for the task in hand, are an absolute detailing essential. In fact, we all know they're used in just about every detailing process. So, it makes sense that caring for your accessories in the correct way is crucial, not just for safe detailing, but for your wallet, too.

The good news is that by using the best detailing products, and as long as they haven't come into contact with tyre dressings, ceramic coatings or solvent-based tar and glue removers, you can clean and recondition your microfibres and use them over and over again. Here's the easiest way to to keep yours in tip top condition…

Cleaning Your Cloths Like A Pro…

Step 1- Sort Them Out

It's always best to divide up your cloths in to short and plush/long pile microfibres, this will help them clean through more thoroughly. It's also a good idea to wash your Drying Towels, such as our Aqua Deluxe or Silk Drying Towels separately, simply because these won't have been exposed to any detailing products in the first place. This will ensure they're not exposed at all.

Step 2 - Hand Or Machine Wash?

The truth is that you can do either, hand washing is useful if you have only a few cloths. On the other hand, you can build up quite the pile during any full detail, so using a washing machine can be preferable. It's certainly the easiest way.

Put your cloths in the washing machine, but don't overdo it and cram hundreds in there. Half a normal load is about right for the best clean.

Step 3 - Get The Right Cleaning Products

The first rule of washing your cloths is to use the right detergent. Never use regular washing powder as this can often leave undissolved powder deep within the microfibre material. These sharp powder particles can scratch sensitive surfaces when you next use them. Liquid detergents can be used to clean effectively, but we always recommend using a specialist microfibre cleaner and reconditioner, such as our Micro Wash Microfibre Detergent. These are specifically designed for the job, and the best way to keep the material itself in the best condition over extended periods.

Unlike washing your clothes or towels at home, never add in household fabric conditioner when cleaning microfibre cloths for cars. Again these can leave softener residue in the material which may interfere with your cleaning products the next time you detail your car.

Pour 2-3 capfuls of Micro Wash (about 50mm) into the washing liquid tray.

Step 4 - Keep The Temperature Down

Microfibre material is basically made from millions of split plastic fibres, it's these that hold on to water molecules and the grime itself as you clean your car. These fibres are extremely soft but, being plastic, they can melt when exposed to excess heat. When the fibres melt they tend to clump together and can become sharp enough to scratch surfaces. This is why it's important to keep the temperature down when you wash, and never to use a hot tumble drier to dry any microfibre towel, cloth or accessory.

Instead put your machine on a fast spin wash, at no more than 30degC. The fast spin will help to remove the majority of the water after washing.

Step 5 - Hang Them Out

We've already covered why using a tumble drier is not good idea here. So, when your washing machine has finished, all that's left is to hang your cloths somewhere clean to tair dry at room temperature. Only once your microfibres are completely dry, they can be folded ready for re-use.

What's Next?

And that's how you can keep your microfibre cloths and towels in tip top condition, and ready for any detailing task. Why not take a look at our top detailing bags and storage solutions for keeping them safe between details, too?

In the meantime you can also check out the Guides Section Of Our Blog for more top how-tos.