MF Towels ... Lifespan ...

[Luster]

I probably have 200 MF towels.

The brand new ones, of course, are reserved for applying and taking off wax or sealant products.

The mid range towels, I use for interior cleaning, and lower body panels.

Low end demoted towels, are reserved for engine bay, wheels, rocker panels, etc.

How often do you purchase new towels for your fine paint work?

(For me, it's about every 3 months, with a total lifespan of about 9-12 months. Then they go in the "rag pile".)....

 

[Beemerboy]

Luster

Funny that you write this I was ordering some yesterday for a gift and gave thought if I needed some for myself.

I do about the same as you on the rotation of the towels. I buy when the sales are on for the most part, or I"m mkaing an order and see a buy. Great buy is PB seconds work towels. I have about 100 towels at this point and that seems to be more than enough for me.

I've only swtiched over to 100% MF towels this year so I have not reached the rag pile stage with mine yet.

 

[keeotee]

How can you tell when they are no longer useful or "worthy" of being used on the paint?

 

[CharlesW]

How can you tell when they are no longer useful or "worthy" of being used on the paint?

That's easy.
"When the wolf howls by the light of the moon in the dark of the night..."
Sorry, but I just couldn't resist.

In my case, the first MF towels I bought from PakShak about three years ago are still in good enough shape to use for any paint project.
I have never been able to get myself to use any of my MFs for a grunge job. I still have about 50 to 100 cotton terry towels that do the dirty jobs.

Charles

 

[Luster]

How can you tell when they are no longer useful or "worthy" of being used on the paint?

I usually compare them to a brand new MF. They tend to not be as soft, because of a number of factors. Losing fibers, dirt/stain retainage, getting thinner, collecting of debris that doesn't wash out, etc.

I use my MF towels for wax application and removal, car washing, car drying, Quick detailing, etc.

Therefore, my MF's are filthy when I'm finished with them (road dirt, tire sling, salt, sand, muck ... ... ... I'm a little hard on MF towels!)

 

[keeotee]

That's easy.
"When the wolf howls by the light of the moon in the dark of the night..."
Sorry, but I just couldn't resist.

Charles

That's ok - I got a good chuckle out of that.

 

[Anthony A]

I have many MF towels that are 3 + years old and work fine. If they don't marr the paint they are fine to use.

 

[Poorboy]

I have many MF towels that are 3 + years old and work fine. If they don't marr the paint they are fine to use.

me too :yes:

 

[Mr. Clean]

Bill, I'm suprised with your towel inventory you have been able to "wear out" any towels. What kind of rotation do you use? I have a similarly sized inventory and have a problem working some into the lineup. I use mine for both automotive and household chores. With the exception of some of the early NicSand (remember them?) and Concordia which have thinned out noticeably, these towels are probably 3-4 years old, I haven't managed to wear out any of my towels. Yes, I have some which are stained, but their performance hasn't been effected. FWIW, I have some which are approaching 6 years.