Accumulator
Well-known member
kartoon said:
Well, I won't go *that* far...some (clean) cheap MFs definitely *do* mar the admittedly soft paint on my Jag. But then a hard *look* will mar that thing
Microfiber lie
- Thread starter 49er
- Start date
Well, I won't go *that* far...some (clean) cheap MFs definitely *do* mar the admittedly soft paint on my Jag. But then a hard *look* will mar that thing
topnotchtouch
New member
49er said:
I have to wonder what he used to wash the towels. Could it have been with a dry powder detergent? I can't imagine even the cheapest of microfiber towels scratching glass unless there was some kind of foreign object embedded in the towel.
Can you elaborate on exactly how you washed the towels?
wannafbody
wannafbody
WalMart has plush microfibers 2 for $4 or so in the automotive section-similar to the large drying towell
White95Max
New member
I also have been using WalMart microfibers to wash and dry my car all winter long. I have noticed a *few* light scratches on my car now that I can wash it outside and take a close look at the panels in the sun.
I think your towels were not washed properly.
After EVERY time I GENTLY used the MFs on my paint:
Rinse MFs
Fill bucket with Woolite and warm/hot water.
Add MFs to the bucket one by one, swirling each one in the water before adding the next.
Let MFs soak for 30min-1 hour.
Vigorously swirl them in the water again.
Fill another bucket with straight warm water.
Take one MF out of the soapy water, and rinse it under the faucet. Then squeeze the water out, and rinse it in the straight water bucket.
Squeeze the water out, and hang to dry.
BTW I only used them on my paint to see if they would scratch. I have white paint, so even if they did scratch a lot, nobody would be able to see them anyway. I am going to be getting a different car soon, and if it's a darker color, it won't see any MFs other than my ExcelDetail MFs.
I think your towels were not washed properly.
After EVERY time I GENTLY used the MFs on my paint:
Rinse MFs
Fill bucket with Woolite and warm/hot water.
Add MFs to the bucket one by one, swirling each one in the water before adding the next.
Let MFs soak for 30min-1 hour.
Vigorously swirl them in the water again.
Fill another bucket with straight warm water.
Take one MF out of the soapy water, and rinse it under the faucet. Then squeeze the water out, and rinse it in the straight water bucket.
Squeeze the water out, and hang to dry.
BTW I only used them on my paint to see if they would scratch. I have white paint, so even if they did scratch a lot, nobody would be able to see them anyway. I am going to be getting a different car soon, and if it's a darker color, it won't see any MFs other than my ExcelDetail MFs.
Before introduced to Ranney and Patrick, I also started out with Wal*Mart and CostCo MFs. No problems on 17 year old extra-soft Honda clearcoat:nixweiss
Look to see if the scratching approximates your wash technique or your product removal technique (they should differ, if only slightly). Also, side mirrors are VERY delicate! My sister scratched one of hers while I wasn't watching using some glass polish to "remove" water spotting.
I don't think anyone is begging you to remain in the MF club, but keep an open mind about the damage:xyxthumbs
Look to see if the scratching approximates your wash technique or your product removal technique (they should differ, if only slightly). Also, side mirrors are VERY delicate! My sister scratched one of hers while I wasn't watching using some glass polish to "remove" water spotting.
I don't think anyone is begging you to remain in the MF club, but keep an open mind about the damage:xyxthumbs
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use microfiber to WASH the car!!!!!!!!!!
Microfiber doesn't release the dirt you're picking up when you wash. That's the whole idea about mf... it's split fibers pick up and hold dirt!!
Use a sheepskin mitt. The wool releases the dirt a zillion times better than the mf.
MFs should be used only for product removal/buffing and drying.
Jason
Microfiber doesn't release the dirt you're picking up when you wash. That's the whole idea about mf... it's split fibers pick up and hold dirt!!
Use a sheepskin mitt. The wool releases the dirt a zillion times better than the mf.
MFs should be used only for product removal/buffing and drying.
Jason
White95Max
New member
I have 2 MF wash mitts from ExcelDetail, and that's all I use to wash cars. They rinse out VERY clean in the 5gal bucket. A vigorous swishing in the bucket gets them looking like new every time.
The whole reason I gave up on using anything else is because they rinse out so clean. If I had a mitt full of dirt I wouldn't wipe the car again with it.
The whole reason I gave up on using anything else is because they rinse out so clean. If I had a mitt full of dirt I wouldn't wipe the car again with it.
Thanks for the comments. I cleaned the car during winter months at a coin operated car wash. I didn't use the brush.
Technique for washing in cold weather 32F or colder.
1 Large low nap microfiber bath towel from walmart kitchen section.(used for soak up excess water and wiping dry salt and dirt from lower half of car)
2 medium waffle weave white kitchen microfiber from walmart (wiping mirrors and windows)
2 medium 1 blue 1 yellow plush kitchen high nap microfiber towels from walmart.
(clean off water and final drying towel)
First rinsed with water, then soaped the car with high pressure hose then rinsed all of the car with clean water. Takes 3 minutes.
As it dried i wiped the car windows and side mirrors first with two WW microfiber white kitchen towels one wet another dry from Walmart.
Secondly droped large blue microfiber (small nap) on trunk to soak up excess water (did not wipe with towel) then wiped dry with yellow plush smaller kitchen microfiber towel from walmart. Worked my way towards the roof and hood with same technique.
Once the large towel is wet i used it to clean off excessive salt and dirt on the lower door panels, plastic bumpers rear front then wiped dry with clean yellow plush kitchen microfiber towel from Walmart. Then i wiped with car which i may have missed with the clean dry blue kitchen microfiber towel to get any water that might be running down the side panels, rims and door jams etc...
I understand my technique of washing is not the best way to wash the car but in the dead of winter it's better then a car wash.
In the summer or late spring my technique changes to a bucket wash and meguiars car soap and a sheepskin washing mit and a garden hose. Also i may use a leaf blower to dry if enough beeding is on the car and is easily removed, other then that i used 2 or 3 100% cotton towels to dry the black car.
As for protection wax or polish the car had a meguiars liguid 26 put on in late January and the car was not covered with snow all winter long. Only time it was dirty was from road puddles and dry salt road film. Kept away from the slush and snow all winter long. Before winter the car was detailed once very well when i bought it in July and waxed continuosly every month leading to November with Megs 26 and 9 glaze.
So with all the scratches maybe the early detail work from the dealer covered them and now with the high pressure wash wiped away the real look of my car possibly. I did buy some Zaino 5 to polish the other car which was outside taking a lot of punishment ice, snow car nylon brushes etc....
I may need scratch X from Meguiars to cover all my marks and go with the Zaino 5 to finish it up. Should i buy a pc or a polisher is the question?
Technique for washing in cold weather 32F or colder.
1 Large low nap microfiber bath towel from walmart kitchen section.(used for soak up excess water and wiping dry salt and dirt from lower half of car)
2 medium waffle weave white kitchen microfiber from walmart (wiping mirrors and windows)
2 medium 1 blue 1 yellow plush kitchen high nap microfiber towels from walmart.
(clean off water and final drying towel)
First rinsed with water, then soaped the car with high pressure hose then rinsed all of the car with clean water. Takes 3 minutes.
As it dried i wiped the car windows and side mirrors first with two WW microfiber white kitchen towels one wet another dry from Walmart.
Secondly droped large blue microfiber (small nap) on trunk to soak up excess water (did not wipe with towel) then wiped dry with yellow plush smaller kitchen microfiber towel from walmart. Worked my way towards the roof and hood with same technique.
Once the large towel is wet i used it to clean off excessive salt and dirt on the lower door panels, plastic bumpers rear front then wiped dry with clean yellow plush kitchen microfiber towel from Walmart. Then i wiped with car which i may have missed with the clean dry blue kitchen microfiber towel to get any water that might be running down the side panels, rims and door jams etc...
I understand my technique of washing is not the best way to wash the car but in the dead of winter it's better then a car wash.
In the summer or late spring my technique changes to a bucket wash and meguiars car soap and a sheepskin washing mit and a garden hose. Also i may use a leaf blower to dry if enough beeding is on the car and is easily removed, other then that i used 2 or 3 100% cotton towels to dry the black car.
As for protection wax or polish the car had a meguiars liguid 26 put on in late January and the car was not covered with snow all winter long. Only time it was dirty was from road puddles and dry salt road film. Kept away from the slush and snow all winter long. Before winter the car was detailed once very well when i bought it in July and waxed continuosly every month leading to November with Megs 26 and 9 glaze.
So with all the scratches maybe the early detail work from the dealer covered them and now with the high pressure wash wiped away the real look of my car possibly. I did buy some Zaino 5 to polish the other car which was outside taking a lot of punishment ice, snow car nylon brushes etc....
I may need scratch X from Meguiars to cover all my marks and go with the Zaino 5 to finish it up. Should i buy a pc or a polisher is the question?
MongooseGA
New member
I think I found your problems.
You need to use a mit to actually rmove the stuff from the car. Putting on soap won't take off dirt; it needs agitation. Second, you can't wipe dry salt off the car. That's like rubbing the salt into the paint.
You might also invest in some towels actually made for car, not counter tops.
White95Max
New member
Yes buy a PC.
When I said I use Walmart MFs, I meant the ones that are in the automotive section. I wouldn't count on the kitchen towels to not scratch paint.
When I said I use Walmart MFs, I meant the ones that are in the automotive section. I wouldn't count on the kitchen towels to not scratch paint.
imported_memnuts
New member
PC will make life a lot easier.
Do some research on polishing a finish with a PC. There several sources. Here is one for starters: www.bettercarcare.com by DavidB. Excellent article
Also check out the Autopia e-book. :xyxthumbs
I think LoweJackson also has a great article on PC and polishing from a couple of years back that is excellent. Maybe someone will chime in and give you the thread.
Do some research on polishing a finish with a PC. There several sources. Here is one for starters: www.bettercarcare.com by DavidB. Excellent article
Also check out the Autopia e-book. :xyxthumbs
I think LoweJackson also has a great article on PC and polishing from a couple of years back that is excellent. Maybe someone will chime in and give you the thread.
I will bet money that much of the marring you see is from this step:
Wiping anything abrasive on your paint will cause marring. It is worsened when you are using something that does not allow the dirt/salt/etc. to work its way up into the pile. Instead, the abrasives remain on the surface and in contact with your paint.
Wiping anything abrasive on your paint will cause marring. It is worsened when you are using something that does not allow the dirt/salt/etc. to work its way up into the pile. Instead, the abrasives remain on the surface and in contact with your paint.
Thanks for the comments. I cleaned the car during winter months at a coin operated car wash. I didn't use the brush.
Technique for washing in cold weather 32F or colder.
1 Large low nap microfiber bath towel from walmart kitchen section.(used for soak up excess water and wiping dry salt and dirt from lower half of car)
2 medium waffle weave white kitchen microfiber from walmart (wiping mirrors and windows)
2 medium 1 blue 1 yellow plush kitchen high nap microfiber towels from walmart.
(clean off water and final drying towel)
First rinsed with water, then soaped the car with high pressure hose then rinsed all of the car with clean water. Takes 3 minutes.
As it dried i wiped the car windows and side mirrors first with two WW microfiber white kitchen towels one wet another dry from Walmart.
Secondly droped large blue microfiber (small nap) on trunk to soak up excess water (did not wipe with towel) then wiped dry with yellow plush smaller kitchen microfiber towel from walmart. Worked my way towards the roof and hood with same technique.
Once the large towel is wet i used it to clean off excessive salt and dirt on the lower door panels, plastic bumpers rear front then wiped dry with clean yellow plush kitchen microfiber towel from Walmart. Then i wiped with car which i may have missed with the clean dry blue kitchen microfiber towel to get any water that might be running down the side panels, rims and door jams etc...
I understand my technique of washing is not the best way to wash the car but in the dead of winter it's better then a car wash.
In the summer or late spring my technique changes to a bucket wash and meguiars car soap and a sheepskin washing mit and a garden hose. Also i may use a leaf blower to dry if enough beeding is on the car and is easily removed, other then that i used 2 or 3 100% cotton towels to dry the black car.
As for protection wax or polish the car had a meguiars liguid 26 put on in late January and the car was not covered with snow all winter long. Only time it was dirty was from road puddles and dry salt road film. Kept away from the slush and snow all winter long. Before winter the car was detailed once very well when i bought it in July and waxed continuosly every month leading to November with Megs 26 and 9 glaze.
So with all the scratches maybe the early detail work from the dealer covered them and now with the high pressure wash wiped away the real look of my car possibly. I did buy some Zaino 5 to polish the other car which was outside taking a lot of punishment ice, snow car nylon brushes etc....
I may need scratch X from Meguiars to cover all my marks and go with the Zaino 5 to finish it up. Should i buy a pc or a polisher is the question?
P.S I wash the microfiber towels without the tags attached with warm to cold water depending how dirty the towels are and use Zero liquid detergent in the machine wash. Hang to dry sometimes find soap film on when hanging to dry. Once i used stain remover spray over heavy dirt spots. The white ww towel seems to turn blue from washing all the towels together.
Technique for washing in cold weather 32F or colder.
1 Large low nap microfiber bath towel from walmart kitchen section.(used for soak up excess water and wiping dry salt and dirt from lower half of car)
2 medium waffle weave white kitchen microfiber from walmart (wiping mirrors and windows)
2 medium 1 blue 1 yellow plush kitchen high nap microfiber towels from walmart.
(clean off water and final drying towel)
First rinsed with water, then soaped the car with high pressure hose then rinsed all of the car with clean water. Takes 3 minutes.
As it dried i wiped the car windows and side mirrors first with two WW microfiber white kitchen towels one wet another dry from Walmart.
Secondly droped large blue microfiber (small nap) on trunk to soak up excess water (did not wipe with towel) then wiped dry with yellow plush smaller kitchen microfiber towel from walmart. Worked my way towards the roof and hood with same technique.
Once the large towel is wet i used it to clean off excessive salt and dirt on the lower door panels, plastic bumpers rear front then wiped dry with clean yellow plush kitchen microfiber towel from Walmart. Then i wiped with car which i may have missed with the clean dry blue kitchen microfiber towel to get any water that might be running down the side panels, rims and door jams etc...
I understand my technique of washing is not the best way to wash the car but in the dead of winter it's better then a car wash.
In the summer or late spring my technique changes to a bucket wash and meguiars car soap and a sheepskin washing mit and a garden hose. Also i may use a leaf blower to dry if enough beeding is on the car and is easily removed, other then that i used 2 or 3 100% cotton towels to dry the black car.
As for protection wax or polish the car had a meguiars liguid 26 put on in late January and the car was not covered with snow all winter long. Only time it was dirty was from road puddles and dry salt road film. Kept away from the slush and snow all winter long. Before winter the car was detailed once very well when i bought it in July and waxed continuosly every month leading to November with Megs 26 and 9 glaze.
So with all the scratches maybe the early detail work from the dealer covered them and now with the high pressure wash wiped away the real look of my car possibly. I did buy some Zaino 5 to polish the other car which was outside taking a lot of punishment ice, snow car nylon brushes etc....
I may need scratch X from Meguiars to cover all my marks and go with the Zaino 5 to finish it up. Should i buy a pc or a polisher is the question?
P.S I wash the microfiber towels without the tags attached with warm to cold water depending how dirty the towels are and use Zero liquid detergent in the machine wash. Hang to dry sometimes find soap film on when hanging to dry. Once i used stain remover spray over heavy dirt spots. The white ww towel seems to turn blue from washing all the towels together.
MongooseGA
New member
You just posted an exact copy of your last post?
:nixweiss
:nixweiss
SilverLexus
Super Enthusiast
I have to agree with some of the comments on MF mitts. I tried MF mitts last summer for a few months and found they were micromarring my finish. Sheepskin is the way to go. I prefer ExelDetail's light sheepskin. :xyxthumbs
Thanks for the links and input. Sorry about the double post edit. As far as good microfiber towels the kitchen ones at Walmart are as good as ones posted on this site for cars. The comment i made about the large low nap towel soaking the water off the car. I only streach the towel on top of the hood, trunk, roof i don't rub just peal it off the car. By the time i finish drying the top of the car only small water drops are left on the side, the large towel is saturated with water and is wet enough to pull off dirt and salt. The towel is large enough to fold many times to have a clean area touch the cars paint. If i remember microfiber holds dirt in allowing the individual fibers not to scratch the paint correct?
EnduroExpertFSR
New member
still not wise to be dragging towels over paint while paint is dirty and no water besides wet towel is involved
White95Max
New member
49er said:
Are you trying say that the quality of MFs from our preferred vendors is equal to the quality of WalMart kitchen microfiber?
Yes MF is supposed to draw dirt into the fibers to hold it away from the surface.
A picture is worth a thousand words but all I can say is "you're kidding, right?" You can not compare nap-ness, plush-ness, or overall quality from a picture. Also, your "peel-off" technique is nowhere near QEW. The purpose of QEW is to break the surface tension and suspend the dirt off the paint.