Microfiber towels

T

ty webb

New member
Hey everyone, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to car detailing, but I've just purchased a new car (2007 WRX) and I've been reading up as much as I can on this site. Before coming here, I had the car for about a month, and in my ignorance, simply ran up to Wal-Mart to purchase a few cleaning supplies. I grabbed a bottle of Meguier's Wash (the purple stuff) along with the NXT detailing spray and a bottle of DuPont Wheel Cleaner.



Anyway, back to the topic. When I bought this stuff, I grabbed a 10-pack of some cheap microfiber towels that were on the rack next to the cleaning products. They feel soft, but after reading this site for a couple days, I've become a little paranoid of everything I'm using. I'm sure all microfibers aren't created equal, but am I risking damaging my paint using these cheap towels? If so, I guess I'll have to search around to see what everyone on here uses, unless anyone has a quick opinion they don't mind sharing. Thanks a bunch!
 
My premium MF towels are Cobra's from AG. I have dedicated Cobra's for windshield, spray waxes, drying towels, buffing off waxes/sealants, etc. etc. These are all different types of MF as well for these purposes.



The cheapest towels I buy are the Orange Vroom towels from Target. They also have a decent pack of grey 4 MF towels that are rather soft.
 
Thanks, I'll look for those online today if I get a chance. Before I found this site, I really had no idea what I was doing (not like I do now, but at least I found a place to get some help). If I'm going to be buying some towels online, is there a preferred site where I can maybe pickup a nice starter package with a couple of products that I can use on my car? I'd like to grab a couple wash mitts, a duster, and some proper wax and polish, along with corresponding applicators. The more I think about it, the more I have to research.
 
They are probably the same as the cheap ones found at Sams Club. A lot of people leave them for interior work, door jams, etc. I use them on my paint, but seeing as how I live in Michigan and know I won't be able to keep a perfect finish, I'm not as worried about the possibility of inducing a few swirls with them. That being said, I try to keep the use of them to a minimum. I have a have dozen good mf's that I'll use, and only go to the cheap ones if the others are dirty, or I'll use them when using a QD if the car has a good coat of wax since I'm doing a light wipe.



As far as online retailers, most any carry similar good towels. From the ones I've checked out, I think www.danase.com (Autopia Sponsor) and Aloha & Welcome to Our Oasis for All Your Auto Detailing Supplies & Accessories have some of the best prices. Both carry a full line of products for detailing.
 
Thanks Grimm for the links, I think I'll pick up some quality towels to be safe and leave the cheap ones for the interior. Even though they are cheap, they still feel pretty soft so I'm sure they'll be fine for that.



MonteCarlo, I don't mind at all, we're all here to share info, and that's a question I've wondered about as well and would like to hear some opinions on.
 
You should wash them before use. I suggest getting plenty of Plush microfibers from either PakShak, Autogeek, and other vendors. Get the waffleweaves for drying too.
 
Here is why mf towels need to be washed.

The first picture the water started off clear. All that is in the bucket is luke warm water nothing else:

microfibercarcloths001.jpg




After the first rinse:

microfibercarcloths002.jpg




I plan on doing two more rinse cycles in luke warm water. Then some liquid detergent to do the final cleaning.
 
ty webb said:
When I bought this stuff, I grabbed a 10-pack of some cheap microfiber towels that were on the rack next to the cleaning products.
Click to expand...



That should be the first clear sign.



When it comes to microfiber, cheap is a bad route to go. It will save you headaches and time in the long run.



I would recommend microfibers from the PakShak Aloha & Welcome to Our Oasis for All Your Auto Detailing Supplies & Accessories



Ranney provides great customer service and his towels are wonderful.
 
this has been discussed many times before, but there are many different microfiber towels by various companies (though they're probably made by all the same place) that are all very high quality. Viking, Cobra, Mothers (the new ultra-soft quick detailing towel is awesome!), Pakshak, Exceldetail (Patrick's customer service is top notch!), CG's, etc, etc.. it just comes down to personal preference (find what YOU like and use it often). if you're in a pinch and want a good mf towel without having to order on-line, go to your local k-mart and pick up the green Viking mf towel, it's just as nice as the previously mentioned...
 
I've got some blue MF towels from Wally Mart and Vroom from Target - no problems from either one. Just be sure that you always use a clean one, I bought two plastic containers at Target - labeled one "clean" and the other "wash me" that way I keep them straight. Don't try to do your whole car with one! And like someone said, you can dedicate some to glass, door jams, etc. Oh yeah, congrats on the new car!
 
I was just about to ask about that. I was thinking I could have some type of line that allowed me to tell which ones where for certain jobs. But I will get rid of the tags.



Ty Webb I would love to see the WRX all clean!
 
One other thing on the cheap mf's like the Sams Club ones I bought is they are terrible for drying. Once they get soaked, they just streak when drying. The nice plush ones I have will dry fine even after being soaked.
 
I'm a big fan of Cobra MF towels. Sure they're more expensive than the Costco or Target brands but when you compare them you can tell the quality is superior. I like to use the cheap ones for drying door jams and stuff like that. Pakshak has quality MF towels for good prices. I love microfiber towels. The only time i use terry cloth anymore is pretty much just to dry tires and windows. Yup
 
All of the vendors mentioned are excellent choices, can't go wrong with any of them.



You might also chech out these 16x16 Elite



I bought a 10 pack in a group buy a while back, I find them to be of comparable quality as the purple Cobra plush. Good quality and good service.
 
hey , just my 2 cents. I use the towels from Pakshak.com. They are incredible, ive had them over a year and still going strong. I highly recommend them. and Ranney is a class act, very good customer service. The prices are very nice too!



Jim
 
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