Microfiber Questions

[prr]

I just bought a 5-pack of some 14x14 inch MF towels (myRide, from Target). I can use them to buff the wax off (I’ll be using Meguiar’s liquid Cleaner Wax, after washing with the Gold Class soap). I also bought a 2-pack MF applicator pad (same brand, myRide).

Question 1: Is there a reason why I should apply the wax with a special applicator pad? Or would one of those MF towels do just as well? Reason I’m asking is that the 5 towels are significantly cheaper, so I’d like to return the applicator pads if I can. Since the towels are different colors, I can easily identify one as a permanent wax applicator if it would make a difference in the future.

Question 2: I have the applicator pad from my last container of carnuba wax. If I do need an applicator pad, is there a reason why I should use a new one? Or would one that has lots of carnuba wax on it do just as well? Its not like its falling apart or anything (if it matters, its from Turtle Wax’ carnuba cleaning wax).

Question 3: I have an old MF towel that has black stains on it, from wiping grime off the car (I know it should have been wiped off before using the towel, but that's that). The section with a stain doesn't feel any different when you rub your fingers over it. Would using that towel do any damage to a wax job, or the paint underneath it?

[Murr1525]

1. It is good to use some kind of pad (with foam) to distribute pressure, so you dont get rub marks, etc. That said, I dont like MF applicator pads either, and prefer smooth foam applicator pads. Probably would have to order those online though.

2. An old one will work fine if it is washed and clean.

3. If you wash it so there are no bits of anything, a stain wont hurt.

[prr]

1. It is good to use some kind of pad (with foam) to distribute pressure, so you dont get rub marks, etc. That said, I dont like MF applicator pads either, and prefer smooth foam applicator pads. Probably would have to order those online though.

2. An old one will work fine if it is washed and clean.

3. If you wash it so there are no bits of anything, a stain wont hurt.

Thanks. I just washed the applicator pad and saw a massive amount of wax squeezed out of it. Based on other threads in this forum, looks like I've been using too much wax.

[imz4n]

Just clean and dry the pad and then use less wax. As you progress in your process, you will end up with several levels of towels. Some that you only use for wax ( cleanest ) some that you use for polish ( next cleanest ) and all others will be used for compounds. You might even have new towels for glass.

[prr]

OK just one more question. I've had chamois cloths to dry after a wash, not sure where they are in my garage now, but they've been used for decades to dry off cars (not mine, but chamois in general). I've also heard folks here on this board say they use some type of "waffle" cloth to dry their car....

What is the best for drying a car after washing it? And does the brand matter?

[Murr1525]

I use my towels for everything... havent seen any bad results from not separating them.

Brand doesnt matter, just want something of good quality.

The waffle weave towel would be like the Meguiars Water Magnet, if you can pull up a picture of that. That style of towel is just for drying, not removing products.

[h_bomm]

Your chamois should be just fine. It sounds like you have plenty of experience how to use it to avoid putting in any unwanted swirls. Quite a few people, myself included, use a waffle weave microfiber to dry. They are kinda how they sound, a microfiber towel with waffle-like pockets to trap water. I see that a lot of people use the "absorber" brand chamois. As far as what is best? It may be a personal preference, I prefer waffle weave, I haven't had good luck with chamois in the past.

[prr]

I saw the hood after the wash, and was unpleasantly surprised at how much grime there still was. I don't blame the Gold Class soap, and I thought I used enough elbow grease, but I'm wondering about the pads that I washed the hood with. I took a small netted sponge that I clean the wheels with, and used that on the hood, and got in in proper shape.

The net seems to be able to catch stuff; is it ok to use it as the everyday sponge to wash with? Or are there other, more specialized products that should be used?

[h_bomm]

Are you using the 2 bucket method? That is, one bucket for soap and one to rinse? That could be a factor. Also, are you using the proper dilution ratio? You shouldn't really need to "scrub" when you wash, just a couple passes with light to moderate pressure should be enough. What kind of wash mitt are you using?

[prr]

Are you using the 2 bucket method? That is, one bucket for soap and one to rinse? That could be a factor. Also, are you using the proper dilution ratio? You shouldn't really need to "scrub" when you wash, just a couple passes with light to moderate pressure should be enough. What kind of wash mitt are you using?

No, I use the 1 bucket, 1 hose method. Bucket to hold soap water. After car has been soaped down, use the hose to rinse the soap water off the car.

I did use 4 capfulls in a gallon of water, just as the label said (Gold Class soap).

I'm not sure what you'd call what I used, though it would be a sponge, not a mitt.

And I just got done applying and buffing off with Meguiars' liquid cleaning wax.

My applicator pad had so much black grease/grime on it I had to stop; after cleaning it, I'll do the lower panels of my doors and the top tomorrow. I was going to do it today, just to get it out of the way, but just couldn't bring myself to rub a pad that was that dirty onto a newly-washed car.

At this point I'm DEFINITELY open to getting a new product to soap the car down with.