Washing Rags

[redhotchevy2000]

hey guys, i have a bunch of microfiber rags for waxing, along with a lot of cotton terry, and applicator pads... whats the best way to wash them out and be able to re-use them? machine wash? --clorox bleach? detergent? what is the best way to bring them back to that just bought clean?

BTW im talking like i have about 100 of these babies... because i live on campus in a dorm, i can only wash them when i go home... or when i have money to wash them...

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: Washing Rags

Well the way i do it is i throw them all in the washer and wash with HOT water, for detergent i use tide liquid. Just make sure you dont use powdered detergent, because the detergent particals can get stuck in the fibers and they can scratch the paint. Also dont use a detergent that has fabric softener, it will take away the micro fibers static charge, which is what makes micro fiber so good at picking up dust. just air dry them when your done washing or tumble dry on low heat.

[Lydia]

Re: Washing Rags

Also dont use a detergent that has fabric softener, it will take away the micro fibers static charge, which is what makes micro fiber so good at picking up dust.

Is that really the reason for not using fabric softener? I always thought you weren't supposed to use it because it left a film on the MF, which would transfer to the car.

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: Washing Rags

hum, that could be a reason too, it could be both.

[derek37]

Re: Washing Rags

you know, no offense, those "rags" you speak of should be considered as important as any other tool you have. In the professional realm, we use towels, MF towels, not rags.

To each his own.

[redhotchevy2000]

Re: Washing Rags

i never said they werent important... they are the most important thing i use... i meticulously go through every one and make sure there is no particles in them after every wash... and before i use them again... the ones that have some minor particles, or a rough feel... are used for the interior and glass... i call them rags as a whole because i have some cheap old hand towels, terry towels and other misc parts like wash mitts and stuff in there... as of tonight i have 124 "rags" 65 of them are MF, 30 are Terry, 4 are large MF, 10 are for wheels and tires, 5 are wash mitts, and 10 are applicators.

i dont use fabric softener either... but is bleach bad? i want to get them as clean as possible and i think the bleach would strip all chemicals from them... opinions?

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: Washing Rags

I dont know if it is ok to bleach them, hang in there and maybe some one will chime in with a definite answer.

[benhui86]

Re: Washing Rags

i just throw them in the washing machine and use regular laundry detergent

[the other pc]

Re: Washing Rags

Pretty much every microfiber supplier I've ever seen says the same thing; "no bleach, no fabric softener." The instructions that come with Meguiar's towels certainly do.

Also, don't wash your microfibers together with cotton towels, unless you want your microfiber towels to be permanently covered with cotton lint.


PC.

[bubba57-chevy]

Re: Washing Rags

I use a product called Microrestore. It is formulated for microfiber towels only. Use the product in the washing machine, add a half cup of vinegar to the rinse, rinse twice and dry on low heat. Some say to add tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the towels, I haven't done that yet.

[Lydia]

Re: Washing Rags

I don't know if bleach would help, but vinegar is supposed to help cut grease/wax and restore fluffiness as far as I know.

[redhotchevy2000]

Re: Washing Rags

thanks for the info guys... i was apprehensive about the bleach as well but i thought because it takes out stains, it would take out wax and grease as well

[Lydia]

Re: Washing Rags

I don't think bleach works that well to take out grease or wax. As far as I know, it's not that kind of cleaner. A detergent is the thing that is needed to remove grease or wax.

[BlueZero]

Re: Washing Rags

If you have some that have a lot of wax or grease in them try soaking them over night in some water with dawn dish soap. Works great for breaking down the wax. I just soak them in a 5 gallon pail, or you could use a sink. I would stay away from the bleach.

[Jeepster04]

Re: Washing Rags

I always wash mine in groups depending on what type and how dirty they are. I use HOT water and liquid tide. Our washing machine is also a front loader.

Ever so often(Ive only done this once), I will take a huge pot full of boiling water and around a 1/2cup of vinegar in it. I will boil the towels a few min then throw them in the washer on rinse. That seems to clean them out really good and gets all the old wax outta them.