washing instructions?

[Alfa]

Ok after i've done a detailing job on my car, i'm left with a load of towels, wash mitt, water magnet etc each containing seperate products on each. i.e. one towel never used for more than one product.

now since i'm only getting into detailing my car is filthy so the towels are filthy, like carpet cleaning etc.

i need to wash all the towels, wash mitt, etc. what i want to know is can i wash all of them together in the washing machine?

I know not to use fabric conditioner and not to use to hot a wash as it may damage the micro fibre cloths. but i want to know

1 can i wash all together in one go?
2 any other special precautions?

all the products are meguiars except the leather cleaner and conditioner which is auto glym.

[the other pc]

Wash microfiber and cotton separately. They get clean if you do them together but your microfibers will get covered with lint.

I separate them into three groups, microfibers, cottons and gross stuff. Right now the gross stuff is mostly cotton used on tires, wheels, engine bay, etc. Maybe if I start demoting some microfibers to gross stuff status I'll have to do four groups.

Don't wash towels or applicators that are saturated with dressings with your "good" towels.


PC.

[Alfa]

you wash your applicators?

why?

[soonercivic]

if you dont wash the applicators you will get built up residue and product trapped in there. That just leaves unecessary risk of scratches. You need a nice clean pad to apply then evenly without causing damage. i rinse mine in the sink first to get a majority out, then i throw them in the washing machine for the rest. The last thing i want is my washing machine waxed and clogged.

[Alfa]

That's another thing how does it effect the washing machine, i.e. all waxed up and breaking down?

I'm guessing that the detergent i use in the machine will break down the wax and other products on the stuff i frow in it.

Anyone know? Plus with living in the UK are our detergents likely to differ from the states?

I use Ariel Colour in liquid form if that's any assistance.

[soonercivic]

Originally posted by Alfa
That's another thing how does it effect the washing machine, i.e. all waxed up and breaking down?

I'm guessing that the detergent i use in the machine will break down the wax and other products on the stuff i frow in it.

Anyone know? Plus with living in the UK are our detergents likely to differ from the states?

I use Ariel Colour in liquid form if that's any assistance.

thats why i rinse mine first, just to be safe. the detergent will break it down though, and the amount of product that you will actually have in the washer will be minimal even if you dont rinse it. the consistency is similar to a liquid soap. I have never heard of that particular soap, but most soaps have the same principle.

[rusty bumper]

I don't claim to be an expert on this matter, but if you use a quality detergent (Like Tide) and warm water, the wax & such should break down without causing problems with the washer or water pump........Just my opinion here.

I also like to add a booster to my wash (Oxy Clean), to ensure the detailing products break down properly in the wash cycle, and I like to use white vinegar in place of a fabric softner.

I found that white vinegar will cut through any leftover detergent residue........We even use it with the house laundry.

I wash Hi-Tech hand applicators in the washing machine................But I only hand wash the foam buffing pads, and that is just occasionally.

[black240sx]

I sometimes add ammonia to the wash. It works very well to cut through wax.

Usually I will soak the really dirty cloths in a bucket with laundry soap and ammonia beforehand. Then I rinse them out and wash them with the other cloths.

[Alfa]

Thanks for all the replies.

From now on i will soak everything in a bucket with strong detergent and agitate it regular before throwing it into the machine.