How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

[EPHIOS]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I use nothing but microfiber towels on my car!

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

Well, from what I have been reading, 70% polyester/30% polymide (70/30), are more expensive to make. I know one does the cleaning and the other does the polishing, I just can't remember which one is which.

Great! Thanks for the info!

[EPHIOS]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I've read about different percentages of polyester and cotton for MF towels - 70/30 and 80/20 - does anyone know the benefit of one opposed to the other? Mostly I've seen the 80/20s advertised as "drying" towels.

Well, from what I have been reading, 70% polyester/30% polymide (70/30), are more expensive to make. I know one does the cleaning and the other does the polishing, I just can't remember which one is which.

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I've read about different percentages of polyester and cotton for MF towels - 70/30 and 80/20 - does anyone know the benefit of one opposed to the other? Mostly I've seen the 80/20s advertised as "drying" towels.

[EPHIOS]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I try to use as much mf towels as I can, when detailing my car. I have many different types or brands of mf towels. I have ones for all-around (including for glass and trims), touch-ups (for quik detailers), claying (SS mf is excellent), buffing the wax-off, and interior. The lower quality mf, I use liquid detergent that non-dye and non-perfume. For the higher quality mf, I also use the same liquid detergent, but this time I hand-wash it and air-dry it ONLY!

[beautechnique-scott]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

i think to date i have around 30 average MF's, 5 poorboys, 7 chemical guys, 1 dodo towel and a whole load more various ones..........about 50 in total.
all washed on cold and air dried, tumble drying drys them out and makes them stiff and harsh.
if you can get MF's cheap or they are good value and quality for money buy them as you will always find use for them.

[ziggo99]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I just use Woolite and do a dual rinse on cold water and air dry.
But I probably got at least 25 MF's around. Good stuff, better than the old towels we have in milk crates. So old...

[akimel]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

My guess those who have actually experienced problems with powered detergents are probably just using too much soap...more is not better...even liquid. The more you add the more you have to rinse.

It is better to wash twice (run cucle again) rather than just trying to add extra detergent assuming it will clean better.

I know that our MOL microfiber expert, dftowel (Leo Cerutti), recommends less liquid detergent than recommended on the bottle. I add a little vinegar to the first rinse cycle and then run a second rinse cycle.

[Bunky]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

My guess those who have actually experienced problems with powered detergents are probably just using too much soap...more is not better...even liquid. The more you add the more you have to rinse.

It is better to wash twice (run cucle again) rather than just trying to add extra detergent assuming it will clean better.

[maikolo]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

The more the merrier, I have all my mircofibers in diffrent colours just so i know whats for what.

[Ultraman]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

I agree that you can never have too many MF towels. I use the freshest MF towels for buffing and removing waxes. The older MF towels are used for washing, and the really old ones I use to remove dirt and grime from the wheels.

[Eddie6th]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

The paint on the below 1956 Ford F150 is a single stage urethane and was easily scratched if you were not careful.






2006 Mosler with an easily scratched clear coat finish



1954 Corvette - Single Stage black Lacquer Paint



Steve Radigan's 1960 Corvette - Single Stage Black Lacquer Paint



Both of these below cars were wiped using microfiber polishing cloths that were washed using powdered Tide laundry soap

Chip Foose's Challenging Challenger



Steve Metz Panic Parrot




And during this detail session, the microfiber polishing cloths used were washed using powdered Tide laundry soap


On other forums you'll see people argue over powder versus liquid laundry detergents but if you follow the tips presented here it really comes down to personal preference. One thing for sure, these pictures are real-world details that counter the claim that a powder type laundry detergent will somehow not dissolve, make it through both the wash and drying cycles and then scratch car paint.



Drying
Dry your microfiber polishing cloths alone on the warm to hot setting. Don't use a fabric softener like Bounce Dryer Sheets. It's recommended to use a fabric softener when washing or drying cotton towels but not microfiber materials.

Love all those cars!

Chip Foose-Great guy that really knows his stuff!

[Eddie6th]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

'Microfibres' - 'The more,the merrier!'

Mostly i stick with the Meg's ones.Recently,i picked up a 5 pack in a budget store,but put it back down again when i noticed there were bits of plastic or something,stuck in them.So be carefull on your selection for your bodywork!

[240SX]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

For my interior work I just use dollar store MFs. I guess I'm going to buy some expensive ones when I start doing exterior detailing.

[MDetail]

Re: How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

Awesome info, and a question I have always had.