The cleanliness of your vehicle depends on how often you clean it, how thoroughly you clean it, and the quality of the tools and materials you’re using to do the job. This includes making sure you have clean applicators and, most importantly, fresh microfiber towels.

Microfiber towels are unique due to their material makeup of typically 70-90 percent polyester and 10-30 percent polyamide. When paired together, the two fabrics create a soft but grabby towel that can be used as a duster, dryer, applicator, remover, or a washcloth, all without leaving lint or streaks. On the other hand, a dirty or bad-quality towel can be the Skeletor to your paint’s He-Man.

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Microfiber towels can be used over and over again, as long as you know how to take care of them. What you need to know is that microfiber towels can easily be ruined or rendered useless with improper treatment or poor washing habits. 

To help you protect your investments in properly plush microfiber towels, the editors from The Drive’s Guides & Gear section have assembled a quick guide to cleaning your microfiber towels. The better you care for them, the longer your towels can do their jobs. Let’s get started.

Your detergent shouldn't have any perfumes, dyes, or additives.

You likely already have most of these items, but prepare for the job with this quick list.  

Let’s do this! 

The best option is to line dry your towels either on a clothesline, in your garage, or in your bathroom hung over the shower rod, but we know that’s not always feasible. If you use a machine, follow these steps and tips: 

Always wash your microfiber towels with other towels that are similarly dirty. Heavy with heavy, light with light.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: We do not recommend using dish soap on your microfiber towels. Even the free and clear products have fragrances and other chemicals in them that could harm or hinder the microfiber and what it’s intended to do.

A: One with no additives, colors or dyes, fragrances, softeners, or anything else that could clog up the microfiber. Use a no-extras detergent and a microfiber-towel detergent together.

A: Normal laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes of typical light-duty dirt, grease, and stains, but not the heavy-duty stuff that comes off a car. Microfiber towel soap claims to be specifically designed for that purpose. 

A: Because you don’t know how the towels were handled or what they were exposed to before and during the manufacturing and shipping processes, it’s a good idea to wash your towels before you use them to remove any dirt or lint. This also helps avoid any unwanted color bleeding.

A: The life of a microfiber towel will largely depend on what it’s used for, how harshly it’s used, and how it’s cleaned, so it’s up to you. If you question whether you should still be using the towel, relegate it to cleaning less delicate surfaces or throw it out completely. If you’re using the towel to clean off heavy oil and grime in an engine bay, it might be best to throw that out as well.

This video from Ammo NYC not only discusses how to properly wash your towels, it also discusses how they’re made and how they work. Check it out.

We’re here to be expert guides in everything “how to” related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below, and let’s talk. You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles. Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com.

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