How to Clean and Maintain Your Detailing Towels


How to Clean and Maintain Your Detailing Towels


How to Clean and Maintain Your Detailing Towels

Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools in car detailing — but they’re also one of the easiest to ruin if you don’t care for them properly. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to wash, dry, and maintain microfiber towels to keep them soft, absorbent, and scratch-free for years.

Estimated Reading Time: ~9 minutes

Why Microfiber Towel Care Matters

Microfiber towels can last hundreds of washes — but only if you clean them the right way. Improper care leads to linting, reduced absorbency, and even paint scratches. The biggest enemies of microfiber are heat, fabric softeners, and contamination from other fabrics.

Signs Your Towels Need Cleaning or Replacement

  • → They leave streaks or lint on surfaces
  • → They feel rough or lose softness
  • → They no longer absorb water well
  • → They’ve been used with silicone, wax, or oily products

If you notice any of these, it’s time for a deep clean — or to demote those towels to dirtier jobs like wheels and jambs.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Microfiber Towels

  1. Separate by Use – Keep your drying, polishing, and interior towels in different piles. Never mix them with towels used on wheels or tires.
  2. Use a Dedicated Detergent – Regular laundry soap often contains softeners or fillers that clog microfiber. Choose a dedicated microfiber detergent or a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.
  3. Wash in Warm (Not Hot) Water – Hot water can melt the synthetic fibers. Aim for 90–110°F for best results.
  4. Extra Rinse Cycle – Always run an extra rinse to remove all soap residue.

Need a Fresh Stack?

Everyday Microfiber Towels are durable, versatile, and perfect for replacing worn-out cloths in your detailing setup.

Shop Everyday Microfiber Buy on Amazon

Best Washing Practices

  • → Wash towels separately from cotton or lint-producing fabrics.
  • → Avoid bleach and fabric softeners — they destroy fiber structure.
  • → Use liquid detergent, not powder, to prevent clumping.
  • → For heavily soiled towels, pre-soak in warm water with detergent for 15 minutes before washing.

Drying Microfiber Towels

Drying is where many people go wrong. High heat will melt fibers, reduce absorbency, and make towels stiff. Always dry on low heat or air dry.

Pro Tip: Toss a few clean wool dryer balls in the dryer to fluff up towels and reduce static — no fabric sheets needed.

Comparison: Detergents & Drying Methods

Method Pros Cons Recommended?
Regular laundry detergent Easy to find May contain softeners or dyes ❌
Dedicated microfiber detergent Designed for fibers, residue-free Slightly more expensive ✅
Air drying No heat damage, eco-friendly Takes longer ✅
Low heat tumble drying Faster, soft finish Must monitor closely ✅

How to Store Microfiber Towels

Storage matters as much as washing. Keep your towels in sealed plastic bins or drawers to prevent dust, lint, or dirt from contaminating the fibers. You can also label bins based on their use:

  • → “Paint Only” – For drying and final polishing towels
  • → “Interior” – For plastic, vinyl, and dashboard cleaning
  • → “Wheels” – For old or demoted towels

Upgrade Your Finishing Towels

For polishing and coating removal, step up to Softer Than Soft Towels — edgeless, ultra-plush, and safe for even the softest paint.

Shop Softer Than Soft Towels Buy on Amazon

When to Retire Microfiber Towels

Even with perfect care, every towel has a lifespan. If a towel feels stiff, loses absorbency, or starts scratching paint, it’s time to retire it. Don’t throw it out — just repurpose it for dirty jobs like:

  • → Engine bay cleaning
  • → Wheel wells
  • → Exhaust tips
  • → Tire dressing application

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Towels

  • → Wash towels after every use.
  • → Never mix microfiber with cotton.
  • → Use color-coded towels for specific jobs.
  • → Keep a backup stack ready for quick swaps during detailing sessions.

Related Reading

FAQs

Can I use fabric softener on microfiber towels?

No. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets clog microfiber pores, reducing absorbency and performance.

What temperature should I wash microfiber towels at?

Warm water (90–110°F) is ideal. Avoid hot water, which can damage fibers.

Can I dry microfiber towels in the dryer?

Yes, but always use low heat and no dryer sheets. High heat can melt the fibers.

How do I remove odors from old towels?

Soak them in a 1:4 vinegar-to-water mix for 15 minutes before washing. This breaks down built-up residue.

How often should I replace microfiber towels?

High-quality towels like Everyday Microfiber can last up to 100 washes when properly cared for. Replace when they lose softness or absorbency.