How to Wash Drying Towels Safely
Your microfiber drying towels are only as good as how you care for them. Even the best, plushest towels can scratch paint or lose absorbency if they’re not cleaned the right way. In this guide, we’ll walk through the safest way to wash, dry, and store your microfiber towels to keep them soft, absorbent, and paint-safe for years to come.
Why Proper Towel Care Matters
Microfiber towels are a detailer’s best friend — but they’re also delicate. When washed incorrectly, detergent residue, heat, and contamination from other fabrics can destroy their softness and cleaning power. Dirty or stiff towels can easily drag debris across paint, leaving fine scratches or streaks.
The good news? With proper care, high-quality microfiber towels like the Massive Drying Towel and Everyday Microfiber Towels can last hundreds of washes while staying as soft as the day you bought them.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Microfiber Towels Safely
- Separate by use: Sort towels by their purpose — drying, paint, interior, and wheel towels should never be washed together.
- Shake out debris: Before washing, shake towels outside to remove dirt and dust trapped in fibers.
- Use a dedicated microfiber detergent: Regular laundry soaps contain softeners and fragrances that clog fibers. Use a cleaner made for microfiber or a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Wash in warm water: Set your machine to warm (not hot). Hot water can damage fibers and reduce softness.
- Extra rinse cycle: Run an extra rinse to remove leftover detergent or contaminants.
- Air dry or low heat: Tumble dry on low or air dry completely. High heat can melt or fuse the microfiber tips.
Why You Should Never Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and detergents with additives leave waxy residues that coat microfiber strands. Once that happens, the towel loses absorbency and can smear water or product instead of lifting it.
If your towels have already been exposed to fabric softener, wash them twice with a dedicated microfiber cleaner and hot water (once only in this special case) to strip the residue.
Microfiber Wash Settings Guide
| Setting | Recommended Option | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | Warm (90–110°F) | Helps dissolve waxes and detergents safely |
| Detergent Type | Microfiber-specific or mild liquid detergent | Prevents fiber damage and residue buildup |
| Drying | Low heat or air dry | Preserves fiber softness and structure |
How Often to Wash Drying Towels
Wash your drying towels after every use. Even if they don’t look dirty, trapped minerals and soap residue can build up over time and reduce performance. If you’ve used towels on heavily soiled areas like door jambs or rockers, wash them separately from paint towels to avoid cross-contamination.
Pro Tip: Use a Dedicated Microfiber Bin
After drying your car, toss used towels into a dedicated laundry bin labeled “Microfiber Only.” This keeps them separate from regular laundry and reduces the risk of picking up lint, pet hair, or abrasive debris from other fabrics.
Restoring Old or Clogged Towels
If your microfiber towels start to lose absorbency or feel rough, try this simple recovery method:
- Fill a bucket or washer with warm water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Soak the towels for 30–60 minutes.
- Run them through a warm wash cycle with a microfiber detergent.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
This removes embedded residue, hard water minerals, and leftover product buildup, restoring softness and performance.
Protect Your Towels — and Your Paint
Pair The Super Soaper with high-quality microfiber towels like the Massive Drying Towel and Everyday Microfiber, and keep them performing their best by washing them the right way.
Buy The Super Soaper Buy on AmazonCommon Microfiber Washing Mistakes
- Using bleach or softener: These destroy fibers permanently.
- Mixing towels: Wheel towels should never be washed with paint-safe ones.
- High heat drying: Melts fibers and reduces absorbency.
- Using powdered detergents: Can leave residue that stiffens towels.
Related Reading
- Does Towel GSM Really Matter?
- How to Prevent Microfiber from Getting Dirty Mid-Dry
- Why Drying Is More Dangerous Than Washing
- Top 5 Drying Hacks for Car Enthusiasts
- How to Avoid Swirl Marks When Washing Your Car
FAQs
Can I wash microfiber towels with regular laundry?
No. Regular laundry releases lint and residues that cling to microfiber, reducing performance and increasing the risk of scratches.
What detergent should I use?
Use a dedicated microfiber detergent or mild liquid detergent with no fragrances, dyes, or fabric softeners.
Should I use hot water?
Warm water is best. Hot water can melt fibers, while cold water may not remove all residue.
Can I dry microfiber towels in the dryer?
Yes, but only on low heat or air dry. High heat can damage or shrink the fibers.
