How to Wash Microfiber Towels Without Ruining Them
Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools in detailing. But if you wash them the wrong way, they’ll lose their softness, streak, or scratch your paint. Here's how to wash them right and keep them performing like new.
Why Microfiber Needs Special Care
Microfiber towels have tiny split fibers that grab dirt and hold moisture. Harsh detergents, high heat, or fabric softeners can clog those fibers, melt them, or cause linting and marring.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Microfiber Towels Properly
- Sort by Use: Wash towels used for paint, wheels, and interiors separately. Never mix tire towels with paint-safe towels.
- Use a Microfiber-Safe Detergent: Avoid regular laundry soap. Use a dedicated microfiber detergent or a gentle, scent-free liquid.
- Wash in Warm or Cold Water: Never use hot. Warm water helps break down residue without damaging the fibers.
- Extra Rinse Cycle: This removes any remaining soap and residue to keep towels lint-free and absorbent.
- No Fabric Softener. Ever: It coats the fibers and ruins the towel. If you’ve used softener before, that towel is done.
Drying: The Crucial Final Step
- Tumble dry on low only — high heat melts fibers
- Clean the lint trap first — debris can scratch your towels
- Air drying is okay — just make sure towels don’t sit damp for too long
Recommended Towels
If your current towels are rough, streaky, or linting—it might be time to upgrade. Here are a few we recommend for different detailing tasks:
- Everyday Microfiber Towel – perfect all-around towel
- Softer Than Soft Towel – for ceramic coating, final wipes, and delicate paint
- Massive Drying Towel – ultra-plush drying without water spots
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel – safe for contact washes and pre-rinse foam wipes
How Often Should You Wash Microfiber Towels?
After every use. Don’t let them sit dirty. Dirt and grime left in the towel can embed and damage the fibers permanently, or scratch your next detail job.
Final Thoughts
Proper microfiber care doesn’t take much time—but it saves you money and prevents paint damage. Stick to these simple rules and your towels will stay soft, absorbent, and swirl-free.
Related Posts
- Best Towels for Ceramic Spray Application
- How to Maintain a Ceramic Spray Coating
- How Long Does Ceramic Spray Last?
