Cleaning microfiber towels with steam?

[SNP209]

Hey guys just noticed that my washing machine has a steaming option as part of the wash cycle. Just curious if this would compromise the integrity of the fibers at all or would this actually be beneficial?

[VISITOR]

steaming is not going to thoroughly clean them, they need to be washed and rinsed...

[ducksfan]

Yvan (Optimum products) and the guy at The Rag Company say that anything over 140 degrees will damage your towels. Just a FYI because I've heard a lot of different ideas and I really don't know.

If you chose to try it, I would start with one midpriced towel. If after, you notice the MF tends to repel water, this would be a sign you've damaged the fiber ends.

[CobraRed]

I'm always surprised how easy it is to clean a lot of fiber towels in the wash. Can't image trying to improve on that.

[SNP209]

steaming is not going to thoroughly clean them, they need to be washed and rinsed...

The steaming will be part of the process along with washing and rinsing, or at least that is how I interpreted it while going through the manual. Just bought this washer a few days ago. My old dinosaur washer just had wash and rinse and that is how I usually care for my towels.

[FUNX650]

I don't know of anyone that uses
Steam to wash/clean Micro-Fiber
(MF-towels).

However...
Some people do use Steam...
in conjunction with MF-towels...
to clean vehicle surfaces:

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-car-interior-upholstery-steam-cleaning.gif

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-application-car-carpet.gif

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-window-steam-cleaning.gif


•Makes me wonder:
-What damages, if any, are effectuated
by "steaming" MF-towels in this manner.


Bob

[SNP209]

Yvan (Optimum products) and the guy at The Rag Company say that anything over 140 degrees will damage your towels. Just a FYI because I've heard a lot of different ideas and I really don't know.

If you chose to try it, I would start with one midpriced towel. If after, you notice the MF tends to repel water, this would be a sign you've damaged the fiber ends.

Gonna give it a go with a small batch of my wheel/tire/engine bay towels (I have too many to count), that way if they do get damaged i can just toss them and not worry about it.

Did some research on the melting point of polyamide used in nylon and came across some interesting facts. The two most common types of polyamides used in microfiber cleaning products (PA 6 and PA 6,6) have a melting point of 431 degrees and 500 degrees fahrenheit.

That being said, I will still continue to dry on low heat. LOL

[SNP209]

I don't know of anyone that uses
Steam to wash/clean Micro-Fiber
(MF-towels).

However...
Some people do use Steam...
in conjunction with MF-towels...
to clean vehicle surfaces:

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-car-interior-upholstery-steam-cleaning.gif

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-application-car-carpet.gif

https://d36fiv27wiz3bp.cloudfront.net/media/wysiwyg/applications/car-detailing/animated/dupray-window-steam-cleaning.gif


•Makes me wonder:
-What damages, if any, are effectuated
by "steaming" MF-towels in this manner.


Bob

This is what actually made me think it was a good idea. I remember reading this article by Mike Phillips: https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/82437-steam-cleaning-ferrari-interior-dupray-hill-injection-steam-cleaner.html a while ago and thought the steam probably wouldn't do any harm.

As mentioned earlier, I will add the steam option to the process on a small batch of towels I don't care for much and see how it goes. Good old fashioned trial and error :xyxthumbs:

[VISITOR]

too many people (not anyone in particular) complicate washing microfiber towels, i've been buying them for gawd knows how long and i have a ton of them. i wash them in warm water with an extra rinse cycle (vinegar optional), and then into the dryer on the lowest heat setting with no dryer sheet. they come out great every time...

[jjackkrash]

Lately I have been using cheap Costco/Kirkland microfiber for a lot of tasks and just treat them as disposable. Complete the task/toss in trash/done. The pack is so cheap and they seem to do fine. I have some nicer towels that I save for some tasks, but I have not seen any evidence yet that the cheaper towels are doing any damage.