How long do your drying towels last?

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prr

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I just bought a new drying towel for my car washes. I have been using for the past 2.5 years, the Meguiar's waffle weave towel. Although it has worked well, for the past 2-3 months, it has gone downhill. It could still wipe water off the paint and onto the ground, but the towel would get much much wetter in the process, and leave more water on the paint, than it did before.

I figured that it had done something like 150 washes for me in that time, give or take 20. Half of these would have been on a minivan, half on a subcompact. I'm not complaining---I paid $8.50, including tax and shipping for this baby. It has been well worth it. Much better, for just over 5 cents a wash, than trying to use my hands. :props:

Just out of curiosity, about how many washes (dries, actually) do you folks get out of your drying towels?

FWIW, I replaced this with the Supreme Microfiber 530XL towel (saw that it was recommended by Mike Philips, so I figured he would know). I'll see how long this one lasts.

I suppose the hardcore detailers among you probably have several drying towels, so my question might be hard to answer. Oh well do your best.
 
A lot depends on how you care for the towel. If you don't already, get a good micro fiber detergent like Micro Restore. Always wash with like towels, never dry on high heat. Always delicate or low heat.

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You know I've seen others talk about special soaps for their drying towels.

I never wash mine, it is wiping off rather clean water off a clean surface, so I just rinse it out and hang it to dry.

The only exception would be if I drag it along the bottom of the car, and pick up some dark grime. Then, I usually hand wash it with laundry soap.

Do you wash with a dedicated microfiber detergent after every use, or just when needed?
 
Obviously, you should continue to use whatever process works for you but in my case, I wash mine after each use (when I do dry my car in that traditional fashion). Anytime there is contact you have the potential for creating blemishes in the finish. By washing my drying towels after use I am simply mitigating or lessening that risk by helping remove any material/residue that may be lodged in the fibers. Also, when I do use towels to dry, I typically use a drying aid (to help add lubricity to the surface) so I have that to consider as well.

I would suggest that washing your towel might even help to resolve some of the performance issues you speak of. It may not be working up to its potential if it is not truly "clean". IMO, a washing machine will likely do a better job at cleaning than a person can do by hand. ….especially at rinsing to ensure any soap residue is removed (I usually do 2-3 with my towels). In either case, 2.5 years of dedicated drying for one towel is a lot of use IMO. It may just be getting worn out.
 
Ive been using the Guzzler and they are holding up just fine after several years. I have a few and rotate them. All microfiber towels wear (they are micro fibers after all).

I would definitely recommend washing them using something like Tide Free or a microfiber detergent. Fabric softeners and fragrances added to detergents adversely effect their ability to absorb water.
 
I have MF-towels that have been,
from the very get-go, designated
as: "solely-for-drying"...that are
at least 10+ years young.


Bob
 
I have 3 large, pocketed Griot's Garage waffle weave drying towels, one is atleast 10 years old and I used to clean them with regular soap but I've been using 3D MF detergent for the last year and haven't looked back, great stuff. I haven't noticed any drying issues but the newer GG towels, since using the correct soap, has kept them thicker but that real old towel still works just fine.
 
prr said:
For $180 I might do that when I win the lottery.

I wonder how long those things last?
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i've had mine since they first came out and it's fine. btw, with the holiday season coming up (black friday, Christmas) it will be even less with the sales. the less you touch the paint, the less chance of inducing marring/scratches which equals more polishing...
 
VISITOR said:
i've had mine since they first came out and it's fine. btw, with the holiday season coming up (black friday, Christmas) it will be even less with the sales. the less you touch the paint, the less chance of inducing marring/scratches which equals more polishing...
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Yup.

Love my backpack leaf blower for this. Whole truck dried in about 5 minutes. Then a light once-over with a guzzler. Done.
 
It seems like some are saying that washing my towels with a good mf detergent will prolong their useful life.

Have folks found this out to be true? I suppose it would be worth the investment if I can get this result. I honestly don't see a lot of grime on my drying towels, and hardly any on my sponges, for that matter, so I don't see a strong need to just clean the towels.
 
prr said:
It seems like some are saying that washing my towels with a good mf detergent will prolong their useful life.

Have folks found this out to be true? I suppose it would be worth the investment if I can get this result. I honestly don't see a lot of grime on my drying towels, and hardly any on my sponges, for that matter, so I don't see a strong need to just clean the towels.
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Actually, it does help. A clean(ed) towel performs much better.

Do I wash them every time I dry with them? No. But about every 3-4 washes (dries).

I use the Cobra Guzzlers, and I really do notice a difference.
 
I've spent many a fortune of good WW towels. Maybe it's just me, never did care for them on drying. Always prefer a plush towel. My oldest one is a Detailer Paradise one. Runner up would be 2 of these yellow towels I got from Rubbish Boys. Then there are my go to MFM towels.
 
I have some plush drying towels that are going on ten years old. I wash them with clear laundry detergent each time after drying a car. I also use spray wax as a drying aid with them.
 
PaulMys said:
Yup.

Love my backpack leaf blower for this. Whole truck dried in about 5 minutes. Then a light once-over with a guzzler. Done.
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That's exactly what I do. When washing my car/van I don't want to touch the paint drying it and the back of the van in all it's hiding places and joints can hide a gallon of water that will come out for the following day I don't blast it out. I hate streaks.

Blowers work great on wheels and tires too. Love being able to put dressing on and not have water jump out on my applicator.

Once done I grab a 16x16 MF towel that's damp with Uber Rinseless and I wiper the car over with a few sprays and wipe with that to give it a gloss and remove any excess anything. Viola!

Start to finish including a wheels scrub and dry and detail I can do my car in 45 minutes and the van in 1hr.
 
pdqgp said:
That's exactly what I do. When washing my car/van I don't want to touch the paint drying it and the back of the van in all it's hiding places and joints can hide a gallon of water that will come out for the following day I don't blast it out. I hate streaks.

Blowers work great on wheels and tires too. Love being able to put dressing on and not have water jump out on my applicator.

Once done I grab a 16x16 MF towel that's damp with Uber Rinseless and I wiper the car over with a few sprays and wipe with that to give it a gloss and remove any excess anything. Viola!

Start to finish including a wheels scrub and dry and detail I can do my car in 45 minutes and the van in 1hr.
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Do you use a blower for rinseless washing too or just 2bm?...then a final wipe with a microfiber? Thanks!
 
cleanfreak3 said:
Do you use a blower for rinseless washing too or just 2bm?...then a final wipe with a microfiber? Thanks!
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Yes. The reason being is that the polymers in rinseless will spot up the car too.

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I am 10+ years with quality MF's and All Free & Clear detergent. The quality MF detergents are great too, just haven't had the need since what I have works fine.
 
I have had pretty good luck by always washing drying and washing towels separately and properly. I avoid contaminating them with anything used for polishing or waxing. I also think if you overly dry them they do not absorb as well. The waffle weave types seem to work longer than the nap ones for me.
 
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