"Throw Away" Microfibers for polish/wax removal?

[Jester2893]

So I got in the habit of buying microfibers at my local autozone/advanced and using them two times depending on what I'm working with and then downgrading them to door jambs or engine etc. Now I am going to be correcting my cars paint soon and it seems this may be a bad habit. It seems that there are so many microfiber options and specifics especially for polishing/wax removal and making sure the towel doesn't mar the paint.

To be honest I don't see myself with the desire to wash a microfiber and would rather invest in some cheaper alternatives that I can still do my original method on?


Probably going to get a lot of #### for this, but as a first timer detailing my car for fun, spending $25+ on a towel, plus a wash for it too, and having to make sure it's washed accordingly all the time seems like something that I may not wanna do. However I am open to suggestions since I am always willing to learn/find alternatives!

 

[Nick McKees37]

So I got in the habit of buying microfibers at my local autozone/advanced and using them two times depending on what I'm working with and then downgrading them to door jambs or engine etc. Now I am going to be correcting my cars paint soon and it seems this may be a bad habit. It seems that there are so many microfiber options and specifics especially for polishing/wax removal and making sure the towel doesn't mar the paint.

To be honest I don't see myself with the desire to wash a microfiber and would rather invest in some cheaper alternatives that I can still do my original method on?


Probably going to get a lot of #### for this, but as a first timer detailing my car for fun, spending $25+ on a towel, plus a wash for it too, and having to make sure it's washed accordingly all the time seems like something that I may not wanna do. However I am open to suggestions since I am always willing to learn/find alternatives!

Here's the deal....

Cheap microfiber towels are going to cost you A LOT more time, money and frustration in the future. How so? Well, first you have to keep going to the store to buy more (unless you buy a pallet at a time!). Second, the chance of scratching/marring your paint is much greater by using a cheap towel. Third, if you do scratch the paint or instill swirl marks, they're going to drive you NUTS and you'll want to invest in various polishing pads, swirl removers, etc.

You might as well buy the good stuff the first time around.

Here's the essentials to get you started:

Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towels 12 Pack

Use these for wiping off polishes and waxes, spray detailers, interior dressing, etc. This is arguably our most versatile microfiber towel.


The Guzzler Combo Kit

Soft, thick, absorbent drying towel that will last you many years if you take care of it properly. Use the 20 x 40 to knock most the water off the vehicle, and the 16 x 24 to clean up any drips from emblems or streaks on glass.

Pick up a quality microfiber detergent and call it a day. That's the cost-effective, simple approach to building a (quality) collection of microfiber towels.

 

[trekkeruss]

I've been using Costco's Kirkland MF towels for just about everything. While they may not be as good as more expensive towels, they are far superior to most of the towels I see at mass market stores. I've weighed them; they are roughly 340 gsm towels, and have a dual pile finish. They're inexpensive; I think about $17 for three dozen? Anyway, cheap enough that if you threw them out, you'd have spent little money on them. The only major downside for me is the sewn-in tags

 

[Ccrew]

I've been using Costco's Kirkland MF towels for just about everything. While they may not be as good as more expensive towels, they are far superior to most of the towels I see at mass market stores. I've weighed them; they are roughly 340 gsm towels, and have a dual pile finish. They're inexpensive; I think about $17 for three dozen? Anyway, cheap enough that if you threw them out, you'd have spent little money on them. The only major downside for me is the sewn-in tags

Yup. Only downside I've seen to them other than the tags youve identified is that you get maybe a half dozen good washes out of them before you question if they should be demoted to door jambs/wheelwells. But at the cost for me it still works. And I think they're $16.99 for 30 these days. Used to be 36 but then the towel quality got better.

 

[Rod73]

That's pretty spot on advice.

Only thing I might add is if you're on a budget. Get maybe the the 2 '16 x 24' Guzzlers for the time being, and the 6 or 3 pack of the Jr's if you're on a budget. Build over time there are buy 1 get 1 microfiber on occasions.

One thing you are going to have to pick one; invest more money or at least for time being invest more time staying on top of cleaning them. My Autozone Walmart towels are either in the garbage or used for around the house stuff right now. To me tho they can serve a purpose for door jambs and non paint detailing.

Also detergents Blackfire and Pinnacle are really popular. I use Woolite to wash my clothes so that's a good alternative if you do the same on a budget. Also adding a dab of vinegar if you used for wax removal or they are really soiled.

 

[Jaretr1]

You can never have to many microfiber towels! Your original system was just wasting towels essentially.

The microfiber detergents are good, but if you also want get one of the "free" laundry detergents which might be cheaper and work just as well.

I have used Tide free and dedicated Microfiber detergents and I'll be darned if I could notice a difference.

 

[custmsprty]

I swear by the Gold Plush Microfibers, they keep my baby's paint pristine and swirl free. And if properly cared for, which takes very little effort, they outlast inferior grade towels and keep on going.

Sorry but with the handle Jester I couldn't resist going here, do you throw out your boxers or briefs after one use or do you wash them and use em one more time and then toss them. Im the MAN

 

[The Guz]

Have to agree with Nick. Invest in some good towels and cleaner and you will be fine.

I just did a review for 3D Towel Clean. Cost efficient and does a very good job. It won't break the bank.

 

[d33p]

If you take interest in keeping your car looking its best then you will have to invest in some nice towels and take the time to clean them properly.

If you just want your car clean and dont mind imperfections then go with the throw away towels.

 

[custmsprty]

Have to agree with Nick. Invest in some good towels and cleaner and you will be fine.

I just did a review for 3D Towel Clean. Cost efficient and does a very good job. It won't break the bank.

I just got my gallon in today from the AG Father's Day sale. This will be my first time using a dedicated product for my HUGE MF collection, been using All Free & Clear for years.

 

[damaged442]

I started with the Wally World towels, but picked up some of the Gold Plush during a recent sale to see if there was much of a difference.

There REALLY is much of a difference.

I still have my stack of Wally World towels, and I still use them on my interior, door jambs, wheel wells, engine compartments, etc. They are still perfect for that use.

The Gold Plush are awesome for the paint.