Stupid car wash towel question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Dawn55430 · 08-10-2012, 09:03 PM

I know this is probably out there already, but a search returned 17-20 pages depending on how I worded it. Also tried Google and got nothing that made sense.

Anyway.....four "car guys" at work told me four different ways of washing the towels I use to dry my car. General consensus is I can't just toss them in the wash with other laundry. Opinions range from hot water, hot dry, no dry, vinegar in the rinse, drop of liquid fabric softener, no fabric softener, baby soap, dish soap etc. So, I guess this is going to be a poll for those of you who are more diligent about your car washing than I used to be. How do you wash the towels?

Also, just a random question, does this semi-obsession ever fade? I've had the car 3 months, and if someone would have told me that I would be sitting under a streetlight at 10 p.m. drying the car off because I used the auto wash (don't judge, at least it's washed) and I couldn't wait 4 blocks until I got home to dry it off, because it would be spotty; I would have told them they were nuts. I now carry spray and two towels in my trunk because a bird "might" crap on it. I can't imagine how crazy I'm going to be by winter if this doesn't fade a bit.

MYDLIFECRISIS · 08-10-2012, 09:14 PM

Dawn...I've had mine 3 months, and I'm the same way. The attention I give it on a daily basis is crazy to anyone who doesn't own a Camaro. And I'm thinking the same thing: what will I be like in the winter!

bluebox · 08-10-2012, 09:14 PM

I've tossed microfiber towels along with a wash mitt in with a load of blue jeans, HE washer on warm/cold, no softener, dry medium heat (no dryer sheets), and have had no problem at all. Key thing is simply to wash them frequently. 6 months and no swirls.

And no, the obsession will not fade once you've caught the bug.

acatlover13 · 08-10-2012, 09:23 PM

I use a cap ful of Woolite and wash on gentle cycle. Then I throw them in the dryer at a low setting, with a 1/2 sheet of Bounce. They come out perfect!

Mark's SS · 08-10-2012, 09:26 PM

Here is some info that will guide you in the right direction. http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/mi...ucts/14121.htm
Also, check out the Cosmetic Maintenance: Washing, Waxing, Detailing, Bodywork, Protection section on this forum.

Xedes · 08-10-2012, 09:29 PM

Ok, I'll be "that" guy. I actually will take my towels to a laundromat (so I don't get chemicals on my clothes) and use DP Microfiber cleaner. (no bleach or fabric softener should ever be used according to my sources)

ihaveacamaro · 08-10-2012, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acatlover13

I use a cap ful of Woolite and wash on gentle cycle. Then I throw them in the dryer at a low setting, with a 1/2 sheet of Bounce. They come out perfect!

you never want to use those sheets with microfiber towels

Obzen · 08-10-2012, 10:04 PM

Are these microfiber towels?

If so use pinnacle microfiber wash (it's the best I've used so far) Only wash the towels. Then dry on low with no dryer sheets.

You do NOT want to put them in with other towels or clothes. Do not use regular soap. If you wash them improperly they lose their absorbancy.

People who say "mine work fine with regular clothes etc." haven't tried it the correct way to know the difference. It's huge.

Washing incorrectly is the difference between needing 5 towels to dry your car and 1. It's also important that you use good towels. Anything from Walmart autozone target etc is trash.

PM if you want me to help you pick some products. I'm not an expert but I've tried alot and know what has better results.

5cents · 08-11-2012, 04:32 AM

GEEEEEEEEZE ..... microfiber towels, to use Bounce or not to use Bounce in the dryer ..... its only a car guys. Some Camaro owners spend entirely too much time on their cars.

stray bullitt · 08-11-2012, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5cents

GEEEEEEEEZE ..... microfiber towels, to use Bounce or not to use Bounce in the dryer ..... its only a car guys. Some Camaro owners spend entirely too much time on their cars.

I had remained quiet up to now, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't believe the obsession some people lavish on a car. I usually wash mine with a sponge, give it a quick shamois, and then usually polish with an old t-shirt, or similarly soft bit of cloth.

wayner · 08-11-2012, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark's SS

Here is some info that will guide you in the right direction. http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/mi...ucts/14121.htm
Also, check out the Cosmetic Maintenance: Washing, Waxing, Detailing, Bodywork, Protection section on this forum.

I wish I hadn't read that. LOL

Now I have to wait till the wife is out of the house long enough so I can boil 70 towels and still have time to clean up.

Bumblebee2012 · 08-11-2012, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stray bullitt

I had remained quiet up to now, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't believe the obsession some people lavish on a car. I usually wash mine with a sponge, give it a quick shamois, and then usually polish with an old t-shirt, or similarly soft bit of cloth.

I'm with you. And I'm not much into waxing more than once in the spring and once in the fall. When I do have time to look at the Camaro, I'd rather spend that time looking out over over the hood!

I wash it with Zep and warm water using an AutoZone sponge, dry with an Absorber from Clean Tools http://www.cleantools.net/ , and go drive someplace.

That company also makes nice soft and long bristled wheel brushes. The Absorber drying towel is the nicest drying chamois I've used in 30 years.

Only so much time is available before you fall over dead, use it wisely.... having fun!

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using smack-a-talk

Rcfiddy1 · 08-11-2012, 07:15 AM

I never wash my micro fibers with anything other than micro fibers. Ive had them for 2-3 years now and they are as good as new. I wash it at least once or twice a month since its a DD. Always detailed with Adams.

metthem · 08-11-2012, 07:22 AM

Micr fiber towels that i have tried dont even soak up any water. I dont get the whole micro fiber movement.

08-10-2012, 09:03 PM	#1
Dawn55430 Drives: 2023 Radiant Red 2LT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 283 View My Garage	Stupid car wash towel question I know this is probably out there already, but a search returned 17-20 pages depending on how I worded it. Also tried Google and got nothing that made sense. Anyway.....four "car guys" at work told me four different ways of washing the towels I use to dry my car. General consensus is I can't just toss them in the wash with other laundry. Opinions range from hot water, hot dry, no dry, vinegar in the rinse, drop of liquid fabric softener, no fabric softener, baby soap, dish soap etc. So, I guess this is going to be a poll for those of you who are more diligent about your car washing than I used to be. How do you wash the towels? Also, just a random question, does this semi-obsession ever fade? I've had the car 3 months, and if someone would have told me that I would be sitting under a streetlight at 10 p.m. drying the car off because I used the auto wash (don't judge, at least it's washed) and I couldn't wait 4 blocks until I got home to dry it off, because it would be spotty; I would have told them they were nuts. I now carry spray and two towels in my trunk because a bird "might" crap on it. I can't imagine how crazy I'm going to be by winter if this doesn't fade a bit.

08-10-2012, 09:14 PM	#3
bluebox Drives: '12 1SS LS3 IBM/SIM Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Delawhere Posts: 196	I've tossed microfiber towels along with a wash mitt in with a load of blue jeans, HE washer on warm/cold, no softener, dry medium heat (no dryer sheets), and have had no problem at all. Key thing is simply to wash them frequently. 6 months and no swirls. And no, the obsession will not fade once you've caught the bug. __________________ Now: Invo's on Nurburgs \| Ext. Eng. catch can \| heritage grille Next: a few Pedders bits, tighten it up \| better sways \| drop coils, maybe \| CAI, exhaust, JRE tune Then I'm done, I swear. . .

08-10-2012, 09:23 PM	#4
acatlover13 Emerald Coast Camaros Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Camaro IOM/IO Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lynn Haven, Florida Posts: 3,054 View My Garage	I use a cap ful of Woolite and wash on gentle cycle. Then I throw them in the dryer at a low setting, with a 1/2 sheet of Bounce. They come out perfect! __________________ ECC on Facebook 2010 Camaro SS/RS IOM, IO interior, Custom Striping, Razzi body kit ADM CAI w/scoop/Dynatech Headers & Hi-Flow Cats/Solo Performance Exhaust, FTI 3600 Stall/Comp Cams custom grind cam/LS3 conversion/FAST 102 Intake

08-11-2012, 07:15 AM	#13
Rcfiddy1 Sold car... Drives: 2010 Rally Yellow 2SS/RS #37115 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Manalapan, New Jersey Posts: 2,019 View My Garage	I never wash my micro fibers with anything other than micro fibers. Ive had them for 2-3 years now and they are as good as new. I wash it at least once or twice a month since its a DD. Always detailed with Adams. __________________ Build Thread ECS Novi 1500 Supercharged, LS3 conversion, Small blower cam, Alky Meth injection, 3:45 rear, BMR Suspension parts, 1LE Sways, Billy Boat ZL1 dual mode exhaust.

08-11-2012, 07:22 AM	#14
metthem Drives: 2011 LS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 943	Micr fiber towels that i have tried dont even soak up any water. I dont get the whole micro fiber movement. __________________ Trifecta tune, CAI intake, ADM Race Scoop, Doug Thorley Shorties, Solo High Flow Cats, Magnaflow resonated X-pipe, Flowmaster AMT axle back, Gary's custom front bowtie, rear bowtie delete, tinted windows, headlights, and taillights, debadged fenders, gunmetal gills, gunmetal tailgate (CAMARO)

08-10-2012, 09:14 PM	#2
MYDLIFECRISIS Drives: '12SS/2SS/45TH-'06 2500HD/Silverado Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 2,107 View My Garage	Dawn...I've had mine 3 months, and I'm the same way. The attention I give it on a daily basis is crazy to anyone who doesn't own a Camaro. And I'm thinking the same thing: what will I be like in the winter!

08-10-2012, 09:26 PM	#5
Mark's SS Drives: 17 Silverado 2500HD LTZ 4x4 Duramax Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 354	Here is some info that will guide you in the right direction. http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/mi...ucts/14121.htm Also, check out the Cosmetic Maintenance: Washing, Waxing, Detailing, Bodywork, Protection section on this forum.

08-10-2012, 09:29 PM	#6
Xedes Drives: 2011 Black RS/SS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,030	Ok, I'll be "that" guy. I actually will take my towels to a laundromat (so I don't get chemicals on my clothes) and use DP Microfiber cleaner. (no bleach or fabric softener should ever be used according to my sources)

08-10-2012, 10:04 PM	#8
Obzen Pull up Cougar! Drives: 2016 2SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,875	Are these microfiber towels? If so use pinnacle microfiber wash (it's the best I've used so far) Only wash the towels. Then dry on low with no dryer sheets. You do NOT want to put them in with other towels or clothes. Do not use regular soap. If you wash them improperly they lose their absorbancy. People who say "mine work fine with regular clothes etc." haven't tried it the correct way to know the difference. It's huge. Washing incorrectly is the difference between needing 5 towels to dry your car and 1. It's also important that you use good towels. Anything from Walmart autozone target etc is trash. PM if you want me to help you pick some products. I'm not an expert but I've tried alot and know what has better results.

08-11-2012, 04:32 AM	#9
5cents Dave Drives: 2011 Camaro SS - Black/CGM Stripes Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 437	GEEEEEEEEZE ..... microfiber towels, to use Bounce or not to use Bounce in the dryer ..... its only a car guys. Some Camaro owners spend entirely too much time on their cars.