Microfiber towels are among the handiest detailing tools available. They’re practical, gentle, and reusable. Plus, the soft materials they’re made with make your detailing routine much simpler and more manageable. After all, the microfiber towel’s design allows you to work quickly and give the surfaces of your car an unmistakable shine. Because these towels are such a valuable tool, it’s essential to understand how to clean and maintain them properly. But how do you properly clean a microfiber towel? Explore this comprehensive guide to uncover the answer. 

Hand-Wash Method 

First things first: regardless of the washing method you choose, you must always avoid using harsh soaps, detergent, or fabric softeners with additives such as fragrances and conditioners. These ingredients have a way of coating the microfibers and make them far less effective in cleaning. 

But once you have the right products to wash your towels with, you can use the following process to clean lightly dusted or dirty shammies. 

• Use a trash bag or take the towels outside and shake out any excess dirt. 
• Fill a sink or other water basin with warm water (not too warm). 
• Mix in a gentle microfiber cleaning soap and agitate by hand, scrubbing any heavily stained areas. 
• Soak the towels for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub them out again. 
• Thoroughly rinse the towels under running water. 
• Wring out excess moisture. 

Drying your microfiber towels properly is just as essential as washing them. So once you’re satisfied that they’re thoroughly clean, shake them out and hang them to dry out of direct sunlight. If you happen to be hanging them indoors, put them in a space with excellent air circulation. 

Machine-Wash Method 

Of course, there’s always more than one correct way to do something. Washing your microfiber towels is no different. Thus, if you prefer the machine washing method, it is certainly available to you. It’s wise to remember not to wash your microfiber towels with other types of fabrics. 

Doing this can abrade the fibers on your towels and wreak havoc on their integrity. This is particularly true for materials like cotton. In any case, be sure to follow the proceeding guidelines to get a quality clean on your microfiber towels: 

• Shake your towels out the same way you would with the handwashing method.
• Set your washer for cold or warm water settings (never use hot water). 
• Use the recommended portion of gentle, additive-free detergent (no more than two teaspoons). 
• For odor on your towels, get rid of it by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to the load. 
• Let your washing machine complete half its cycle, then stop it and let it soak for 15 minutes.
• Resume the wash cycle and let it finish. 

After the load is complete, it’ll be time to try your hand at the machine drying method—if you choose. For this, ensure that your dryer’s lint trap is clean before and after drying your towels. Avoid dryer balls or sheets and set the dryer to a low-heat or air-dry cycle. Following these steps will keep your towels’ soft, gentle fibers intact. 

After you learn how to properly wash microfiber towels, it’s important to understand what’s necessary for maintaining their softness and cleanliness. First, avoid storing them with other types of fabrics. Instead, stack them all in the same place. Remember not to use cleaning chemicals unless they’re super gentle, and avoid ironing your towels or applying any excessive heat that might melt their fibers.