properly clean detailing rags

[chuckie669]

Just wanted to see everyones process for cleaning their detailing cloths, MF's etc.?

I used to throw them in a load by themselves with arm and hammer free (no perfumes, etc). Recently the wife switched our detergent to another brand and things got iffy when I was using some rags during painting of my bike as I wasn't aware the wife had switched on me. They left some oils behind and I got some bad fisheye that I had to handle.

Should I go back to the free and clear laundry detergents or is there a better method. I can't imagine washing everything in Dawn.

Thanks,

[chuckie669]

oh, my rags are used 99% for detailing, spray detail, clay, polishes and waxing

[cpop98ws6]

I just put mine in the washer on heavy cycle. Don't use fabric softner, it will leave marks on the paint when you are detailing.

[cpop98ws6]

I would say stick with the free and clear.

[Sas]

At work we toss the window rags in with vinegar and warm water, to prevent streaking. then throw them into the extractor. Microfibers and finish line rags we toss in soap and hot water.

[pajeff02]

^^ I still remember a post from Mr. Luos about 2 years ago -- washes his using vinegar too. You'll have to ask him the reason...

[chuckie669]

thanks. My understanding is that white vinegar is good at cutting through the oils and grease.

[LETHALxLS1]

Wash mine with Woolite cold water only. Never any residue/ problems.

[third_shift|studios]

Free N clear tide/etc.

[KMdef9]

I use tide as well for all. No softeners, and only use oxyclean on the ones that get nasty.

I just separate detail cloths (waxing/polishing) from interior detailing (interior shine/leather products/carpet stuff/window cleaner) and from general (wd40 wipe downs/tire shine/ etc).

I also have 12 different wash load sizes, so I'm not wasting water.

I also always watch for sales, and am constantly replacing the detail cloths, and demoting previous detailing cloths to lower importance roles. I've demoted one before because I dropped it on the ground, lol.

[chuckie669]

^lol... I've thrown away mf rags because they hit the ground before. It's near impossible to get the junk out depending on where it lands.

Thanks for the info. Went back to the free and clear stuff. Hopefully my wife doesn't sabotage my rags again. That was a nasty surprise. Thank god for self etching primer.

[Mr. Luos]

I normally wash the towels in a two step process.
First wash with detergent. Free and clear or whatever would be fine.
Second wash with vinegar. Cuts any leftover polish/wax that might be left on the towels after the wash. I do an extra rinse as well.
Then hang dry everything.

[INMY01TA]

Wash MF rags by themselves with Woolite, hang dry.

[024mula]

Check this out............................

http://adamsforums.com/forums/

[LETHALxLS1]

I do a extra rinse like Luos. As far as tire shine/ wheels / interior -I use wallyworld micro for that stuff. For everything else I use the best Cobra mf they make. Cool story huh? Lol