Best rags to use for drying, wax application?

Been using one for years, works great (also have another one to dry the dogs with)

For wax, I just use microfiber towels - not a waffle weave one.

 

Absorber FTW! Stay away from sham wow. Got some as a gift, ended up using them to wipe around door edges after washing my truck a couple times and tossed em!

 

I use microfiber towels for drying.

The trick is to wet them down and ring them out really well before using them. They work really well when they are "damp".

If you try to use them totally dry they will just push the water around.

 

Waffle weave drying cloths are great...and they are machine-washable:​

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http://polishandwax.com/shop/products/Premium-Waffle-Weave-Microfiber-Drying-Cloth.html

We also sell some really nice microfibers for polish/wax application/removal. The 'deluxe' (below) is my favorite.

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http://polishandwax.com/shop/categories/Microfibers/

 

I also use microfiber towels to dry or the leaf blower if I feel like digging it out. I use a new applicator every time I wax and microfiber towels to wipe the wax away. My wife thinks I have OCD because I color match my towels to the purpose they serve.

 

As I read your post I thought you were going to say you color match the microfiber to the paint color you are working on...that would be OCD for sure.

Anyway, the color-coding method is a good one. You definitely don't want the ones you use for wheels hitting your paint. Even well-laundered, they might still carry brake dust. I even wash them separate from the ones I use on my paint.

I also like the leaf blower trick for drying. It helps prevents drips by getting the water out of the nooks and crannies that you can't reach. After using a leaf blower, I can dry my entire truck with a waffle weave without wringing it out.

 

That is true for the standard microfibers but the waffle weaves work great even when perfectly dry.

 

Thanks for all the tips!

 

been using the same Absorber for 7 years now. works great. cheap at walmart.

just wash in the washing machine with a little detergent every now and then to keep it clean

 

You could also browse around I use the waffle weave to dry with now. A bit pricey but I do believe you get what you pay for. I have used the absorber in the past but I just can't get myself to use it on my new Taco's paint. I use the microfiber towels for wax application and removal, and also for glass cleaning. Not to mention using them for the interior cleaning. Also check out the detailing thread. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/detailing/8957-official-ask-detailer-thread.html

A little time spent doing research will reward you many times over. But it might lighten up your wallet a tad also.

I agree with Bonfire and polishandwax.com as to using the leaf blower to speed up the drying process.

 

X 2 I have had the same one for like 5 years

 

hands down the best shammy is called a water sprite look them up they are what we used in our recon store for like 20 years. and any fluffy microfiber cloth is good for waxing and or windows. i make sure i only use clean ones and frequently buy new ones. work top to bottom and if the rag gets even a little dirty either change sides or get another.

 

I use a single 12"x12" microfiber on my entire truck. I end up wringing it out 2 or 3 times per panel but I don't get smears or streaks. I also use the spray on wipe off turtle wax at the same time. The wax requires your truck to be wet.

Only reason for the spray wax is I'm nervous about normal waxes. Never used em but I want to try, maybe next wweekend

 

I swear by these. Fuck an Absorber...

I also use a microfiber dog towel that i bought for cheap from Target.

 

And for applying wax, just buy wax applicators! You can find them dirt cheap at Autozone.