Cleaning applicator microfiber?

Background: I use 303 graphene spray and some small 12 x 12 autogeek applicator MF towels. I use the Backfire MF cleaner and restorer detergent, and wash the drying towels separate from the applicator/buffing towels. The drying towels always come out great.

The Problem(?) : After the wash of the applicator/buffing towels, the applicator ones still had the black tint where I would spray the product. Still smelled a bit like mineral spirits but felt clean. I decided to try the dawn detergent in the sink, warm water, a fair amount of detergent agitate then let them sit. When rinsing and squeezing out the clean water, there was still a bit of smell and noticed a waxy stuff in the area that was squeezed the most.

How do you clean them? Or are applicator MF's kind of a consumable? They don't seem to have any crusty bits and feel all soft.

 

Unfortunately some products just don’t seem to come out of the MF towels. Just keep them as dedicated application towels. Usually about every 12 months my application towels become rags for cleaning the engine or suspension parts etc. and once they’re yuck I just toss them. Almost all my application towels are 300gsm so I don’t mind tossing them.

 

Ceramics and graphine products don't come out of microfiber cloths/applicators in most cases. I have seen some videos that state if you put the cloths/applicators in a bucket filled with water and whatever detergent you'll be using to clean them, they can be cleaned and reused. I guess the idea here is to keep them wet until you wash them. Once the product dries it probably won't come out.

 

I recommend that you wash them in the washing machine. You can use detergent. When I wash in the washing machine, I use Detergent. You might want to use the gentle cycle when washing. It may take several washes to remove the odor, or you can use various cleaning products.

 

Presoak in warm water and give P&S rags to riches a try.

 

P&S Rags to Riches microfiber detergent. Wash in warm or hot water separate from other items. Dry low or hang to dry. No fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they'll make microfibers greasy. 303 isn't a professional ceramic, so you shouldn't have an issue with the product drying on the microfiber. If using a true ceramic like gtechniq's CSL or Exo V4 then fill a bucket with water and a few ounces of P&S Rags to Riches and toss the towels in the bucket as you're done with them then throw them in the wash when finished. If microfiber's are really dirty you can soak them in P&S rags to riches and warm water for a bit before running them in the wash.

The Rag Company has better Korean made microfiber alternatives. The platinum pluffle would be a good option. I really like the premium ftw glass towels and the purple premium edgeless pearl towels sold in a 10 pack for professional ceramic coating removals.

https://theragcompany.com/products/ps-detail-products-rags-to-riches
https://theragcompany.com/collections/the-rag-company

 

What does anyone think about using free and clear laundry detergent to clean microfibers?

 

That detergent gets a lot of good reviews in the detailing forums I belong to, but I believe more people actually use a detergent specifically made for microfiber.

 

Any comparison experience trying free and clear detergent vs dedicated microfiber cleaner?

Even microfiber cleaner vs other microfiber cleaners..

I only tried Micro Restore cleaner and Blackfire Microfiber Cleaner. To me, I didn't see any difference between these two in cleaning ability.

 

I have no direct experience with it. Sorry. And I'm just weekend warrior working on my own vehicles, so even when I change the brand that I use I can't really do a comparison because of how long it is between washings.

 

I use free and clear detergent (specifically Ever Clear that you can find in Target) for my microfiber towels. No fabric softener and low heat/tumble dry. Never knew there's a microfiber specific wash, but I've been happy with the results of free and clear so I'll probably just stick with that. Using Optimum No Rinse, distilled water, and Garry Dean Wash Method.

 

Thanks! It was worth asking.

Any pre-treat with detergent or all purpose cleaner?

 

I use Tide free and clear. The call is still out at what works better, Tide or a dedicated microfiber wash. If I had to pick one I go with Tide.

 

Dedicated microfiber detergents are designed to lift fibers and remove polishes, compounds, waxes, sealants, ect. I haven't used or heard of the others mentioned.

 

Never tried it but I’ve heard to use ammonia instead of soap in the washing machine and they come out perfect.

 

The Kirkland one put me in the hospital

 

Never tried Kirkland, No Costco near by. Been thinking of trying All detergent. Someone told me this is what he uses all the time.

 

Wife-“what is this weird smell in the clothes washing machine??”

Redneck response- “umm…just some chemicals I use to clean up other chemicals I use on my truck rags…”

 

Her response

 

No, I don't do any pretreat.