How To Properly Wash Your Microfibers and Save $ w/ Detail Co. Microfiber Wash

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

Some people have been washing them in hot water and/or adding bleach to the wash cycle. Many members replied that using hot water is not good for the cloth because it breaks down the fiber, and most agreed that adding bleach is never a good idea. David Holly, co-author of Green Cleaning for Dummies and founder of Green Cleaning University offered this advice on the topic of laundering microfiber cloths: "You really have no worry about machine washing in hot water - the typical hot water temperature of a home or commercial machine is below the temperature that can harm the fibers of a well made micro fiber cloth. The two products to avoid are bleach and fabric softener. Bleach WILL damage the fibers. Fabric softener eliminates "static cling" or electrostatic energy - this is a critical part of what makes a micro fiber work. However, if you accidentally use some fabric softener - don't panic - just rewash the cloth(s) and you'll be fine. There is no permanent damage from this. When washing, use a VERY SMALL amount of detergent. Micro fibers release the soil when washed very easily. Overuse of detergent is at best wasteful and at worst will load the cloth with detergent that remains after drying. A good starting point is 1/2 the amount you would normally use for a comparable size load. As with many chemicals in our business - more is NOT better. A single cycle is fine for cleaning the cloths. There is no additional benefit from washing for more than one cycle - just wasting water and energy. The nature of the fibers helps prevent mold, mildew or other "nasties" from growing. By the same token, drying is not necessary either. They will air dry very quickly and will not mildew as they dry. If you choose to machine dry - this is where temperature IS an issue. Use a LOW setting. Dryer temps are MUCH higher than wash temps. Do NOT dry any other cloths, rags, towels or other clothing with your micro fibers if you choose to machine dry them. They will pull all of the lint off these other materials and become so loaded that they may be worthless in the future."

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

From www.thejanitorialstore.com/public/Dos-and-Donts-of-Caring-for-Microfiber-Cloths-632.cfm#:~:text=%22You%20really%20have%20no%20worry,well%20made%20micro%20fiber%20cloth.

[@DetailsNMe]

Thank you sooo much for sharing this!! This just cleared up some real confusion I had about heat and microfibers. I also love that you are in your robe..real life-I appreciate that!

[@spookypunky]

This is what I appreciate about Attn To Details w Chelsea: 1. She's honest 2. She's open about her ADHD (me too!) 3. She details every day customer's vehicles, not buffing an already spotless Porsche. 4. She's a hard working Mom. 5. She understands we're not all wealthy and have access to garages, water, Rupes buffers, etc. 6. Helps the "under dogs." 7. She explains the reasons she does things how she does them. 8. She's not showing off her $50k stereo system (sorry Pan). 9. Her kids get involved! 10. Subscribed!

[@amberatkinson4230]

Thank you so much for finally mentioning the landfills! I feel like no one talks about that. Not to mention it's made of materials that just flat out don't decompose. That part of the conversation of microfibers I think is a really hard one to start leaning into and yet is so so important. There's no alternative right now and so keeping those microfibers really nice and clean and supple is so important. Thank you for this video!

[@TraconWizard]

Yes, I bought one of the rags on a roll. Essential use and toss, & the wife wasn't happy. "So why are we bothering to recycle if you're just toss these."

[@amberatkinson4230]

Thanks for sharing that. That's the one microfiber I haven't been able to bring myself to buy. But I don't paint myself as a saint. After all, I have my own supply of microfibers that I like to use on the family cars.

[@dekoeneridder2452]

Here from the Netherlands! Always wash at 30 degrees, 1000rpm and extra rinsing. Afterwards in de tumble dryer, low heat, long cycle and they come out super soft,fluffy and like new! Love the channel!❤

[@bigo573]

Thank you for the review Chelsea. I use warm water when washing my towels. I'm placing an order, I want my towels to last, towels are a big investment. 💯💪

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[@FrankoDetails]

big Oooooooooo! yes my dude renaissance is amazing 🤘🏽🐿️💨

[@bigo573]

I'm ordering renaissance and some of the towels that finally made it across the ocean. 💯

[@diydetailofficial]

Good tutorial, definitely cold water is better.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I need it proven. I have trust issues with cold water

[@amberatkinson4230]

@@attention2detailswchelsea Maybe, 🤔 that's a good follow-up video to this one. Doing your own test with your usual temperature water and then cold water. That would be the only variable and everything else could remain the same.

[@charlesmitchell9647]

Hi Chelsea, Yvan Lacroix says let all your ceramic coating pads, detail spay microfiber and drying aid towels (right after use) soak overnight in their rinseless wash. Then wash them like you do and they will be good as new.

[@archiepezek]

I remember the first time I washed my microfiber towels years ago--I washed them with my cotton towels. Big mistake. Thank you for the video.

[@ConwayLStevens]

Ive been using the Detail co Microfiber wash. Its far superior to anything Ive used. I had some coating towels, ceramic spray applicators etc. I soaked in a bucket of water with the microfiber wash in it. Let them soak for quite some time and randomly agitated. Everything came out of them. BTW DO not use hot water as it can damage the fibers in the towels same with no heat in a dryer. I use my regular washer and dryer I do all my other laundry with and never any issues. I do use extra rinse and spin cycles. The Detail co microfiber wash is awesome. towels end up soft and fresh. it will be my go to product

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@ConwayLStevens the hot water won’t damage the fibers like heat will in the dryer as some manufacturers recommend washing with hot water but drying with either no or low heat

[@ConwayLStevens]

​@attention2detailswchelsea took a look at several of the packages from my past microfiber orders from The Rag Company and Autofiber. They actually specifically state do not wash higher than 104f. Or you can damage the fibers. Which isn't really hot but fairly warm. I usually never have any issues getting them clean keeping it around that range. I guess what a manufacturer/supplier states could be relevant?? I think this is what people have been told and trained and it's what they follow. Just doing some Google searching lead to lots of info stating that water that to hot when washing causes shrinkage, damage or melting of fibers, loss of absorption ability, reduced efficiency, potentially cause them to scratch painted or delicate surfaces. Of course I'm not claiming I know all the facts. Only what ive been advised and why. I'm just a guy who works on and details vehicles for a living. Lol. Appreciate your content and love your channel. Keep up the great work

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@VikingRocketeer if you’re more comfortable with warm then by all means use warm water or even cold.

[@FrankoDetails]

i freaking love laundry day! you and improved garage got me wanting to make a renaissance vid. and youre absolutely right no need for a separate washing machine, aaaaaaaand the chipmunk voice was excellent 😆🐿️💨

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

I’ve been loving this stuff! What sneaky surprise in the Detail Co line! I d like to see honestly the whole lineup but def the polish, panel prep and coating review. Thanks!

[@johng753]

Great information for laundering microfiber towels. I’ve been using Rags to Riches detergent but it does not clean dirty microfibers very well. It leaves dirt and stains after washing and extra rinse cycle. I will definitely be trying a bottle of this new Detail Co microfiber detergent.

[@shooterjohn7163]

Good video Chelsea, microfiber towels are expensive for good ones. I’ll try the new microfiber wash and see how it works. I have a washer and dryer for my shop towels and coveralls. Almost 30 years ago I talked my parents into going in with me on buying a laundromat. I had an instructor in high school that owned one and said it was a good way to launder money, lol. But I’ve learned more than I care to about cleaning everything people wash. My dad and I worked on the machines it gave us something in common to do. My Maytag top loader machines from the laundromat wash much better than my wife’s fancy front loader. Can’t wait to give this detergent a try. Thanks again

[@marcg1964]

I've always used Luke warm water.

[@zenon3021]

cold or warm (never hot because it singes the fibres)

[@jamotto1569]

The ability to use cold water is a huge plus for me.

[@davestewart9146]

I don’t have near the quality or quantity of towels that you have as a DIYer, I also use warm water and I think it’s called ALL clear detergent, thanks for the video Chelsea 👍😁

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@davestewart9146 all clean and clear is another good option but if you ever want to deep clean or refresh struggling towels this is a great option to try

[@rays.86]

Great Informative video! Thanks! My question is about washing microfiber towels in the same washing machine were the whole family uses it to wash their clothes. Is it safe? Other detailers have bought separate washing machines or portable washing machines to wash their used microfiber towels which their reason is the contamination of their clothes from the chemicals used for detailing. What is your opinion about this? Also, can I use cleaning vinegar instead of white vinegar? Thanks!

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I haven’t had any issues but use common sense. SUPER grungy towels I either soak first or just throw out vs getting it in my washing machine but that’s few and far between.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

And yes cleaning vinegar would work fine as well

[@DerPic]

I use white vinegar. Spray down the drum, give it a scrub and then an empty load with hot water and 2 cups of vinegar. Also gets rid of the rotten egg smell washing machines get while doing a load.

[@Bill-Dalton]

Very nice.

[@RicardoRuiz-mk4pj]

Have you done a video on your techniques and tips on reusing cloths used for wiping and leveling ceramic coatings?

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@RicardoRuiz-mk4pj I’ve included it in videos over the years but can make a dedicated short next time I do a ceramic coating to illustrate those for you

[@RicardoRuiz-mk4pj]

@attention2detailswchelsea yes please that would be awesome. I just disagree how much wastage their is just by this practice

[@Andresthebigkat]

That great 👍🏼👏🏼 Have you used R2R previously and if so how does it compare

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

Yes and this cleans just as good but left them feeling more like new

[@Andresthebigkat]

@@attention2detailswchelsea that’s pretty amazing to bad I just got a replenishment on a big sale on autoality 😅😅 Excellent showcase and explanation Ms a2d 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@2226cc]

I also have a dedicated towel detergent. One with no softeners, etc. However, I've also noticed they don't dry as effective as before. They don't absorb water as fast. I'll add some white vinegar next time to see if they improve. You want a detergent free of optical brighteners and softeners. Those just clog up the microfibres filaments. Prior to this detergent I used a big brand name store-bought detergent that was listed free of brighteners, etc. It worked incredibly well. Go back to the store some months later and it's nowhere to be found. Just taken off the market. So typical.. the one that worked gets pulled from the market. Going to try out some natural detergents next. They're usually free of harsh chemicals and brighteners. Whether they work... no idea.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

Honestly the white vinegar didn’t even work as well as this for replenishing my drying towels absorbency but it can help

[@2226cc]

@@attention2detailswchelseaWe usually use vinegar as a softener. I'll have to find something similar. Can't get these products here. There are a couple of detailing brand name detergents, but ridiculous pricing.

[@Zilero]

Just got a detail kit and I’ve been chucking them in the wash with the regular dosing of Tide. Hopefully I haven’t ruined them!

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

Try soaking them in the microfiber wash first and then launder with it to see if you can bounce them back but scents and softeners can clog them and break down the fibers

[@kimnewling5728]

Youre so right. Take care of the microfiber towels. They are expensive. How much white vinegar were you adding to load of wash with the Rags to Riches?

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I’d just go to the max fill line

[@161Manu]

Sweet! - I'm glad I'm not the only one using hot water. It really does the trick.

[@amberatkinson4230]

I thought any kind of heat was bad for microfibers? In my dryer, if I choose low there's still a fair amount of heat so I always air dry. I wonder if there is a maximum temperature that microfiber is can handle?

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

David Holly, co-author of Green Cleaning for Dummies and founder of Green Cleaning University offered this advice on the topic of laundering microfiber cloths: "You really have no worry about machine washing in hot water - the typical hot water temperature of a home or commercial machine is below the temperature that can harm the fibers of a well made micro fiber cloth. The two products to avoid are bleach and fabric softener. Bleach WILL damage the fibers. Fabric softener eliminates "static cling" or electrostatic energy - this is a critical part of what makes a micro fiber work. However, if you accidentally use some fabric softener - don't panic - just rewash the cloth(s) and you'll be fine. There is no permanent damage from this. When washing, use a VERY SMALL amount of detergent. Micro fibers release the soil when washed very easily. Overuse of detergent is at best wasteful and at worst will load the cloth with detergent that remains after drying. A good starting point is 1/2 the amount you would normally use for a comparable size load. As with many chemicals in our business - more is NOT better. A single cycle is fine for cleaning the cloths. There is no additional benefit from washing for more than one cycle - just wasting water and energy. The nature of the fibers helps prevent mold, mildew or other "nasties" from growing. By the same token, drying is not necessary either. They will air dry very quickly and will not mildew as they dry. If you choose to machine dry - this is where temperature IS an issue. Use a LOW setting. Dryer temps are MUCH higher than wash temps. Do NOT dry any other cloths, rags, towels or other clothing with your micro fibers if you choose to machine dry them. They will pull all of the lint off these other materials and become so loaded that they may be worthless in the future."

[@amberatkinson4230]

@@attention2detailswchelsea wow! Thank you so much for sharing that.

[@amberatkinson4230]

Cool pattern on top of your washer. Is that drawer and cabinet liner?

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

No it’s a padded top for washing machines to help protect from scratches and keep things from shaking on top as it’s in use amzn.to/3YwCJsH

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

Nice washer, same one I have. 😁🤞🏻

[@Supermath101]

The TRCMA announcement video of P&S Rags to Riches claims that vinegar isn't necessary.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I found it needed it

[@Radiantharmony1111]

thank you for your review! But, Yo! I really believe you shouldn’t go higher than 86 degrees for your microfibers, those fibers melt to higher temperatures making them less soft.. maybe try it with lower temperatures next time you wash some brand new towels, and im quite sure you will see the difference ..❤

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I’ve been doing it this way for years and have had no issues, but I’m definitely open to learning new things or trying new things

[@gorillanismo]

Rag Co says in their videos microfiber melts at 140F, house water heaters come set at 120F coming out of the heater, by the time it hits the washer is probably 113-115 F in the summer, less in the winter depending outside temps, pipe lenght and other factors. I have been using warm water cycle for 8 years and never had an issue.

[@colinbeckstrand2612]

@@gorillanismo Love info like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@gorillanismo]

@@colinbeckstrand2612 anytime bud

[@mikeeonfiya]

Does anyone know if washing lint prone rags with these detergents will help remove some excess linting? I use Free & Clear, Rags 2 Riches, and would like to try Renaissance. I have like 30 brand new TRC 500 rags from my old work. I’ve never dealt with linting before using waffle weave, low-pile, twist loops, etc. (300-480 GSM rags, excluding >1300 GSM drying towel) so these high-pile plush towels w/ linting is new to me. If I use more product of the LSP, say Paint Gloss, Bead It Up, Epic Waterless Wash, EZ Shine, Ceramic Speed Shine, etc., to reduce friction & linting, I now have to deal with streaking. If there’s no recourse for reducing linting, I’ll give the rags away to local detailers for multiple towels 1 bucket wash method or interior mop up. Thanks.

[@Craig419]

When you use white vinegar, are you mixing it with your detergent or are you doing the vinegar after the initial wash? I presoak my microfibers in rinseless wash...my thought is it will encapsulate and trap a lot of junk. Then I squeeze them out on the grass BEFORE loading in the washer. I don't know if this helps, but I assume i'm putting less gunk into my washer as a result.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I add it to the fabric softener portion of my washing machine

[@Craig419]

@@attention2detailswchelsea Thank you!

[@0togtr811]

Great tutorial. I use 3D towel kleen but what if you use normal laundry liquid that has no scent no softener no colour would that not work just as well as any of these 'microfiber' wash liquids?

[@renogunzddragon1900]

normal laundry liquid that has no scent no softener no colour Work just as same as the branded detailing brand MF detergent

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@0togtr811 those will clean but may need white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment to boost its ability to break down drying aids and sealants

[@limoman4125]

Question (for anyone) do u clean your microfiber al together? Like your drying towels with towels that u used strong chemicals on

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

I have and didn’t see MUCH of a difference with separating them but if I have enough to divide them I’ll do interiors and exterior towels separately and normally I do. The biggest one to considering separating are glass towels to avoid streaks but I am all too often lazy and just dump them all in together and they come out alright

[@Micatone]

I'm a diy'er and just wash all my towels together. I do use a bit of detergent along with Rags to riches and wash on warm. I also soak my towels in my leftover bucket of rinse less before putting in washing machine. Usually while I clean up after the wash...

[@aldaley3537]

I have this product in my basket for purchase.

[@ilikechickensausages2075]

Is your washing machine ceramic coated?

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

It may be at this point lol

[@tafl-9198]

@@attention2detailswchelsea😂😂😂

[@hectorlozada2503]

Where you get that product

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

Link and coupon code are in the video description but it’s found at The House of Rags website

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

Do you have a link? Thx

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

It’s in the video description

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

@@attention2detailswchelseaStill didn’t see a direct link for it in your description, but ended up finding it after another search. It’s interesting they say cold water, but I use warm and hot water all of the time. Who knows! 😂😁👍🏻

[@MrGoinz007]

I wash them by hand

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

What?!, no you don’t!

[@smoothross7509]

Griot's Garage recommends hot water for washing their microfiber towels. 💁‍♂️

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

That’s what I’ve always done to break down the dirt better

[@TraconWizard]

Good laugh with your kid voice. I thought it was Wizard of Oz.

[@muaddba]

For the life of me I will never understand why, in a product review/demo video, people will disregard the instructions on a product and just use it how they feel is correct. People put 3 or 4 sprays of DIY Gold Standard Polish on the pad when polishing, or double the recommended amount of soap in a foam cannon, while never showing what happens when you just follow the instructions. Most people buying the product are going to follow the instructions on the product label. If you're going to review something, you should at least do one review where you follow the instructions. If the results are not to your liking, by all means following up with your preferred method if it doesn't perform to your liking. You started this video admonishing people not to throw MF towels away because of the harm to the environment, but using hot water instead of cold is also harmful as it wastes energy. I appreciate the time you take to make these videos, just wish I could have seen the product performance as designed.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@muaddba stay tuned I’ll try cold to see how it works cause many have convinced me it’s worth trying but there is conflicting information out there from different microfiber manufacturers that tell you, Hot is safe so it’s hard to know. Are the guys who made this just regurgitating what they have heard from other companies or is that because they tested it and cold is best.

[@attention2detailswchelsea]

@@muaddba I come from the background of janitorial experience where I had to clean dormitories and college campuses and had to become educated on proper cleaning techniques per the chemical distributors that I was working with, and they all said to wash on hot and dry on low

[@muaddba]

@@attention2detailswchelsea there are a lot of modern detergents which recommend using cold water and tests have shown they perform well using cold water. Tide has one, I think All does as well. Chemistry continues to evolve, so again I would say I'd test using the instructions first and give feedback on it if they need to be changed. That's not to say that manufacturers don't get things wrong, I've got a ton of devices at home with advice for charging that advises fully discharging/recharging occasionally to recondition the battery, something that should not be done on the types of batteries they include.

[@gorillanismo]

Hot water helps dilutiing the chemical better and also help the towels release dirt easier. If your cycle is below 140F you are fine

[@TagryOfficial-q4i]

Your content is always on point. 🚗💖 I’d love to chat about a potential collab with our IVICY Linen Car Seat Cover - it’s a perfect fit for your audience. If you’re interested, let’s connect! 😊