What is Microfiber Cloth & What to Use it For
Microfiber Towels for Car Cleaning
At Atlantic Auto Coatings, we offer top-quality Auto-Detailing services that make your vehicle shine like new. Among the most important tools in our detailing arsenal is the microfiber car cloth. In this detailing guide, we are going to dive into the world of microfiber car cloths and what makes them the go-to for Auto Detailing.
What is a Microfiber Cloth?
Microfiber is a man-made fiber, the diameter of which in cross-section is even smaller than that of silk. It is generally achieved by the blending of polyester and polyamide into very thin fibers that are split into very fine strands and then woven into fabric. It is soft, durable, and absorbent—a perfect piece to use when detailing your car.
The unique structure of microfiber cloths makes them ideal for Auto Detailing and cleaning in many ways:
- Absorbency: Microfibers can absorb up to seven times its weight in water; hence, it’s perfect for cleaning and drying.
- Softness: The fibers are soft on surfaces, meaning they do not cause scratches, swirls or abrasion on surfaces such as the paintwork on your car.
- Durability: Good quality microfiber cloths can be washed multiple times; hence, they last longer than one use.
- Electrostatic Properties: Microfiber towels are intrinsically charged with electrostatics, which enhances attraction to dirt as well as dust particles and is hence more potent for cleaning.
Benefits of Using Microfiber Cloths for Auto Detailing:
Superior Cleaning Performance:
The nature of split fiber in microfiber cloths produces millions of tiny hooks that lift and trap dirt and grime, ensuring that the cleaning process is done without scratching the surface.
Lint-Free and Streak-Free:
If properly used, the microfiber cloth leaves no lint or streaks on windows, mirrors, or painted surfaces.
More environmentally friendly:
Because of the high level of cleanliness of microfiber cloths, fewer volumes of water and formulations are used, thereby being friendly to the environment.
Cost-effective:
Despite the cost at the point of purchase, it is cost-effective because of the durability and reusability. They can last a long time, so they are ideal for a long period of time in auto detailing.
Purchasing the Right Microfiber Cloth
Not all microfiber cloths are the same, so when buying microfiber cloths for auto detailing, it is important to take into consideration:
GSM (Grams per Square Meter): GSM is an indication of the density with which the cloth is woven. More GSM will usually result in a thicker and more absorbent cloth. An ideal GSM for car detailing is between the ranges of 300-400.
Blend Ratio: The most popular ratio is 80% polyester to 20% polyamide. This is the best balance between softness and strength.
Weave Type: The type of weave differs in each cloth and imparts its purpose and individual characteristics.
Terry Weave: All-purpose cleaning and polishing.
Waffle Weave: Extra absorbent, these are the best for drying.
Suede/Microfiber Towels: These are helpful for the windows and mirrors.
Edge Type: Ensure that the cloths have safe edges, which are either rounded and very soft, or tend to be the more sturdy ones created with Satin edges and remove the scratching element.
How to Use Microfiber Cloths for Different Detailing Tasks
Washing and Drying:
Washing: Gently wash the surface of your car by using the microfiber wash mitt. The fibers, in turn, lift the dirt away from the paint and reduce the risk of scratches.
Drying: Dry the car after washing using a large, waffle-weave microfiber towel. Go from top down and blot, don’t wipe, to prevent swirl marks.
Polishing and Waxing:
Apply your preferred polish or wax with a foam applicator pad or dual action polisher.
Then, using a soft finishing microfiber cloth, buff in small sections with light pressure. The microfiber will pick up extra product and leave the finish glossy.
Interior Cleaning:
Use a general purpose microfiber cloth to wipe down the dash, console, and door panels. The electrostatic properties of the cloth will attract dust and dirt.
For the glass surfaces, use a low GSM suede microfiber towel with a glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.
Detailing Tires and Wheels:
Have a different microfiber cloth for tires and wheels to avoid cross-contamination. These areas often have brake dust and other contaminants that will scratch your paint if transferred.
Clean the wheels using a wheel cleaner with a dedicated microfiber cloth, and dry it off with another towel.
Wheel Cleaner we recommend:
Proper Care and Maintenance of Microfiber Towels
To make your microfiber towels work in the best way possible and be long-lasting, consider the following tips for care and maintenance:
Microfiber Laundry:
- Wash microfiber separately from other laundry to prevent transference of lint.
- Use a gentle detergent not containing fabric softeners and bleach, as these block the fiber spaces and reduce effectiveness.
- Do not use high heat; wash in warm or cool water.
Try this microfiber Cleaner:
https://psdetailproducts.com/products/rags-to-riches-doubleblack-collection
Drying:
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat; high heat ruins the fibers of the cloths, reducing their life.
Storage:
Store clean microfiber cloths in a dust-free area to prevent contamination.
Keep the different types of microfiber cloths (int. and ext., wheels, etc.) apart from other towels to avoid cross contamination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners coat the fibers, making them less effective at cleaning and absorbing.
- Cross-Contamination: This can include wiping different areas with the same cloth, which can entrench contaminants and scratch paint surfaces quite easily as well.
- High Heat: The microfiber washed or dried on high heat tampered with its fibers and shortens their lifespan.
Why Atlantic Auto Coatings Recommends Microfiber car cloths
At Atlantic Auto Coatings, we have seen for ourselves what microfiber cloths can do in the game of Auto Detailing. Their superior cleaning ability alone, along with being gentle on all surfaces, has shown it to be an extremely handy tool for both professional detailers and car enthusiasts alike. Here’s why we stand by microfiber towels:
- Protecting Your Investment: Drawing off of point number one a little more, a vehicle is one of the largest investments most people make in their lifetime. Using microfiber cloths maintains the look of the vehicle and, over time, the value.
- Professional Results: Microfiber cloths produce that level of cleanliness and shine you can’t quite get with other regular terry cloth rags or shop rags.
- Efficient, Easy: With microfiber towels, you can achieve excellent results using less effort and time so you can enjoy your perfectly detailed car sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microfiber Cloths
Common questions
Can I safely use microfiber cloths on all Vehicle surfaces?
Yes, you can. Microfiber cloths can be used on paint, glass, plastic, and leather. Just change towels for different areas to prevent cross-contamination.
How often should I replace my microfiber cloths?
High-quality microfiber cloths, if well taken care of, can be used multiple times. Replace them once they lose their absorbency or are worn out in any other way.
Are there any surfaces I should avoid using microfiber on?
Microfiber is safe for nearly all surfaces. But avoid using dirty and contaminated cloths on sensitive areas such as finished clear coat/paint as it may scratch the surface.
What's the best way to remove tough stains from microfiber cloths?
Pre-treat the stains with small quantities in detergent, lightly scrub, then wash. Try not to use bleach/fabric softener if possible since it really damages the fibers.
Will any cleaning products work with microfiber cloths?
Most cleaning products will; however, for safety measures, always follow the manufacturer’s directions and test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Microfiber cloths are the game-changer in Auto Detailing. With superior cleaning power and a gentle touch, combined with durability in fibers, they will do noted jobs to attain a blemish-free finish for your car. Atlantic Auto Coatings relies on quality microfiber cloths to perform their magic whenever professional results are expected. Put microfibers to work in your detailing routine and begin protecting and progressively improving the appearance of your car so it will look great years down the line.
Take a shot with top-quality microfiber cloths and follow all the proper usage instructions—as well as all the tips on care—for those kinds of results that can really turn a car around. Your car—and your wallet—will be thanking you. Happy detailing!
More tips are available at Atlantic Auto Coatings, the premier source for premium Auto Detailing services located in Stuart Florida servicing all of Martin and Palm Beach County.
