NA FURY

I don't want to wash any of my microfiber towels that I've used for interior and exterior detailing/cleaning in our washing machine because I don't want various chemical residue in there. Does anybody have an approach for washing them by hand? What tools and detergent are best?

FYRARMS

I have never had any chemical residue problems washing all my towels in my washing machine. However, I am not sure how clean anyone could get them washing them by hand. I suppose you could go "Little House On The Prairie" and use a washing board. Might be too rough on the towels, though. I am sure the agitation of a washing machine is much safer than rubbing the heck out of them against a metal board.

As far as detergents go, I use both 3D "Towel Clean" soap and "Micro-Restore".

Sixgun95

If your concerned about residue being left in the tub then just run in through another cycle with clean garage towels in it or empty. Been washing mine for years in the washer, no issue. Maybe just don't do it when the wife is home!

NA FURY

Thanks all. I'll try soaking and hand washing wish one of those detergents. I read that some had issues with the 3M stuff staining their towels green. Has that been your experience?

FYRARMS

Do you mean "3M" or "3D"? I have been using 3D Towel Clean for over a year now. I use it to wash all different types of MF towels of all different piles and colors. MF applicator pads, too. I have never seen any green color transfer. Not even on my white towels.

ztheusa

Take them to the dry cleaners.

Grzldvt1

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! They use chemicals that leave serious residue and ruin the MF.
Washing in a washing machine used for clothes is not going to be a problem.
Use a soap meant for MF Towels, or Tide Free also works, Then in the rinse cycle put in 1/4 cup of vinegar if a small load in the rinse cycle. 1/2 cup if a medium load.
The vinegar is a natural water softener, and removes any oils/residue left from the soap.
At my shop we would wash the towels, and we would have a full load. When the rinse cycle came on and filled the tub, we would put in a cup full of white vinegar and let it sit overnight.
I had towels used for 10+ years still be as good as new.
Drying was very light heat to just barely dry. Too hot melts the MF and creates static in the towel which transfers to the paint and attracts dust.

NA FURY

3D, sorry. Good to hear you've had no issue.

cmonkey713

Take them to the laundromat. I don't think you could ever get them clean by hand.

pickleseimer

I keep a 5-gallon bucket with water and a little McKee's Polishing Pad Rejuvenator mixed into it in a corner of the shop. Throw the towels I use into it immediately after I'm done using them. The McKee's product rinses clean with no residue. At the end of the week, I agitate the bucket a bit and then toss them into the washer with some Micro-Restore and white vinegar, then dry on low/no heat.

Now to the OP's point, I've notice that the bucket soak does a pretty decent job of pre-cleaning the towels before they see the washing machine, so that may get the OP a little closer to his goal by using a pre-soak routine.

Kenny94945

Best idea….wash them at a local public laundromat.

Hand washing, which I have done, does not seem to thoroughly clean the rags.
So I recycle to other cleaning uses.

NA FURY

Thanks, everybody. I think I'll go with the 3D Towel Kleen and give it a try.

TrackAire

If you have the space or spot for one somewhere out of the way, you can pick up basic used washing machine off Craigslist for $50 to $100.

Also, there are hand crank washing machines to allow you to literally pre wash the towels pretty dang good and get rid most of the chemicals before you put it in your home washing machine.

Raymond Grand Sport

My rules (most have been stated)

1) wash on cold or luke warm (microfiber is heat sensitive)
2) Many liquids are available and good, never use a powder detergent - particles will get stuck in your towels
3) Dry on no heat or low heat
4) Never use a dryer sheet or softener of any kind
5) never mix with cotton - wash towels by themselves

TucoTom

Buy a new bundle of microfiber towels @ Costco, throw the dirty towels in the trash.

jim2527

We have fairly hard water here in Tampa. Does it make a difference? I usually throw them away or convert them into shop rags.