Cleaning dirty sponges/wash mitts/microfiber cloths etc.

[MarkRSi]

Whats the best method for cleaning used sponges/cloths?

Just stick them in the washing machine with the socks etc? Wash them separately? Ok to use normal washing machine powder/liquid or will this add abasive crap like washing up liquid?
Or should I just stop being a lazy bd and wash them by hand?
Or should I just stop being a tight ct and buy new ones?

[Blukoo]

I've always been told not to use washing powder just incase some of the powder doesn't dissolve properly, and you end up with some unwanted abrasive powder on the pads/cloths.

Also don't use fabric softner as it makes the fabric less absorbant.

You might also benefit from reading this.
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...

Edited by Blukoo on Monday 27th July 16:05

[Anatol]

We get through about 20 mitts and microfibres a day between the techs.

We wash them with about 1/3 of a normal load's detergent, on a 30 degree, super-gentle wash. Fabric softener kills microfibres, so avoid. They air-dry fast because of the big surface area, so we've never bothered force-drying them.

Tol

[mneame]

I never put my mitt in the machine, that's always hand washed. Machine washing will kill it off. I managed to wreck my first mitt after just 1 wash. Never made that mistake again.

MF, polishing pads and applicator pads are all machine washed. In bundles. All mf together, all polishing pads together then all app pads together.

Set on a gentle wash with 40ml of washing liquid. Don't use powder for the reason stated above. The same for conditioner. I do tumble dry mine on a low heat. Check them and take them out as soon as they are dry. Don't over tumble them.

If you have the time to do it hand washing would be better.

[MarkRSi]

Some good advice, thanks. Not so sure about putting vinegar in the washing machine though

If I decide to hand wash anything is it safe to just use a bar of soap or should I use something more fancy?

[mneame]

non bio washing liquid or fairy liquid

[Alfahol Addict]

Sorry for the necrophilia.

Is there any risk of leftover oil, brake dust etc. from washing microfiber hands/cloths in the washing machine?

I'm not sure I want to be held responsible, for ruining my girlfriends clothes :-)

[abzmike]

Alfahol Addict said:

Sorry for the necrophilia.

Is there any risk of leftover oil, brake dust etc. from washing microfiber hands/cloths in the washing machine?

I'm not sure I want to be held responsible, for ruining my girlfriends clothes :-)

Top thread resurrection...

I wouldn't have thought anything will damage your good lady's clothes more than muddy sports gear or food covered shirts would in a previous load. If there is a lot of oil or gunk on your cloths maybe give them a rinse, but they should be fine in the machine at 40C.

[Alfahol Addict]

abzmike said:

Alfahol Addict said:

Sorry for the necrophilia.

Is there any risk of leftover oil, brake dust etc. from washing microfiber hands/cloths in the washing machine?

I'm not sure I want to be held responsible, for ruining my girlfriends clothes :-)

Top thread resurrection...

I wouldn't have thought anything will damage your good lady's clothes more than muddy sports gear or food covered shirts would in a previous load. If there is a lot of oil or gunk on your cloths maybe give them a rinse, but they should be fine in the machine at 40C.

Thanks, I was only almost 10 years late to the party.

Might give the washing machine a run with some of my "normal" dark clothes afterwards, just to be 100% sure.

[mneame]

90 deg c wash on empty to "clean" the machine out afterwards.

[Alex_225]

Chuck all my gear into the wash, mitts, towels, applications and just use a liquid detergent and no conditioner.

I wash them on their own though, no other clothes etc. I tumble them as well which is fine just make sure you don't put sponge applicators in there, they don't like that!! haha

[Alfahol Addict]

Thanks for your suggestions! :-)