Car towels are an important tool for car cleaning and care. Proper maintenance can not only maintain their cleaning effect, but also extend their service life and avoid scratching the car paint or contaminating the interior. The following are detailed methods for car towel maintenance:
1. Wash before first use
Newly purchased car towels may have residual chemicals or fiber debris from the production process. Before first use, it is recommended to:
Hand wash in cold water or wash gently in a machine (avoid hot water, which may cause fiber shrinkage)
Do not use softener or bleach (these products will clog the fibers and reduce water absorption)
Let it dry naturally before use
2. Cleaning methods after daily use
(1) Wash in time to avoid stains from solidifying
Wash as soon as possible after use, especially towels that have been used to wipe wax, oil or brake dust, to avoid stains that are difficult to remove after drying.
If you cannot wash immediately, soak them in clean water first to prevent stains from solidifying.
(2) Correct machine washing method
Wash separately: Avoid mixing with other clothes to prevent lint or impurities from sticking.
Use neutral detergent (such as car-specific detergent or mild laundry detergent) and avoid detergents containing softeners.
Select the gentle mode and keep the water temperature below 30°C to prevent fiber damage.
Add a small amount of white vinegar (50ml) to help break down wax and oil stains and sterilize and remove odors.
(3) Stubborn stain treatment
If there are wax stains, gum or heavy oil stains on the towel, pre-treat it with APC (all-purpose cleaner) or stain remover before washing in the machine.
Avoid using a hard brush to scrub to avoid damaging the fiber structure.
3. Drying and storage
(1) Natural drying
Avoid exposure to the sun: UV rays will accelerate fiber aging. It is recommended to dry in the shade or in a well-ventilated place indoors.
Do not use a dryer. High temperatures may cause the towel to become hard or shrink.
(2) Proper storage
Store after it is completely dry. A humid environment is prone to the growth of bacteria and mold.
Classified storage: Towels for different purposes (such as car body, glass, interior, wheels) should be stored separately to avoid cross contamination.
You can choose a breathable storage box or hanging storage bag to keep ventilation.
4. Regular deep cleaning
Even if you wash it correctly every day, the towels may still accumulate dirt and grease after long-term use. It is recommended:
Deep cleaning once a month: Soak in hot water (below 60°C) + oxygen bleach (such as sodium percarbonate) for 30 minutes, then wash normally, which can effectively decompose stubborn stains and sterilize.
Avoid using chlorine bleach, which will damage the fiber and reduce water absorption.
5. When to replace the car towel?
Even with proper care, car towels will age with use and should be replaced when:
Fibers harden and lose softness (may scratch the paint)
Water absorption decreases significantly (dirt clogs the fibers)
Odors or mildew that are difficult to remove appear
Edges become unthreaded or severely worn
It is generally recommended to replace them every 6-12 months, and frequently used towels may need to be replaced earlier.
Additional tips
Prepare several towels: distinguish them by purpose (such as car washing, water collection, waxing, interior decoration), and avoid mixing them.
Use wheel towels alone: brake dust pollution is serious, it is recommended to use dark towels and replace them regularly.
Don’t use towels to wipe off mud and sand: rinse or use a hair dryer to blow away particles first to prevent scratches on the paint.
Properly maintaining car towels can not only improve the cleaning effect, but also protect the paint and interior of your car, making every care more efficient and safer!
Post time: May-23-2025