So I just finished washing, polishing, and waxing my car, it looks great, but now I have a lot of dirty rags. What is the best way to clean all of this stuff. It seems that getting this stuff clean is really important to keep from scratching the paint. well thanks for reading

 

Just use regular detergent in a washing machine to clean the 100% cotton towels. Don't use fabric softeners on the towels. You will be good to go.

 

I would suggest washing any micro fiber seperately. They will pick up lint and stuff from cotton towels and rags. Dreft is a good choice for the detergent.

I usually let the microfiber stuff line dry and I'll put the cotton stuff in the dryer. And as StealthMax said, don't use any type of fabric softener or sheets.

 

Also, try to wash them soon after use so that the products sitting in it don't have as much chance to set in.

If the cloths are really loaded with product, consider pre-soaking them in some detergent in a bucket first, and then rinsing them out before throwing them in the washer. If you don't, sometimes you will leave a waxy, white ring around the waterline in the washer and your mother/spouse/significant other will KILL you.

PS: I really hope you aren't actually using "rags".... scratch city right there if you're using cheap toweling.

 

What Bman said.

You may also want to consider using a liquid only detergent. Powders may not dissolve completely, and therefore could stay in the towel. This would cause scratches/marring.

MF should be washed totally seperate from any others. If you don't, it could take you hours to pluck the lint out of them with tweezers afterwards.

A double rinse is a good thing. Makes sure all the detergent is out. Another good way of doing this is to add about 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse. This helps break the bond between the detergent and fabric, allowing the detergent to be rinsed away. This trick is actually probably the first fabric softener. Works really well.

Unless you worry about fading of your towels, use the hottest water you can for the wash. Household hot water is not hot enough to harm any of the cotton or MF. And hot water cleans so much more effectively.

Dave

 

Thanks for the help. I am not using rags, MF all the way, but doesn't matter now cause I jacked up my fender and have to get it repainted and I might just get the whole car done if I can get enough money together