Care of cloths and sponges

Some of these cloths and applicators are expensive and as such would want to keep them in working order for as long as possible.
I have read that the MF cloths should be machine washed and then tumble dried.

Is this how most of you clean your cloths? Do you just add the applicators to the bundle of cloths and wash them together?

I ask because I see some of my cloths forming hard points and they not that old. Just want the best method of keeping them clean.

 

The only cloths I wash in the washer are the ones used for the paint. Ones used for door jams, wheels, engine bay, etc are washed in a bucket for me. I always wash with hot water and dry on low, no problems for me . Make sure it's microfiber only and you're not adding cotton towels or any other material. Do not use fabric softener either. For applicator pads, I use Dawn Power Dissolver or DP pad rejuvinator. With the Power Dissolver, I just spray the pads, let it sit for a few minutes, agitate, then rinse out as much as i can. You can also pick up DP pad cleaner from Autogeek...I love using this stuff for applcator pads/polishing pads because they do the job in cleaning and rinse out way easier than the dawn stuff. I just lay my pads on a grit guard to dry out.

 

Microfiber Care:
Always wash towels as soon as possible after use, the longer they sit the more the contaminants will set do not use bleach (bleach will shorten the life of your Microfiber cloths.) Read the label on the detergent bottle and use half of what they recommend and use hot water (120oF) Washing Liquid and Vinegar (50/50) to clean-out the machine drum

Heated water breaks down water-soluble soiling faster as it reduces overall chemical usage because it reduces the surface tension of the fibre and will better dislodge wax and other particles. Heat acts as a catalyst promoting quicker reactions between chemicals and the soil thereby minimizing dwell time.

If the towel becomes too dirty, it will begin to “streak”, it is then time to wash the towel. Pre-soak in a liquid detergent / water and then squeeze out wax/polish with your hands and rinse thoroughly. If the towel still tends to ‘streak’ boil the towels for at least 20 minute, this will soften the fibres, and release any wax / polish residue. This will also release any lint, which will actually come to the surface of the water. Empty out the water and then remove the towel, don’t do it the other way or you'll re-introduce the lint to the towel again.


Wash Directions (Applicators): Pre-soak in a liquid detergent / water and then squeeze out wax/polish with your hands and rinse thoroughly. As a pre-spotter: dilute 1 part concentrates with 3 parts water, apply to stain and launder as usual.

 

Oh the best washing detergent is "perfume free, clean rinse, hypo-allergenic, scent free, etc" such as Tide Free you don't have to worry about residue!!