Checking out the ultimate guide (https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=58552), and just wondering: should I buy them in bulk enough to make them fairly disposable, or how should I clean them, and how long should I use them?

Also, the latest comment in the ultimate guide is more than 6 months old... looks like the Sam's brand got pretty good reviews, but I know new products come out all the time... any suggestions other than this 25 pack at Sam's for $10? (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...705&pCatg=6342)

Thanks!

 

Its hard to say how long they should last.

When comparing quality microfiber towels, here’s what you need to know to make an intelligent buying decision:

1. Towel density is important. Density is a measure of fibers per square inch of fabric. The range for quality microfiber is 90,000 to 225,000 fibers per square inch. Generally speaking, the higher the fiber count the better the towel will absorb water and clean.

2. The ratio of the polyester and polyamide blend is important. While 80% polyester and 20% polyamide is typical, a 70/30 blend will absorb water faster. As polyamide is much more expensive than polyester, you can expect to pay more for a 70/30 blend.

3. Make sure you look at the weave and fabric thickness (plush-ness) of the towel. Depending on the specific task the cloth is designed to perform, the fiber ends may be hooked (for cleaning), feathered (for polishing and glass cleaning), or tufted (for drying).

4. We all know the saying; it costs more to make quality. Microfiber is no different. Quality construction is not always obvious, so let me share some observations. The biggest complaint with automotive microfiber is that towels with cheap edging scratch your paint. There are two possible reasons. First, the factory uses a hot wire system to cut their towels. If not properly adjusted, or if a cheap machine is used, the hot wire will melt the fabric. When polyester and nylon melt, they turn into hard plastic. The second complaint is that the towel creates excessive lint. Microfiber lint is caused by towels with a high pile or a broad weave using a fiber split that’s inappropriate. The high pile or loose weave allow the fibers to break off, creating lint. The same split fiber used in a towel with a higher fabric density will lint less or not at all. Don’t assume that a towel that does not lint is a high quality towel. The cheapest towels don’t lint because they do not have split fibers.



Cleaning is very simple.

The best general purpose cleaner is a liquid detergent. It’ better to use too little than too much. Liquid is recommended over powder because some powders do not completely dissolve and the granules will lodge in the toweling.

Wash in cold water only. Warm water can be tolerated, but hot water cannot. Polyester and polyamide both shrink in hot water. If you wash in hot water the fibers will shrink and the towel will not perform as intended.

Do not use fabric softeners of any kind. The softener will become lodged in the microfiber reducing its ability to absorb water, clean and pick up dirt. In short, you’ll have a soft towel that’s useless.

Do not dry above medium heat. Treat microfiber towels the same as you would your delicate clothing. Drying with high heat is worse that washing in hot water.

 

Amazing and thorough answer. Apologies if I should have picked that up in the 'guide'. Thanks!

 

No worries.

If you want a real "guide":

http://autopia.org/forum/

 

yeah that is about the end all guide