Microfiber Variations and Their Uses
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,746
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From: Terre Haute, IN
Microfiber Variations and Their Uses
The Hydro thread was giving me a headache, literally. I'm thinking we need a series of various tutorials describing different products and their uses, and as the Ken of Waffle-Weave Microfibers, I am going to kick off with this one.
MICROFIBER 101: MICROFIBER VARIATIONS AND THEIR USES
All microfibers are not equal. There are differences in quality and "best usage practices" across different types.
Basic/Utility MFs: These are the "generic" version microfibers you see pretty much everywhere. Costco/Sam's Club sell them in bulk packs, so do many places online. Most detailing outlets such as Autopia, Meguiar's, or Detailer's Paradise sell their own "brand". These basic MFs start out soft, but tend to stiffen up. They are good for cleaning non-painted surfaces - door jams, interior surfaces, wheels, etc. Also, most of the microfiber pads/applicators you see are made of this type of microfiber. I'm sure there are many who DO use these types of towels on their paint, but it makes me wonder why, when there are so many better ones out there to do the job. Most basic/utility MFs are 16 inches square. Cheaper/bulk versions often have synthetic stitching around the edges, so these are not really recommended for caring for your nicer painted surfaces.
Waffle-Weave Drying MFs: These are pretty easy to pick out of a crowd - they have a waffle-weave texture that helps to suck up water off the surface of your car. The texture makes them more absorbant and they will hold a LOT of water. They are also usually larger than the standard MF towel. Again, most detailing retailers will sell their own "variety" of these. It should only take one or two waffle-weave MFs to dry a MINI, so you don't need to have a whole lot of them on hand.
Assorted Premium MFs: This category includes Paradise Monster Fluffy and Platinum MFs and Meguiar's Supreme Shine MF. These MFs are fluffier, thicker, and overall just more luxurious-feeling than your basic/utility MF. They are normally used for applying quick detailer and buffing off waxes and polishes. Premium MFs do not stiffen up like the cheaper basic/utility MFs so they are safer for your paint. Some, like the Paradise Platinum, may have two different loops - one side long, one short - for versatility.
Glass-Cleaning MFs: I have only ever used the Detailer's Paradise version of this type of MF, although I have seen others out there and they are just your basic/utility MF, repackaged. The DP version is thinner and more abrasive. Both clean glass well, some prefer one over the other...whatever. You decide. The DP version seems to remove haze/smearing better than a basic/utility MF, I'm assuming that's because the abrasiveness of it sort of "scrubs" it off better, but it is less absorbant. Again, these are specific-use, one should not use these to buff paint or anything like that.
Microfiber Pads/Applicators: These are either square/rectangular or round foam pads covered in basic microfiber. They are used for applying wax, dressings, polishes (if polishing by hand rather than machine), whatever.
What do I need? I have a assortment of MF products. In my cabinet are about 20 basic/utility MFs (a bulk pack from Costco), 4 DP waffle-weave drying MFs, 8 DP Monster Fluffy premium MFs, 4 DP Platinum Dual-Pile premium MFs, 4 DP glass cleaning MFs, 4 DP rectangular blue MF pads, 2 round yellow MF pads (cheapies from Target that came with a handy velcro-on handle), and I think 3 DP Skinny pads (similar to the rectangular ones, only much thinner and covered with a finer MF - good for applying wax by hand). I also wash my MINI weekly, so you need to gauge your need based on how much you will use them. Spring for quality MFs for drying and buffing/quick-detailing and save on applicators and basic/utility MFs. The ones that touch your paint are the ones that need to be the highest quality.
Caring for your MFs: Microfibers should be washed/dryed seperately from the rest of your laundry. Microfiber attracts and holds lint very easily, and all it takes is accidentally putting one through the laundry with some regular terry towels and you will see what I mean! I keep a seperate laundry bag for my MFs. Some seperate their MFs even beyond that, and put their premium MFs that come into contact with the paint in their own load. I can understand and respect that, but I am too lazy. That's your call
I wash mine on my normal laundry setting, which is cold water wash. DO NOT USE fabric softener! Then I put them in the dryer on "low" setting, on sensor dry. Some people hang theirs to dry; some people dry most but hang their premium MFs. Again, your call based on your time constraints and practicality. Store your MFs somewhere where they will not get dusty or dirty - for some of you who are on the wash-once-a-year-whether-it-needs-it-or-not program, that might mean you need to get a couple of snap-top storage bins to keep the dust and loose particles away from them. Last but not least, INSPECT your MFs before they touch your paint! If you drop one in the garage or on the driveway, you could have a little stone or piece of mulch bark (my personal favorite) and then be rubbing it across your paint, scratching the bejeezus out of it! So be sure to inspect your MFs before using them and remove anything you might see in there.
And that concludes Microfiber 101. Class dismissed!
MICROFIBER 101: MICROFIBER VARIATIONS AND THEIR USES
All microfibers are not equal. There are differences in quality and "best usage practices" across different types.
Basic/Utility MFs: These are the "generic" version microfibers you see pretty much everywhere. Costco/Sam's Club sell them in bulk packs, so do many places online. Most detailing outlets such as Autopia, Meguiar's, or Detailer's Paradise sell their own "brand". These basic MFs start out soft, but tend to stiffen up. They are good for cleaning non-painted surfaces - door jams, interior surfaces, wheels, etc. Also, most of the microfiber pads/applicators you see are made of this type of microfiber. I'm sure there are many who DO use these types of towels on their paint, but it makes me wonder why, when there are so many better ones out there to do the job. Most basic/utility MFs are 16 inches square. Cheaper/bulk versions often have synthetic stitching around the edges, so these are not really recommended for caring for your nicer painted surfaces.
Waffle-Weave Drying MFs: These are pretty easy to pick out of a crowd - they have a waffle-weave texture that helps to suck up water off the surface of your car. The texture makes them more absorbant and they will hold a LOT of water. They are also usually larger than the standard MF towel. Again, most detailing retailers will sell their own "variety" of these. It should only take one or two waffle-weave MFs to dry a MINI, so you don't need to have a whole lot of them on hand.
Assorted Premium MFs: This category includes Paradise Monster Fluffy and Platinum MFs and Meguiar's Supreme Shine MF. These MFs are fluffier, thicker, and overall just more luxurious-feeling than your basic/utility MF. They are normally used for applying quick detailer and buffing off waxes and polishes. Premium MFs do not stiffen up like the cheaper basic/utility MFs so they are safer for your paint. Some, like the Paradise Platinum, may have two different loops - one side long, one short - for versatility.
Glass-Cleaning MFs: I have only ever used the Detailer's Paradise version of this type of MF, although I have seen others out there and they are just your basic/utility MF, repackaged. The DP version is thinner and more abrasive. Both clean glass well, some prefer one over the other...whatever. You decide. The DP version seems to remove haze/smearing better than a basic/utility MF, I'm assuming that's because the abrasiveness of it sort of "scrubs" it off better, but it is less absorbant. Again, these are specific-use, one should not use these to buff paint or anything like that.
Microfiber Pads/Applicators: These are either square/rectangular or round foam pads covered in basic microfiber. They are used for applying wax, dressings, polishes (if polishing by hand rather than machine), whatever.
What do I need? I have a assortment of MF products. In my cabinet are about 20 basic/utility MFs (a bulk pack from Costco), 4 DP waffle-weave drying MFs, 8 DP Monster Fluffy premium MFs, 4 DP Platinum Dual-Pile premium MFs, 4 DP glass cleaning MFs, 4 DP rectangular blue MF pads, 2 round yellow MF pads (cheapies from Target that came with a handy velcro-on handle), and I think 3 DP Skinny pads (similar to the rectangular ones, only much thinner and covered with a finer MF - good for applying wax by hand). I also wash my MINI weekly, so you need to gauge your need based on how much you will use them. Spring for quality MFs for drying and buffing/quick-detailing and save on applicators and basic/utility MFs. The ones that touch your paint are the ones that need to be the highest quality.
Caring for your MFs: Microfibers should be washed/dryed seperately from the rest of your laundry. Microfiber attracts and holds lint very easily, and all it takes is accidentally putting one through the laundry with some regular terry towels and you will see what I mean! I keep a seperate laundry bag for my MFs. Some seperate their MFs even beyond that, and put their premium MFs that come into contact with the paint in their own load. I can understand and respect that, but I am too lazy. That's your call
I wash mine on my normal laundry setting, which is cold water wash. DO NOT USE fabric softener! Then I put them in the dryer on "low" setting, on sensor dry. Some people hang theirs to dry; some people dry most but hang their premium MFs. Again, your call based on your time constraints and practicality. Store your MFs somewhere where they will not get dusty or dirty - for some of you who are on the wash-once-a-year-whether-it-needs-it-or-not program, that might mean you need to get a couple of snap-top storage bins to keep the dust and loose particles away from them. Last but not least, INSPECT your MFs before they touch your paint! If you drop one in the garage or on the driveway, you could have a little stone or piece of mulch bark (my personal favorite) and then be rubbing it across your paint, scratching the bejeezus out of it! So be sure to inspect your MFs before using them and remove anything you might see in there.And that concludes Microfiber 101. Class dismissed!
Last edited by MLPearson79; Aug 13, 2007 at 09:35 AM. Reason: spelling
Would be a great stickie for those new to detailing
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2nd Gear
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From: Columbia, MD
Microfiber is fiber with strands less than one denier. Microfiber is the perfect blend of polyester and polyamide. Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well. When high quality Microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in water. They are also used for some cleaning applications, because of their exceptional ability to absorb oils.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfiber
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,218
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From: Milford Mass
nice write up....two things though
1) what is recommended for washing.....I use Woolite
2) about the inexpensive glass MF's'......I bought some at Target, green, and they worked wonderfully, or so I thought, until I drove into the sun and saw the windshield was speckled all over horrible with teensy tiny dots of lint....and these lint dots would not wipe off, must've been from static and I had to scrub them off with watered down Bon Ami.......the DP glass MF is wonderful...you get what you pay for
1) what is recommended for washing.....I use Woolite
2) about the inexpensive glass MF's'......I bought some at Target, green, and they worked wonderfully, or so I thought, until I drove into the sun and saw the windshield was speckled all over horrible with teensy tiny dots of lint....and these lint dots would not wipe off, must've been from static and I had to scrub them off with watered down Bon Ami.......the DP glass MF is wonderful...you get what you pay for
The Hydro thread was giving me a headache, literally. I'm thinking we need a series of various tutorials describing different products and their uses, and as the Ken of Waffle-Weave Microfibers, I am going to kick off with this one.
MICROFIBER 101: MICROFIBER VARIATIONS AND THEIR USES
All microfibers are not equal. There are differences in quality and "best usage practices" across different types.
Basic/Utility MFs: These are the "generic" version microfibers you see pretty much everywhere. Costco/Sam's Club sell them in bulk packs, so do many places online. Most detailing outlets such as Autopia, Meguiar's, or Detailer's Paradise sell their own "brand". These basic MFs start out soft, but tend to stiffen up. They are good for cleaning non-painted surfaces - door jams, interior surfaces, wheels, etc. Also, most of the microfiber pads/applicators you see are made of this type of microfiber. I'm sure there are many who DO use these types of towels on their paint, but it makes me wonder why, when there are so many better ones out there to do the job. Most basic/utility MFs are 16 inches square. Cheaper/bulk versions often have synthetic stitching around the edges, so these are not really recommended for caring for your nicer painted surfaces.
Waffle-Weave Drying MFs: These are pretty easy to pick out of a crowd - they have a waffle-weave texture that helps to suck up water off the surface of your car. The texture makes them more absorbant and they will hold a LOT of water. They are also usually larger than the standard MF towel. Again, most detailing retailers will sell their own "variety" of these. It should only take one or two waffle-weave MFs to dry a MINI, so you don't need to have a whole lot of them on hand.
Assorted Premium MFs: This category includes Paradise Monster Fluffy and Platinum MFs and Meguiar's Supreme Shine MF. These MFs are fluffier, thicker, and overall just more luxurious-feeling than your basic/utility MF. They are normally used for applying quick detailer and buffing off waxes and polishes. Premium MFs do not stiffen up like the cheaper basic/utility MFs so they are safer for your paint. Some, like the Paradise Platinum, may have two different loops - one side long, one short - for versatility.
Glass-Cleaning MFs: I have only ever used the Detailer's Paradise version of this type of MF, although I have seen others out there and they are just your basic/utility MF, repackaged. The DP version is thinner and more abrasive. Both clean glass well, some prefer one over the other...whatever. You decide. The DP version seems to remove haze/smearing better than a basic/utility MF, I'm assuming that's because the abrasiveness of it sort of "scrubs" it off better, but it is less absorbant. Again, these are specific-use, one should not use these to buff paint or anything like that.
Microfiber Pads/Applicators: These are either square/rectangular or round foam pads covered in basic microfiber. They are used for applying wax, dressings, polishes (if polishing by hand rather than machine), whatever.
What do I need? I have a assortment of MF products. In my cabinet are about 20 basic/utility MFs (a bulk pack from Costco), 4 DP waffle-weave drying MFs, 8 DP Monster Fluffy premium MFs, 4 DP Platinum Dual-Pile premium MFs, 4 DP glass cleaning MFs, 4 DP rectangular blue MF pads, 2 round yellow MF pads (cheapies from Target that came with a handy velcro-on handle), and I think 3 DP Skinny pads (similar to the rectangular ones, only much thinner and covered with a finer MF - good for applying wax by hand). I also wash my MINI weekly, so you need to gauge your need based on how much you will use them. Spring for quality MFs for drying and buffing/quick-detailing and save on applicators and basic/utility MFs. The ones that touch your paint are the ones that need to be the highest quality.
Caring for your MFs: Microfibers should be washed/dryed seperately from the rest of your laundry. Microfiber attracts and holds lint very easily, and all it takes is accidentally putting one through the laundry with some regular terry towels and you will see what I mean! I keep a seperate laundry bag for my MFs. Some seperate their MFs even beyond that, and put their premium MFs that come into contact with the paint in their own load. I can understand and respect that, but I am too lazy. That's your call I wash mine on my normal laundry setting, which is cold water wash. Then I put them in the dryer on "low" setting, on sensor dry. Some people hang theirs to dry; some people dry most but hang their premium MFs. Again, your call based on your time constraints and practicality. Store your MFs somewhere where they will not get dusty or dirty - for some of you who are on the wash-once-a-year-whether-it-needs-it-or-not program, that might mean you need to get a couple of snap-top storage bins to keep the dust and loose particles away from them. Last but not least, INSPECT your MFs before they touch your paint! If you drop one in the garage or on the driveway, you could have a little stone or piece of mulch bark (my personal favorite) and then be rubbing it across your paint, scratching the bejeezus out of it! So be sure to inspect your MFs before using them and remove anything you might see in there.
And that concludes Microfiber 101. Class dismissed!
MICROFIBER 101: MICROFIBER VARIATIONS AND THEIR USES
All microfibers are not equal. There are differences in quality and "best usage practices" across different types.
Basic/Utility MFs: These are the "generic" version microfibers you see pretty much everywhere. Costco/Sam's Club sell them in bulk packs, so do many places online. Most detailing outlets such as Autopia, Meguiar's, or Detailer's Paradise sell their own "brand". These basic MFs start out soft, but tend to stiffen up. They are good for cleaning non-painted surfaces - door jams, interior surfaces, wheels, etc. Also, most of the microfiber pads/applicators you see are made of this type of microfiber. I'm sure there are many who DO use these types of towels on their paint, but it makes me wonder why, when there are so many better ones out there to do the job. Most basic/utility MFs are 16 inches square. Cheaper/bulk versions often have synthetic stitching around the edges, so these are not really recommended for caring for your nicer painted surfaces.
Waffle-Weave Drying MFs: These are pretty easy to pick out of a crowd - they have a waffle-weave texture that helps to suck up water off the surface of your car. The texture makes them more absorbant and they will hold a LOT of water. They are also usually larger than the standard MF towel. Again, most detailing retailers will sell their own "variety" of these. It should only take one or two waffle-weave MFs to dry a MINI, so you don't need to have a whole lot of them on hand.
Assorted Premium MFs: This category includes Paradise Monster Fluffy and Platinum MFs and Meguiar's Supreme Shine MF. These MFs are fluffier, thicker, and overall just more luxurious-feeling than your basic/utility MF. They are normally used for applying quick detailer and buffing off waxes and polishes. Premium MFs do not stiffen up like the cheaper basic/utility MFs so they are safer for your paint. Some, like the Paradise Platinum, may have two different loops - one side long, one short - for versatility.
Glass-Cleaning MFs: I have only ever used the Detailer's Paradise version of this type of MF, although I have seen others out there and they are just your basic/utility MF, repackaged. The DP version is thinner and more abrasive. Both clean glass well, some prefer one over the other...whatever. You decide. The DP version seems to remove haze/smearing better than a basic/utility MF, I'm assuming that's because the abrasiveness of it sort of "scrubs" it off better, but it is less absorbant. Again, these are specific-use, one should not use these to buff paint or anything like that.
Microfiber Pads/Applicators: These are either square/rectangular or round foam pads covered in basic microfiber. They are used for applying wax, dressings, polishes (if polishing by hand rather than machine), whatever.
What do I need? I have a assortment of MF products. In my cabinet are about 20 basic/utility MFs (a bulk pack from Costco), 4 DP waffle-weave drying MFs, 8 DP Monster Fluffy premium MFs, 4 DP Platinum Dual-Pile premium MFs, 4 DP glass cleaning MFs, 4 DP rectangular blue MF pads, 2 round yellow MF pads (cheapies from Target that came with a handy velcro-on handle), and I think 3 DP Skinny pads (similar to the rectangular ones, only much thinner and covered with a finer MF - good for applying wax by hand). I also wash my MINI weekly, so you need to gauge your need based on how much you will use them. Spring for quality MFs for drying and buffing/quick-detailing and save on applicators and basic/utility MFs. The ones that touch your paint are the ones that need to be the highest quality.
Caring for your MFs: Microfibers should be washed/dryed seperately from the rest of your laundry. Microfiber attracts and holds lint very easily, and all it takes is accidentally putting one through the laundry with some regular terry towels and you will see what I mean! I keep a seperate laundry bag for my MFs. Some seperate their MFs even beyond that, and put their premium MFs that come into contact with the paint in their own load. I can understand and respect that, but I am too lazy. That's your call
I wash mine on my normal laundry setting, which is cold water wash. Then I put them in the dryer on "low" setting, on sensor dry. Some people hang theirs to dry; some people dry most but hang their premium MFs. Again, your call based on your time constraints and practicality. Store your MFs somewhere where they will not get dusty or dirty - for some of you who are on the wash-once-a-year-whether-it-needs-it-or-not program, that might mean you need to get a couple of snap-top storage bins to keep the dust and loose particles away from them. Last but not least, INSPECT your MFs before they touch your paint! If you drop one in the garage or on the driveway, you could have a little stone or piece of mulch bark (my personal favorite) and then be rubbing it across your paint, scratching the bejeezus out of it! So be sure to inspect your MFs before using them and remove anything you might see in there.And that concludes Microfiber 101. Class dismissed!
Someone should create a "Microfiber Queen" badge for your siggy!!!
("MF Queen" doesn't sound nearly as nice!)
As far as care, I use ALL's white bottle and use a small amount to
wash in the machine.
Drying, I air dry, but if im in a hurry I will tumble it in my dryer
with no heat. (absolutely not use softeners as they clog the
MF). I also use those dryer ***** that look like massage
***** to get the fluff back without the heat. then i air it
for the final dry.
wash in the machine.
Drying, I air dry, but if im in a hurry I will tumble it in my dryer
with no heat. (absolutely not use softeners as they clog the
MF). I also use those dryer ***** that look like massage
***** to get the fluff back without the heat.
then i air itfor the final dry.
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