Should I wash my car with a towel?

You use a plain ol' sponge or washcloth to wash and dry your car. WRONG! Sponges won't sufficiently grip dirt and grime, and both sponges and plain washcloths can scratch your paint job. Opt for microfiber washcloths and microfiber towels instead.

Is it bad to wash your car with a towel?

For some reason, many people still think that old towels, flannels, and old t-shirts can be used to clean the vehicle. In reality, all of these items can hurt your vehicle. While they feel soft when you touch them, they are often made with polyester fibers. These fibers can ultimately scratch your paint job.

Should you dry your car with a towel after washing it?

For the most polished finish after washing your car, dry your car with a microfiber towel. Microfiber drying towels are not only absorbent, but they won't leave swirl marks or damage to your paint.

Can you wash a car with just water and towel?

Washing your car with just water will not remove much dirt, can cause water spots and result in scratches if you use a mitt or sponge without a shampoo. You should only ever rinse without washing if you are using distilled water, or have a hydrophobic coating and plan to drive the car afterwards.

Will a cotton towel scratch my car?

Although the towel does soak up some of the water from the car, it's also scratching your paint. These results are very common to see in cars. Because it's not just the drying part that causes the scratches and swirls (although that's what we're focusing on in this article.)

Microfiber Guide: How To Pick The Right Towel! - Chemical Guys

What is the best cloth to wash a car?

Microfiber is a must

To give your car the ultimate clean while still protecting it, microfiber is the way to go. Some manufacturers specifically make these towels to be gentle on a car's surface, while lifting dirt or water.

Will towels scratch car paint?

Just to clear one thing up, high-quality microfiber towels will never scratch clear coat. That's because those towels are super soft, far softer than the paint finish, but, even if you use the world's gentlest types of microfiber incorrectly, you may scratch the paint.

What's the easiest way to wash a car?

Do you really need soap to wash your car?

Proper soap is needed because dish and hand soaps can damage your vehicle's paint coating. A rag is needed to wipe away grease and dirt, and water is of course needed before and after washing to moisten the paint and help rinse away grime.

Is it OK to let car air dry?

Despite all the effort you may have put into cleaning the exterior, letting Mother Nature handle the final step is a bad idea. Leaving your vehicle to air-dry in the sun leads to water spots, which can hurt its look and do lasting damage to its finish.

Is it OK to not dry car after washing?

You should always dry your car after washing it to prevent water spots accumulating on the surface. Water spots can corrode your car's paint and are difficult to remove. Never air dry your car after washing, instead, use a clean, plush microfiber towel.

Do microfiber towels scratch paint?

Most microfiber towels come with a little white label or tag made of cotton or polyester, which may seem harmless, but can actually scratch your paintwork.

How often should you wash your car?

As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your vehicle every two weeks. That is if you're not driving down dirt roads daily or in an area where salt is used on the highways. This is under normal wear and tear circumstances.

Is it better to hand wash your car?

As long as you know what you're doing, hand washes typically do a much better job of cleaning the vehicle. If you're willing to spend the proper time, you'll likely be able to remove more dirt and grime compared to an automatic wash.

What is the safest way to wash a car?

Be sure to use a car-wash soap and not dish soap or some other detergent that can strip the wax off your car's paint. Start washing at the car's top and work your way down, rinsing the mitt or sponge in the plain water bucket and rubbing it against the Grit Guard after each pass.

Should you clean the inside or outside of your car first?

Usually, it is the exterior that is affected far more than the interior. If that is the case, start with exterior cleaning, but if the interior is filthier somehow, start with that. When the car's interior is very filthy, it requires deep cleaning and seat removal. It's best to start with interior cleaning first.

Is it better to wash your car at night?

It's technically better than washing it on a hot day or in direct sunlight, but washing it at night can still do damage. According to Car Wash Country, your car might stay damp at night time, which can lead to corrosion since the sunlight won't be there to aid in the drying process.

Are microfiber towels good for cars?

Extremely Absorbent

Another top quality of microfiber towels is their high absorbency level. They are known to absorb around eight times their weight in water, making them extremely efficient in drying your car thoroughly.

Is it OK to wipe car with paper towel?

Remember to use a microfiber towel as that is easy on your car's paint and won't scratch it. If anything, never use a paper towel because the fibers in it are made of wood and can easily scratch the paint.

How can I dry my car without scratching it?

The Quick Answer. The best way to dry a car without causing scratches is to use a soft, plush and clean microfiber towel, or a car dryer/ leaf blower. Never use a water blade (squeegee), bath towels or chamois leather to dry a car or it is likely to cause scratches.

Are car drying towels worth it?

However, leaving it to air dry (especially in the sun) will leave unsightly watermarks that can ruin the look of an otherwise sparkling car. A drying towel will help prevent these streaks and is a relatively simple way to ensure that your car looks as good as it can once you've pampered the paintwork for an afternoon.

What is the best towel to dry off a car?

The best type of towel for drying your car is made from cotton or microfiber. These materials are great at absorbing water without leaving lint behind.