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Post Waxing

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Tideland Prius, Sep 15, 2009.

  1. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Alright, so I'm fairly good with car care. I've been slowly expanding the products and the methods. The only thing I haven't tried (and don't have the products for) is polish but that's for another thread.

    One thing that I haven't figured out is what to do with the buffing cloths after waxing. I've tried hand-washing with warm water and dawn but the wax stays on (and my wash bucket gets waxy). I have no intentions of throwing it in the washing machine as I'd like to keep the car and my clothes separate. Any other ideas how to keep the cloths clean? So far, I try to use it as much as I can then dispose of it which seems kinda wasteful.

    Any ideas? Thx!
     
    #1 Tideland Prius, Sep 15, 2009
  2. SCJoe

    SCJoe New Member

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    After looking for suggestions, I started tossing them in the washing machine (just the cloths, no clothes) and use Tide Free and hot water. I suppose you could do the same in a bucket. Some people recommend adding a little white vinegar to the last rinse (or an extra rinse) to get rid of detergent residue. I've never noticed my washing machine's bin getting waxy from doing this.

    As an aside, I hear Dawn Power Dissolver (followed by a rinse) works very well for cleaning applicator pads.
     
    #2 SCJoe, Sep 15, 2009
  3. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    Try soaking them in a strong mix of Dawn and water over night or for a few days. I use the Griot's Garage wax removal bonnets with my Porter Cable 7424 random orbital and they get filled with wax. Soaking them in a bucket with Dawn and then tossing them in the wash works very well. It also make wax removal painless. I've been using them for years ;)

    See item number #11256 at www.griotsgarage.com
     
    #3 Mark57, Sep 15, 2009
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    If they are regular cotton towels you can use dawn to get em' all clean.

    On my good microfiber towels I buy from Griots, I use their microfiber cleaner. You add some to the wash with a little regular detergeant, I prefer the clear ones with no dye so use something that usually says free on it. Micro Fiber & Foam Pad Cleaner, 1 Gallon - Griot's Garage I linked to the gallon since that's what I get to save money.

    Also, make sure if you wash microfiber towels to do them only with other microfiber towels and I don't use hot water. Warm is fine... Also avoid the highest setting on the dryer, medium is good enough.
     
    #4 Paradox, Sep 15, 2009
  5. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Where do you buy your towels?
    I usually pick them from Costco, about $16 for 20 towels

    Found this on one site

    1. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Soak in very hot water before using for the first time. [/FONT]
    2. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To achieve best results without streaks, simply rinse in warm water frequently during the cleaning process and wash thoroughly when task is completed. [/FONT]
    3. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beware of residues left by previous cleaning solvents or sprays. You will have to wash off the residues up to 2 to 3 times. notice thereafter that the surfaces will stay clean much longer. [/FONT]
    4. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For hygienic and practical reasons, we suggest you use one cloth for one particular task or room. (i.e. 1 for the bathroom, 1 for the kitchen, 1 for windows and mirrors, 1 for dusting purposes etc.). [/FONT]
    5. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To clean your cloth, WASH BY HAND using an environmentally friendly detergent or soap (i.e. no bleach, no softeners, and no phosphates). DO NOT PUT IN DRYER![/FONT]
    6. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To eliminate or prevent odor, put in very hot water with vinegar for a few minutes. [/FONT]
    7. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Blue Wonderâ„¢ will pick up bacteria however, the bacteria does not grow or multiply in the cloth. To free the cloth of bacteria place in boiling water for a few minutes. [/FONT]
    8. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Avoid any latex-base painted surfaces as the bonding agent (glue) will clog the microfibers. If it happens, wash the cloth many times (at least 15 times) in very hot water.
      [/FONT]
    9. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As the microfibers pick up everything in their path, avoid caulking on windows (especially old windows) and be careful with water-based painted surfaces. [/FONT]
    or How to Clean Microfiber Towels | eHow.com

    or just Microfiber Cleaning Service - Microfiber Cloths, Microfiber Mops, and Microfiber Towels - Cintas :D
     
    #5 Airbalancer, Sep 15, 2009
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thanks guys! I'll try the soaking bit.

    AirBalancer, I get them at CT.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Sep 15, 2009
  7. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    wow, that's one heck of a process for some towels...LOL
     
    #7 mgb4tim, Sep 15, 2009
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