some say to use microfiber towels for drying and the waxing process, some say to use terry cloth towels.

Which is better and why?

If they both have uses for auto detailing, what part of the cleaning process is each best used for?

 

microfiber = super soft

terry = not as soft

terry clothes are cheaper. microfiber is expensive as hell. You use microfiber because it is softer AND more absorbent. This reduces the risk of scratching your paint. Just don't use a dirty towel on your paint and you should be fine

 

Since my kids were little (over 45 years ago) I've been using cloth diapers. They probably don't make them anymore, but they are super soft and work great. I do the gross drying with a towel, and the polishing with a diaper.

Lou

 

Times have changed. Microfiber is the best material you can use, period.

 

im not going to hurt anything if I use terry cloth to remove wax or dry the car am I?

 

i don't know how to answer that, but i just wouldn't use a terry cloth to begin with anyway. Costco sells 36 MF towels for ~15 dollars and I've heard that even after a few uses/washes, those begin to scratch. If that MF sccratches, then i don't trust terry cloths at all

 

I'm with SpecC. But, not all MF is made the same. I purchased a bunch of the 16 x16 inch MF towels from DetailedImage and a 9 pack from Autozone. There's a massive difference in not only their ability to absorb liquids but in their softness. The Autozone MF was just subpar so I've been using them for anything other than on the clear coat (like the tires, dash, windows, trim, etc).

 

Waffle Weave MF, FTW!

 

Are you going to hurt anything, no. But you will swirl your paint over time though. I carry some near microfiber mitts at www.migliorewax.com if you're interested.

 

^ do you carry any waffle weave items?

 

What I like about microfiber is you can use it liberally. A little extra pressure or a little sloppiness WILL NOT fine scratch the car (assuming the MF cloth is clean). I can't say the same for cotton terry cloth - because cotton fibers are not as soft and a rub too hard could potentially leave fine scratches/scuffs in the clear coat.

TO me microfiber cloths are just worry free so why not? And with Infiniti's softer clear coat/paint finish it seems to be a no brainer for a wise detailer.

 

ok, you all have convinced me. I'll go buy some microfiber towels and save the terry cloth for interior/wheels and that sort.

 

Yeah, MF Waffle Weave is excellent for drying. The smaller 16x16 inch MF towels I have are used for removing product from the car's clear coat (like polish, glaze, wax, etc).

Those absorbers/chamois' are obsolete for me now and I use them only for the rough work, too.

 

It's my understanding it is not necessarily the cotton towel at fault, but the thread (nylon, I think) used to sew the edges that scratch the paint.

Griot's has great products including MF towels, cotton towels, etc. and many use their products on cars much more expensive and exotic than our G37's.

My $0.02 worth.

Semper Fi

 

Not really arguing with you, but IMHO, Cloth diapers are really great. Expensive, but soft, absorbent and they put out a hellofa shine.

Lou