Proper cleaning of microfiber towels not only helps prevent damage to the car paint due to incorrect usage, but also extends the lifespan of the towels. To know how to wash microfiber car towels, first of all, we should know when we need to clean the towels.

When Should I Wash Microfiber Car Towels?

You should wash your car washing towels before use, after each use, especially if they have been used to clean dirty, dusty, or greasy surfaces. Here's a breakdown of when and why: 

Wash Before You Use It

Does the towel need to be washed before using it?

Yes, you should wash a new microfiber towel before using it, and here’s why:

Why Wash New Microfiber Towels First?

Ⅰ. Remove Factory Residues

New towels may have residual manufacturing oils, dyes, or chemicals that can affect:

Absorbency

Streaking (especially on glass)

Potential harm to paint

Ⅱ. Prevent Lint or Dye Transfer

Especially with cheap or dark-colored towels, washing helps prevent:

Color bleeding

Lint on surfaces

Cross-contamination with other towels

Ⅲ. Improve Performance

Washing “fluffs” the microfiber, unlocking its full absorption and dirt-grabbing power.

How to Wash Before First Use:

Cold or warm water

Fragrance-free liquid detergent

No fabric softener

Optional: Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle

Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.(Microfiber should be avoided from being dried at high temperatures.)

Exception? 

If it’s a high-end towel from a trusted brand and you’re using it for something low-risk (like interior cleaning), and it feels soft and residue-free, you might skip the pre-wash—but washing is always safer.

Let me know the towel brand or what you're using it for (paint, glass, wheels), and I can tell you if that specific type especially needs a pre-wash. 

The microfiber towels produced by Hebei Jiexu Commerce Co., Ltd. have high color fastness.(Color fastness : 4-5 for light colors ; 3-4 for dark colors) The towels have no lint,  fuzzy fluff or tiny fibers and can be used directly without any concerns about color transfer or fiber shedding. 

How does Hebei Jiexu towel achieve lint-free status? 

First, Material Composition

Microfiber are stronger and more tightly bound, reducing lint. Jiexu’s microfiber towel are made of real 80/20 blend microfiber. The microfiber is smaller than 0.1 denier, less prone to shedding.

Second: Split Fiber Technology

Microfibers are "split" during manufacturing into ultra-fine strands. Poorly split or over-split fibers may fray and shed—so quality control is key.

Third: Weaving and Knitting Technique

We use new advanced ultrasonic cutting machine to cut the fabric and laser-edge sealing to reduce fraying at the edges.

Fourth: Finishing Process

Jiexu microfiber towels go through brushing, heat setting, and calendaring to stabilizes the fibers, smooths the surface and helps prevent lint release.

Of course, wash before first use will help you have a safer experience.

When to Wash Microfiber Car Towels by Type of Use

1. Wash Immediately After Use If: 

You used the towel on dirty paint, wheels, tires, or engine bay.

The towel picked up dirt, grease, brake dust, or road grime.

It's soaked with chemicals (detail spray, degreaser, etc.).

Dirty microfiber can scratch your paint the next time you use it. Washing removes embedded contaminants.

2. You Can Delay Washing If:

You only used the towel for buffing clean surfaces (e.g., wax, polish, or drying after a clean rinse).

The towel looks clean, feels soft, and has no odor or visible debris.

Even in this case, store it properly and wash after one or two uses max, depending on how clean the surface was.

General Rule of Thumb

"If it touched dirt, wash it."

Microfiber works by trapping dirt in its fibers—if you don’t clean it, that dirt stays in there.

Bonus Tip: Use Towel Rotation

Keep separate towels for different areas: paint, glass, wheels, interior.

Label or color-code them to avoid cross-contamination.

This makes it easier to decide what needs immediate washing.

How to Wash Microfiber Car Towels?

Washing microfiber car towels properly is crucial to maintaining their performance and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

What You'll Need:

Mild liquid detergent (no fabric softeners or bleach)

Washing machine (or hand-wash option)

Optional: White vinegar for extra cleaning

Dryer (or air drying space)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sort the Towels

Separate by use: Don’t wash paint towels with wheel or engine towels.

Separate by color if possible, especially on the first wash.

2. Shake Them Out

Shake out dirt or debris before washing to avoid scratching your paint next time. You can also shake them in a large basin or bucket filled with water, and shake the remaining debris into the water. (When shaking, make sure the towel is held vertically rather than lying flat in the water.)

3. Use Cold or Warm Water

Whether it is hand-washing or machine-washing, using cold water or warm water. If you choose to wash it by machine, set the machine to cold or warm, not hot. Hot water can damage fibers over time. 

4. Use the Right Detergent

Use a fragrance-free, additive-free liquid detergent.

Do NOT use: 

Fabric softener (clogs fibers). The fabric softener will clog the fibers and reduce the absorbency of the towel.

Bleach (damages fibers) 

Powder detergent (may leave residue) 

5. Add White Vinegar (Optional)

Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help break down residues and restore softness. 

6. Choose a Gentle Cycle

Use a gentle or normal wash cycle. Avoid heavy/aggressive settings. Hand washing – More gentle if you’re worried about fraying or specific use.

Drying Microfiber Towels

Air Dry (Best)

Hang them indoors or in a shaded area to air dry.

Avoid direct sunlight for long periods—it can degrade fibers.

Machine Dry (Okay with Care) 

Tumble dry on low or no heat.

No dryer sheets (they contain softeners).

Tips to Extend Microfiber Life

Wash microfiber car towels separately from cotton or lint-producing fabrics.

Clean them after each use to prevent contamination.

Store them in a clean, dry place—preferably in sealable bins or bags.

To know how to wash microfiber car towels, let me know if you're using towels for specific tasks like detailing, drying, or buffing—there are a few specialized tips I can give for each.