Separate the jobs
Keep paint towels apart from wheel, engine-bay and greasy cleaning towels. Inspect for embedded debris before laundering; a towel dropped onto grit should not return straight to paint. Color coding can make the separation obvious months later.
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Use an appropriate wash
Griot’s recommends liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softener for microfiber. Follow each towel’s wash and drying instructions. Do not assume a high-heat setting or dryer sheet used for household laundry is appropriate for detailing textiles.
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Inspect before reuse
Check softness, cleanliness and remaining residue after drying. Demote stained but sound towels to less sensitive tasks; discard material that traps abrasive particles. Store clean towels covered so they do not collect garage dust before touching the car.
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- Manufacturer care guidance ↗Reviewed Oct 6, 2026
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