Fabric softener and Cotton towels?

[ryeh2o]

I just bought some 16x16 100% cotton face cloths for under a dollar a piece. Now i know not to use bounce sheets while drying M.F. towels.

After doing a search about Cotton towels the same " no fabric softener " while drying came up.



Is this indeed the case, and if so, Why??



I would think it might make the Cotton a little softer, but if it interferes with the pick up and retain properties of the terry weave, i would understand.



Could you please tell me why it is not good to use bounce sheets with 100% cotton towels.



Thanks!

 

[shaf]

You're basically coating the fabric fibers with a waxy or oily substance that makes it feel softer. Unfortunately it can reduce absorbtion (because it's oil) and worse, interfere with some of the products we use on the paint. Things like smearing, weird hazes, etc.



I hope those face cloths are of a good quality.... http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&threadid=19994

 

[ryeh2o]

Thanks 4DSC for your clarification on the fabric softeners.



Yes these are quality 100% cotton Fieldcrest, Cannon made in the U.S.A. towels with the cotton symbol on the label.



I read somewhere that using these with the Maguires swirl free polish or the professional hand polish provided a little more "cut" than a foam applicator, or M.F., while working by hand.



I have a new c.d. here, how do i test for non scratching qualities of the towel?

Simply rub back and forth on the c.d. and check for marring??



Thanks!

 

[medic159]

The best rule of thumb with any type of towel you are using on your car is NO ADDITIVES. No bleach, no fabric softeners, no dryer towels, NOTHING. Bleach will break down the fibers, the additives will only add a chemical coating that makes the fabic "feel" softer but it actually is not. This chemical will then transfer to your finish.



Also always use liquid detergent as powdered ones do not always dissolve fully and undissolved granules stuck in the fibers will scratch your finish.

 

[Accumulator]

ryeh2o- You'll find I sometimes swim against the current, but here's my $0.02 on softener for cotton towels

(flamesuit on! ):



I use a VERY small amount of Downy brand softener in the final rinse. I DO NOT have any problems with smearing, hazing, reacting with products, impaired absorbtion, etc. If you use TOO much, you WILL have these problems, however. Now and then I'll wash them WITHOUT any softener, sometimes they come out OK, other times they are a bit less soft, especially if I dry them on too high a temperature.



Try it both ways. If you don't think you need the softener, then don't bother, likewise, if the softener causes problems for you, just rewash them in hot water.



You're right about how to do the CD test. BTW, I now use MF's for 99% of the things I used to use cotton for...so the softener issue is sorta moot for me now.