Keeping it Clean and Sparkling

[papaalex]

UNtil i see otherwise, microfiber all the way. amen.

same here! (first)

 

[meanstreak]

Microfiber is safe for glass. I understand what you're saying about the lens coatings (I'm a serious hobby photographer myself) and I can't say I know the definitive answer on that... but I know when it comes to auto cleaning microfiber is GREAT for anything not painted (on cars post 2003/2004 - paint formulas have changed). I'm certainly not the expert on microfiber and I know there are people who disagree... but what I've read about it makes sense, so I stick with 100% cotton - NOTHING with polyester in it.

It's not the glass that is the issue, its the lens coating. Lens coatings are much more delicate than paint coatings and a lot thinner. Simply allowing the oils and acids from a fingerprint can damage a lens coating so if microfiber is safe for photography, it's difficult to imagine the microfiber cloth damaging clear coat on auto paint. Unless of course the microfiber used for photography is a higher grade. I'm not saying microfiber is safe for today's auto finishes, but I don't know what to believe. BTW, I wnet to the advantgae site and noticed that she doesn't reccomend cotton diapers on vehicles after 2002. In that case she recommnds lambs wool, which she also happens to sell.

On a different note, I also don't know who to believe when it comes to leather care. There are some in the leather industry who say to only use silicone based leather care products, others who say silicone is not good either. The real dilema is that often you can't even find the ingredients listed on the bottle.

 

[otnielarencibia]

I have proof of microfiber scratching my paint. I use microfiber only on the inside or to clean glass.

 

[mikey1981]

From Wikipedia:

Microfiber is fiber with strands less than one denier. Fabrics made with microfibers are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well. They are also used for some cleaning applications, because of their exceptional ability to absorb oils.

Microfiber performance apparel has become a very popular alternative to cotton apparel for athletic wear, such as cycling jerseys, because the microfiber material wicks moisture away from the body, keeping the athlete cool and dry.

The NBA used a microfiber ball so players could handle the ball better. This would come about because mirofiber has the ability to absorb oils, meaning that sweat from players touching the ball would be absorbed, making the ball less slippery. However, it received a negative response from most players, including Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson. Soon after, the regular leather ball returned, much to the relief of many players.

Microfiber is also widely used by car detailers to handle such tasks as removing wax, quick detailing, cleaning interior, cleaning glass, as well as drying. Due to its fine fibers which leave no lint or dust, microfiber is a popular choice of towel for avid car detailers and enthusiasts. Chamois leather is also used.

Care should be exercised when using microfiber for cleaning of sensitive surfaces. By nature it accumulates dust, debris, and particles inside its material. Sensitive surfaces can easily be damaged by microfiber cloths.[citation needed] A solution is to wash and dry microfiber cloth after each use, care should be taken to use prescribed washing and drying methods to ensure proper handling. Microfiber cloths which are not washed and dried carefully and strictly according to washing instructions will lose their effectiveness and become more dangerous in cleaning sensitive surfaces (such as all high tech coated surfaces e.g. CRT, LCD and plasma screens).

Microfibers used in table cloths, furniture, and car interiors are constructed to repel liquids and consequently are difficult to stain. Microfiber table cloths will bead liquids until they are removed, usually advertised showing red wine on a white table cloth that wipes clean with a paper towel. It is also used to clean mop heads.

Microfiber textiles tend to be flammable and emit toxic gases when burning. They are made with synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, which are made from petrochemicals. Microfibers are not made from a renewable resource and they are not biodegradable. However, the petroleum energy used in fertilizers, pesticides, transportation and processing to produce cotton and other renewable resource fibres may out weigh direct use of the petroleum as base stock for producing fibre.

 

[joevac10]

microfiber does not scratch. you probably weren't using a microfiber cloth. you should make sure what kind of cloth you are using befor you go to wipe your car down.

 

[otnielarencibia]

microfiber does not scratch. you probably weren't using a microfiber cloth. you should make sure what kind of cloth you are using befor you go to wipe your car down.

I know what I have, and it is a microfiber cloth...and I can show you pictures...whenever I'd get around to it. I honestly thought until that day that microfiber did not scratch. Maybe I scrubbed to hard...

 

[mikey1981]

well that could be ur problem right there, you arent supposed to "scrub" with a towel. thatd cause horrible results no matter what fabric.

 

[Miller2]

BTW, after I replied to you I e-mailed my "expert" and she already wrote back. I don't want to post her e-mail because I don't have her permission to do so, but here is a short quote from it...

"Microfiber is made from 85% polyester. Polyester is plastic and plastic scratches. It may take 3 or 4 years but trust me it will take the finish off you car and cause it to oxidize. I had a man tell me this year at an RV rally he wished he had listened to my adivce 4 years ago. It just cost him $12,000 to have his 40 foot motorhome repainted. I can't tell you the nightmare stories I hear usually all of them at my seminars when people stand up and tell the other attendees to listen to me and then relate their horror stories like the one above."

I encourage you to write to her if you if you want more info. She told me that 100% cotton baby diapers are definitely better as long as I make sure they are 100% cotton (and most are). Terry cloth is ok, but again, needs to be 100% cotton (and a lot of them are not).

You can write to her here:
http://www.goclean.com/contactus.htm

Incorrect. I have been detailing cars with microfiber for years and have never had a problem. I have been using microfiber on my own vehicle since new, it is now 5 yrs old, and the finish is better than the day I bought it. Feel free to use microfiber without worries. I have no idea where she got her info from.

 

[Miller2]

I know what I have, and it is a microfiber cloth...and I can show you pictures...whenever I'd get around to it. I honestly thought until that day that microfiber did not scratch. Maybe I scrubbed to hard...

Safe bet you were using the microfiber incorrectly. Also, be sure NOT to wash microfiber with regular cotton towels. The cotton strands will adhere to the microfiber THEN the microfiber will scratch. Always wash microfiber products separately.

 

[Int3grity]

ClayBar?

What is a claybar used for I was checking out the zaino product complete care option and it comes with a clay bar

 

[UpNorth]

What is a claybar used for I was checking out the zaino product complete care option and it comes with a clay bar

Clay is used to remove contaminents that don't come off in normal washing. Some clays are more abrasive than others. the rougher stuff should only be used once or twice a year. the more gentle clay can be used monthly.

I recently bought some but haven't used it yet. I plan to before the next time I need to (or want to) wax.

What little I know about claying comes from autopia, a site devoted to detailing. I put the link below. There are also discussion forums. It's a cool site.

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/80231-detailing-clay-pre-wax-cleaning.html

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Go to www.autopia.org or www.autogeek.net , and ask the Pro's on this matter and you will get the right answer. MF's rules!

 

[midwest cx7]

Go to www.autopia.org or www.autogeek.net , and ask the Pro's on this matter and you will get the right answer. MF's rules!

That's for sure!

I've used Zaino on my past two cars (Bimmer M3 and Explorer) and I think it's the best stuff on the planet..Plan on spending a good couple hours on a vehicle the size of our cx-7's but imo worth every minute.