Microfiber detailing cloths. I don't seem to like them.

[mrbrian200]

Everybody seems to recommend these.

Problem I'm finding with these as opposed to a genuine chamois is sand/particles embed into the fibers and doesn't want to come out in the wash- hence good quality microfibers are somewhat expensive but not really reusable, despite claims to the contrary.
Older top loading/non high efficiency washer works better, but not good enough. Modern HE machines do absolutely nothing.. swishing them around in a bucket of soapy water works better.
Just my 2c. Thought I'd share.
It bugs me every time I see people referencing microfiber detailing cloths as being the best thing since sliced bread (and stating they can be washed and reused). I don't agree with that. If you are concerned about (not making) light scuffs/swirls you should not consider plush microfiber cloths to be reusable. Seems to me the type of microfiber that would be better suited to wash/reuse on a vehicle finish would be the light/short fiber cloths like are sold as TV/phone screen cleaners (automotive detailing cloths I've seen are all long fiber/plush). Short fibers wouldn't hold on to dirt/junk. In fact I do regurarly wash screen cleaning cloths and they do clean up like new, but are too small (usually no bigger than 4x4") to be useful for detailing work.
I have yet to see short fiber cloths in a larger size suitable for detailing work (Maybe I should look).

[PS78]

I agree with you on the plush microfiber cloths. Nothing gets them clean. I had purchased a "set" of the short pile clothes in an assortment which included the small clothes up to towel size at harbor freight of all places some time ago, but I have seen the larger ones with the short material sold individually lately, I just can't remember where right offhand. Might have been Walmart or target.

[mrbrian200]

I got mine on amazon. pack of 9, three colors, dual pile 420 GSM. They're awesome when new brand new, but used once they can no longer be trusted to not make swirls. Experimented with cleaning. Seems the only thing that works is a NON-high efficiency top load washer...with absolutely nothing else-just these towels. I fill the washer up (empty) add detergent, put these towels in to agitate 5-10 minutes then pull them out, wring them and put regular clothes in to be washed. After the clothes are done I wet/wring these microfibers a couple times then put them back in just to spin. This pulls out fine sand/grit well but you still have to inspect them, and sometimes brush them with a fine bristle hairbrush. High efficiency machines do nothing for these, if anything, HE machines seem to embed stuff in the fibers so that it -never- comes out.

[sleddriver]

I've found their "grabby-ness" most useful for dusting. I have so many 100% cotton rags from decades I'll never run out.