The investment in quality microfiber towels pays off only if those towels are washed correctly. Standard household detergents — particularly those with built-in fabric softeners, fragrance oils, or optical brighteners — coat microfiber filaments over time, sealing the split fibers that give microfiber its ability to trap particles and absorb water. A towel that has been through a dozen loads with the wrong detergent performs like a cheap cotton rag. The cleaning power is gone, and so is the money you spent on quality microfiber.
Liquid Laundry 16 oz from Polishing Systems Inc solves that. It is a dedicated laundry formula for professional detailing textiles — designed to strip polish residue, wax soiling, and cleaning product buildup from microfiber structure without coating the fibers or reducing absorbency. Regular washing with the right detergent can triple the usable life of quality microfiber towels, making this bottle one of the better investments in your shop’s supply budget.
What This Product Is
This is a concentrated liquid laundry detergent formulated for microfiber and synthetic detailing textiles. It is free from fabric softeners, optical brighteners, and fragrance-delivery oils that compromise microfiber performance. The formula suspends and rinses out polishing compounds, wax films, and detailing chemical residues that accumulate in shop towels during normal use.
Key Features and Why They Matter
- No fabric softener or softener agents — fabric softener coats microfiber filaments and destroys absorption capacity. This formula skips it entirely. So what? Your towels come out of the wash performing like new rather than like terry cloth.
- Removes polishing and wax residue — specifically formulated to break down the oily, waxy soiling that accumulates from paint correction and waxing work. Standard detergents leave that residue behind.
- Free-rinse formula — rinses cleanly out of microfiber without leaving surfactant residue that can streak paint on the next use.
- Works in standard washing machines — use in a regular top-load or front-load washer. No special equipment required. A dedicated load for microfiber is recommended — never wash with cotton towels.
- 16 oz bottle — enough for multiple wash loads depending on machine size and load volume. Concentrated — a small amount per load is sufficient.
What This Is NOT For
Do not use this product for washing clothing, bed linens, or household fabrics — it is formulated for technical detailing textiles. Not a substitute for a proper shop rag heavy-duty degreaser for shop rags soaked with solvents, oil, or brake fluid — those require specialized industrial laundry treatment. Do not wash microfiber with cotton at any temperature; cotton lint contaminates microfiber and cannot be removed.
Who Uses This
Mobile detailers who wash a full kit of microfiber towels, applicator pads, and foam pads weekly benefit most from this product. Detail shops running multiple technicians and a weekly microfiber laundry cycle should stock this as a standard supply item. Car enthusiasts who have invested in quality buffing towels and want to maintain them correctly will also find the 16 oz size practical for home use.
How to Use
- Sort towels: Separate microfiber from all cotton or terry cloth items. Wash microfiber in dedicated loads only.
- Pre-shake soiled towels to remove loose polish and compound powder before loading the washer.
- Add detergent: Use the recommended amount per load size — typically 1-2 oz per medium load. Do not over-dose.
- Wash on warm or cold: Hot water can damage microfiber fibers over time. Warm (90-105°F) is the recommended temperature.
- Tumble dry low or air dry: High heat damages microfiber. Remove promptly and fold — microfiber dries fast and sets creases if left in the drum.
Why Buy vs. Regular Laundry Detergent
Standard liquid detergents are designed for cotton and synthetic clothing fabrics, not for the technical split-fiber structure of detailing microfiber. They leave behind conditioning agents, optical brighteners, and fragrance compounds that reduce microfiber performance within a few wash cycles. Professional detailing laundry detergent like this product is formulated to clean the specific soiling profile of used detailing towels without damaging the fiber structure that makes microfiber useful in the first place. See our interior care and accessories section for companion products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this for washing foam buffing pads as well?
Yes — this detergent is suitable for hand-washing foam buffing pads. Fill a sink or bucket with warm water, add a small amount of the detergent, and work the pad gently to release compound and polish residue. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before storage or reuse.
How many loads does 16 oz cover?
At the recommended dose of approximately 1 oz per medium load, a 16 oz bottle delivers 10-16 wash loads depending on load size and soiling level. For a mobile detailer doing one or two weekly microfiber washes, this bottle lasts 1-2 months.
Should I wash new microfiber towels before first use?
Yes — washing new microfiber before first use removes any manufacturing residue and pre-opens the fibers for maximum performance. Wash alone, without other fabrics, on warm with this detergent and tumble dry low.
Is this safe for drying towels — the thick plush type?
Yes — the formula works on all densities of microfiber, from thin 200 GSM detailing towels to thick 600+ GSM drying towels. Higher-GSM towels may need two passes through the wash cycle if heavily soiled with wax or polymer sealant residue.
Can regular liquid detergent work in a pinch?
Fabric-softener-free detergents like plain castile soap or a free-and-clear formula without softeners can work short-term. However, even “free” consumer detergents often contain optical brightener agents that build up in microfiber over time. A purpose-made microfiber detergent is the better long-term choice for protecting your towel investment.
