How do you care for a chamois?

[PhatRoyale]

I just bought a chamois and was using it to dry off my car yesterday and it came out very dirty after I was done.

What is the best method of washing and caring for a chamois?
I want to make it last for a long time.

[Pb]

I got rid of my chamois once I got some quality waffle weave microfiber drying towels.

But anyway, the safest way is to hand wash them with dish soap in the sink and then air dry.

But you can wash them in a washing machine to save time. Gentle cycle and Woolite. Hang and air dry.

BTW, if your drying towel is real dirty afterward, then that means that you're not washing properly. Your towels should be drying, not cleaning. Wiping a chamois across dirty paint will cause swirls. Get the dirt off with a nice soapy wool-sheep skin wash mitt, and a rinse bucket.

[steve762us]

Toss em in the washing machine with everything else...won't hurt em. Line dry.

[PhatRoyale]

Thanks! Now I can wash it without worrying too much about ruining it!

[Pb]

Take it easy with the detergent. Use about half what is recommended on the detergent bottle.

[beppy]

ya washing your car properly is key. its harder than it sounds, i find that if you do it properly, i drying it self will not leave any water spots

[steve762us]

If you have any kind of hard water and let it dry on your car "by itself", you're gonna get white spots...regardless of how carefully you cleaned it. Washing doesn't alter the mineral content of your water.

[Pb]

yeah, the only way to get a true spot free finish without towel drying is to use a good water filtering system, and keep your car in a clean environment while the water spots are evaporating. If any dust is in the air then you will have water spots. I find that it's easier to just towel dry and not worry about water spots. I do use a water filtering system though. It makes washing and drying a little easier. On hot days you don't have to rush so much.