I used the absorber for the first time today, and it wasn't as great as some of you guys said it was, i mean it was good but it still didn't work like i expected to. (i.e. it leaves streaks of water behind)

am i using it wrong? it made little difference when i wringed out excess water.

another thing is i got black marks on it and even though i rinsed it throughly some marks still remain, do i have to put it in the washer everytime i use it? thx

 

I've only washed it a few times. I think it gets better with usage. I just got a new one and it did not seem to dry as good as my old one. Perhaps it just needs to break in...

 

Fold it in 4, so it's a rectangle that's double the size of your hand...You may have to go over the same area more than once, but it works! All part of the stroking technique..
Ed

 

It does leave some streaks behind - but I've found a better artificial chamois. It's made by Kiwi (the shoe shine co.) and has that same red banner logo except says Detailer's Choice. It looks more leathery than the Absorber and leaves no streaks. I thinks it's about $10 for one but it does a really good job. Found them in Target and auto parts stores.

 

As for the black marks, just throw it in the wash. Yep that's right, you can wash it.

 

Like I said, I've had the Absorber for over 15 years and it's still like new! That's because I hardly use it! Still use baby diapers to wash and dry! The problem with the absorber is that it does leave streaks. True it sucks up a lot of water but if you wipe your car where the water is on the absorber it's going to leave a trail of water streak. Not only that, the absorber grabs on to the paint like a magnet, so you have to put some effort into wiping! The diaper won't suck up as much water but it's easy to wring out because it's thin and soft.

 

You have to try different techniques in using it. Don't use it as towel. I place it on the area I want to dry (entirely unfolded)and pat it down, soaking up all the water on that area. Then wring dry. I don't move it around. It's fairly large so you can cover large areas of the car at a time.

For less wet areas I fold it like someone else said and slowly move it on the car.

 

they are also available at Walmart, Automotive section, next to absorbers