View Poll Results: Whats your drying tool?
Waffle Weave
28
41.79%
Natural Chamois
5
7.46%
Synthetic Chamois (Absorber)
18
26.87%
Split Microfiber towel
16
23.88%
Voters: 67. You may not vote on this poll
Whats your favored drying impliment?
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,624
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Whats your favored drying impliment?
As a result of a previous question asked in Wash and Wax, Im trying to decipher what is being used for drying your personal car? Or if your a detailer, what are you using, and briefly, why?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 148
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i'm a dealership detailer and i've got a three-step process that i use.
initially, i remove a large quantity of the water with a california water blade... continue with an absorber, and finish with a plush micro-fiber towel.
works great, just be sure that all drying utensils are clean prior to use. I store them in plastic bins in ziploc bags.
Marko
initially, i remove a large quantity of the water with a california water blade... continue with an absorber, and finish with a plush micro-fiber towel.
works great, just be sure that all drying utensils are clean prior to use. I store them in plastic bins in ziploc bags.
Marko
Living the Dream
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,924
Likes: 130
From: near Charlotte
I'm with the other two "posters". I have used The Absorber for years and like the results. I have a waffle weave and am "experimenting" with it. I think my problem with it is, is that it doesn't work like the Absorber and there is some little secret that will make me fall in love with that.
Excel, thanks for all your input and advice on this forum. It has and will come in very handy to keep my car lookin' pristine. Keep up the good work
Excel, thanks for all your input and advice on this forum. It has and will come in very handy to keep my car lookin' pristine. Keep up the good work
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My first Avatar....
Joined: May 2006
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From: NJ
Hi Pat
I'm using a couple different things and I'm still deciding on which I like best. I have a WW and a large "vroom" MF towel from Target, of all places. I'll be doing my car on the 4th, I plan on using the WW, since i like the concept behind it better. What ever i use I always have an associate MF towel in my other hand. I use diaper cloth on the door jambs/under the hood/ trunk and glass.
I'm using a couple different things and I'm still deciding on which I like best. I have a WW and a large "vroom" MF towel from Target, of all places. I'll be doing my car on the 4th, I plan on using the WW, since i like the concept behind it better. What ever i use I always have an associate MF towel in my other hand. I use diaper cloth on the door jambs/under the hood/ trunk and glass.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,295
Likes: 169
From: Toronto
I use the Cobra Guzzler (green with silk border) and the Poorboys large WW (blue, no silk border) drying towel (both MFWW). I have found both to be very good. For door jambs etc I use cheap MF's from where ever.
Advanced.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Originally Posted by TSXXY
i'm a dealership detailer and i've got a three-step process that i use.
initially, i remove a large quantity of the water with a california water blade... continue with an absorber, and finish with a plush micro-fiber towel.
works great, just be sure that all drying utensils are clean prior to use. I store them in plastic bins in ziploc bags.
Marko
initially, i remove a large quantity of the water with a california water blade... continue with an absorber, and finish with a plush micro-fiber towel.
works great, just be sure that all drying utensils are clean prior to use. I store them in plastic bins in ziploc bags.
Marko
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
Living the Dream
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,924
Likes: 130
From: near Charlotte
All right...All right...
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Knox
The #1 reason I do NOT let dealerships wash my car. The California Blade is only good for creating scatches by picking up dirt that may have not been removed from the car completely and "blading" it across the rest of the cars paint. The only thing I use a squeegie or blade for is my windows.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 9
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Originally Posted by cmschmie
All right...All right...
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
10% off today only, use "excelebrat"......as your promo code....
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by Knox
The #1 reason I do NOT let dealerships wash my car. The California Blade is only good for creating scatches by picking up dirt that may have not been removed from the car completely and "blading" it across the rest of the cars paint. The only thing I use a squeegie or blade for is my windows.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
Drying - There are two different microfiber toweling weaves that make good drying towels: terry cloth and waffle (Piqué) weave. I have found that a short terry loop or one of the offset (longer on one side than the other) terry loops work well for drying. If you choose a microfiber terry cloth with a heavy, plush nap, you won't be able to wring it out when it gets wet. My favorite drying towel material is the Piqué fabric that mimics a waffle pattern. It has the ability to wick up water like nothing else I've found or tested. According to Leo Cerruti, a manufacturer of natural microfiber products, "[Piqué fabric] isn't more absorbent than terry but the ridges act as hundreds of little squeegees which push the water up into the cups giving the fabric time to absorb." As with the terry material, it's best to find a fabric that's not too heavy, or you won't be able to wring it out when it gets saturated.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by cmschmie
All right...All right...
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
I used my WW all over the car this morning and it worked fairly well. I guess they do need a "break-in" period. I do however see how having two of these things will make drying the car a whole lot easier and faster.
Is this correct Excel?
The one I have is about 20" x 30". Would another one this size be good, or would like a 18" x 24" be good enough?
I will be out and about today and if I don't find one I may just have to order one from you.
Just dial 1911
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,144
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by exceldetail
10% off today only, use "excelebrat"......as your promo code....
Patrick, I placed an order with you yesterday (#1689). Any chance I could get the 10%? Thanks...
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,566
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From: Atlanta
Originally Posted by Hawhyen51
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,624
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Originally Posted by joerockt
Patrick, I placed an order with you yesterday (#1689). Any chance I could get the 10%? Thanks...
My first Avatar....
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 32,952
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From: NJ
Just as a follow up - as I was drying the car yesterday, i found that the WW loaded up with water too quickly. It got to a point where it was wet enough to leave streaks behind, but it wasn't wet enough to be wrung out. 
I also think the silk edging actually gets in the way. Any suggestions?
So, I have to say a nice thick MF towel is my weapon of choice - one in each hand, of course.
I also think the silk edging actually gets in the way. Any suggestions?So, I have to say a nice thick MF towel is my weapon of choice - one in each hand, of course.
Just dial 1911
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,144
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by LoveMyTSX
Leaf blower??......... Hmmmmmmm, I may try that.
I've been doing it for about a year now. Works great because it gets all the water out of all the nooks and crannies. Just wipe the rest down with the towel and a QD'er (we have hard water, so its necessary).
Have camera, will travel
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,783
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From: Federal Way, WA
Originally Posted by Knox
The #1 reason I do NOT let dealerships wash my car. The California Blade is only good for creating scatches by picking up dirt that may have not been removed from the car completely and "blading" it across the rest of the cars paint. The only thing I use a squeegie or blade for is my windows.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
I voted for the microfiber towel, however, this waffle weave thing has got me curious. What and where are they? Thanks.
The California Water Blade is a very good tool for the job and it definitely cuts drying time dramatically. I wouldn't be using it if it was scratching my paint, Knox.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 9
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Originally Posted by pttl
Just as a follow up - as I was drying the car yesterday, i found that the WW loaded up with water too quickly. It got to a point where it was wet enough to leave streaks behind, but it wasn't wet enough to be wrung out. I also think the silk edging actually gets in the way. Any suggestions?
So, I have to say a nice thick MF towel is my weapon of choice - one in each hand, of course.
I also think the silk edging actually gets in the way. Any suggestions?So, I have to say a nice thick MF towel is my weapon of choice - one in each hand, of course.
My first Avatar....
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 32,952
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by exceldetail
Use a sheeting method when rinsing, this minimizes larger beads of water accumulating......
Yeah - i did that specifically yesterday - still had the full WW syndrome.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,050
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I used to use regular mf towels (the large kind), I switched to WW about 6 months ago and now have my drying technique down to a science. I use 2 WW per car, sheet water off with the hose, get most of the water with the first WW, then the rest with the second; I use a regular mf cloth in the other hand for hard to reach areas. The WW's I use are these:
http://pakshak.com/waffle-weave-micr...l-16x24-1.html
which I believe is similar to the one Patrick sells.
http://pakshak.com/waffle-weave-micr...l-16x24-1.html
which I believe is similar to the one Patrick sells.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,999
Likes: 362
From: St. Cloud, FL
Originally Posted by joerockt
I've been doing it for about a year now. Works great because it gets all the water out of all the nooks and crannies. Just wipe the rest down with the towel and a QD'er (we have hard water, so its necessary).
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Originally Posted by LoveMyTSX
Yea, we have that hard water also. Leaves awful water spots if you don't dry the car quickly........
(This is not a substitution for QD's between washes...)
If you can keep the surface slick, then sheet the water, theres less water for you to remove. Less to remove, less time involved. Less time involved, less promotion for spotting .......
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
So very true! A slick surface leaves less and what's left are residual beads of water easily absorbed by the WW. No streaking and drying time is considerably reduced. OSW & UPPS works great for me. BTW, Thanks Patrick for the prompt service, got my order in the mail yesterday.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,834
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From: Cary, NC
Originally Posted by exceldetail
CM, I did my Expedition the other day with one of my Monterey Waffle Weaves, 25x35, soft, satin edges. I also sheet the water off the car while rinsing which keeps the amount of beads to a minimal. This not only helps deter water spots, but normally alleviates any need for wringing your drying towel out. Also as pttl mentioned, its a great idea to have an associate towel in the oppsoite hand, #1 to lean on when reaching, and #2 to help pickup any beads from door handles, wiper blades, those areas prone to "run" when ya turn your back!
10% off today only, use "excelebrat"......as your promo code....
10% off today only, use "excelebrat"......as your promo code....
Hey exceldetail,
is the 10% deal over?
If so will there be anymore 10% deals coming up?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I use the Big Blue towel from properautocare.com... best towel by far I've ever used.
As far as Meguiar's water magnet... I tried it... I now use it to wipe brake dust off my rims, scrub my wheel wells, or wipe down my shocks/springs... that thing sucks.
As far as Meguiar's water magnet... I tried it... I now use it to wipe brake dust off my rims, scrub my wheel wells, or wipe down my shocks/springs... that thing sucks.
