What do you think of Chamois (aka: shammys) and how do you clean it?

Question

First I want your opinion on Chamois. I like it. I only used it once, but didn't you it again yet. It's kind of dirty. I don't want it to scratch up my car. So I want to know how to clean it first. In fact just today I bought a new one 5 sq.. ft.



Some times it gets all black and dirty. How am I supose to clean this chamois genuine leather? Any suggestions? Do any of you guys use it?

the more info i can get the better.

wait i don't get it. it didn't come with a plastic container. it just came by itself.

so how do i maintain it again? you say I should always keep it damp? i know i do that with claybars.

Answer 1

They work great, wring it out when it's saturated.

You can wash them in the washer, DO NOT PUT in dryer.

Use the plastic holder that comes with it and put it away wet. It will last a friggin' long time.

Answer 2

I love them, they can dry a car in no time. Usually when you buy a new Chamois, somewhere in the packaging there are cleaning instructions.

When mine get dirty i usually take dishwashing detergent under warm water and wash it out. You may not get all of the spots off but washing it this way will remove any dirt that would scratch your car. Once your done washing it wring it out well, stretch it back out to its original shape and hang to dry...not in direct sunlight.

Answer 3

Don't wash them with regular soap. You'll wind up with shoe leather. You can toss them in the machine with cold water and Woolite. And, of course, never dry them with heat.
If it gets black and oily you're abusing it and it will never get clean.

Answer 4

Just wash it with regular soap and water itll never get "new" clean tho...i have a brand new black car and I use it all the time to dry my car:)