Microfiber towels are an essential tool for many people. They are extremely useful for many taks.
However, proper storage is crucial to keep your microfiber towels clean, dry, and ready for use.
Plastic Bins or Totes
One of the most popular and effective ways to store microfiber towels is in plastic bins or totes. They are inexpensive, available in many sizes, and seal tightly to keep out dust and dirt. The key is finding a bin that is the right size for your existing towel collection, with room to grow.
Look for bins made of thick, durable plastic. Transparent bins allow you to easily see towels inside without opening. Opaque bins keep light from possibly fading towels over time. Ensure any bin you select has a tight-sealing lid to block contaminants. A latch or snap lid offers more security than bins with just a removable top.
Many prefer broad, shallow bins to store folded microfiber towels upright on their edges. This allows access to multiple towels at once. For pads and bulkier items, use deeper bins. Store bins holding clean towels away from detailing chemicals to prevent contamination. Write the contents on the lid with a marker so you can easily find the right bin.
Key Takeaway: Plastic bins or totes with tight-sealing lids keep microfiber towels clean while allowing easy access.
Storage Drawers
Another excellent option for microfiber storage is plastic drawer organizers. They come in various sizes and configurations to suit your space. Small units with 3-5 drawers are common for home use. Larger sets go up to 10+ drawers on wheels for professional shops.
The benefit of drawers is segregating towels by type, such as waxing, polishing, windows, leather, etc. Label each drawer so you can quickly grab the right towel. Shallow drawers work well for folded microfiber cloths standing upright. Deeper drawers hold pads, mitts, and other bulkier items.
Look for high-quality, durable plastic drawer sets. Thicker plastic resists cracking or warping over time. Smooth drawers glide easily on their tracks without sticking or sagging. Most units stack if you need expandability. A lidded top keeps dust off the drawers. Place on shelves or a dedicated cart so your inventory is always at hand.
Key Takeaway: Storage drawers neatly organize microfiber towels while keeping types separated and labeled.
Hanging Bags
For portable microfiber storage, hanging bags are very useful. These bags have a metal grommet at the top so you can hang them anywhere. They come in different fabrics, such as nylon, mesh, or canvas, and multiple sizes. Many feature a drawstring closure and exterior pocket.
Use bags designated for clean towels versus dirty. Fill with the microfiber you need for a particular detailing job and transport them easily. Hang inside your car or on ladders, hooks, or doorknobs when working. This keeps towels off the floor yet within quick reach.
Look for sturdy bags with dense fabrics that won’t rip. Canvas repels liquids well while mesh makes it easy to identify towel contents. Having different colored bags for each towel type helps organize your detailing process. Always inspect bags for holes and wash often, since they collect dirt and grime.
Key Takeaway: Hanging microfiber bags allow easy portability and access to towels when working.
Cabinet Storage
An enclosed cabinet offers an excellent way to organize microfiber towels while protecting them. Mount cabinets at a convenient height or install on a mobile cart. Use containers or baskets within the cabinet to further separate towels.
Closed cabinets have the advantage of keeping every surface of towels protected. Look for cabinets made of strong materials like wood, metal, or high-density plastic. Include shelving to make full use of vertical storage space. Some feature doors that fold down for a work surface.
Proper cabinet ventilation is important for microfiber towels, so look for units with louvers or mesh panels. Avoid any moisture buildup inside. Add caster wheels to larger cabinets for easy mobility in your workspace. Label each storage container or shelf for quick identification. Your towels will appreciate a clean, secure home.
Key Takeaway: Cabinets furnish closed storage to protect microfiber towels from contaminants floating in the air.
Shelving
For dry, low-dust environments, open shelving can work to store microfiber towels. Wire, wood, or metal shelves keep your inventory visible and within reach. Just be sure to use sealable bins or bags to enclose the towels themselves.
Mounted shelves on a wall or rack system provide efficient use of vertical space. For maximum flexibility, consider freestanding wire shelving units that adjust to fit different ceiling heights. Sturdy wood shelves also work, ideally with a front lip to keep bins in place.
The key with any open shelving is keeping airborne particles away from towels. Use in clean, interior rooms only. Avoid exterior garages or other areas with grease, exhaust fumes, or decaying organic material. Shelves just provide a supporting framework for towel containers – the containers do the real protecting.
Key Takeaway: Shelving works for microfiber storage only if sealed bins keep towels fully enclosed.
Laundry Bags
For separating clean and dirty towels, mesh laundry bags excel. They allow air circulation while containing fibers and lint during washing. Use bags designated only for microfiber to prevent cross-contamination. Mark bags clearly as “clean” or “dirty”.
Bags just for transporting dirty towels help keep other surfaces clean. Toss used towels straight into a designated bag rather than letting them contact cabinets or shelves. Sturdy bags with drawstrings closure prevent spills if tipped over.
Once washed, transfer clean towels into a separate bag before putting them with your collection. Some laundering tips for microfiber towels include: wash in hot water, only use detergent, and avoid fabric softener. Never wash with cottons or terry cloth.
Key Takeaway: Mesh laundry bags isolate dirty and clean microfiber towels to prevent cross-contamination.
Garment Bags
For professional detailers or serious hobbyists, garment bags work great for storing and protecting microfiber. These oversized plastic bags zip closed to encase hanging clothes. Use them to neatly organize towels by type while keeping them lint-free.
Standard garment bags contain 4-5 large “pockets” to separate towel varieties. Label each section using a permanent marker for easy identification. Hang full bags in your workspace or stack flat for compact storage. The vinyl or plastic construction keeps dirt and moisture away.
In addition to towels, use garment bags to organize applicators, mitts, brushes, and any detailing accessories. The zipper allows easy access without exposing everything each time. Just don’t overload any one section to avoid straining the bags. Rotate towels from clean garment bags as they get used.
Key Takeaway: Garment bags create compartments for categorizing microfiber towels with handy portability.
Detail Cart/Workstation
For professional detailers, a dedicated cart or workstation provides ideal microfiber storage. Outfit the cart top with your most frequently used towels for quick access. Reserve drawers, bins, and cabinets on or below the cart for bulk storage and organization.
Carts allow you to wheel your complete inventory conveniently from vehicle to vehicle. They provide a solid, mobile surface for your towels instead of placing them on the ground. Customize your cart with options like power strips, lights, hooks, trays, and water tanks.
When setting up a detailing workstation, build in specialized storage for microfiber towels. Install wall cabinets, shelving, and racks above the workspace. Store bulk items and backups in nearby drawers. Your goal is keeping the towels you need most within arm’s reach.
Key Takeaway: A customized cart or permanent workstation lets you store microfiber towels exactly where you need them most.
Folding Technique
Proper folding of microfiber towels helps them store neatly and compactly. Take care to shake out each towel after use and allow it to fully air dry before folding. For basic folding, place towels face down and fold lengthwise into thirds.
Fold towels so any edges or special binding are visible. This helps identify towel types when stacked. For waffle weave glass towels, fold into quarters instead of thirds to showcase the pattern. Face the “clean” sides inward so only unused towel surfaces contact when stored.
Storing microfiber towels properly takes some work initially. But the benefits of efficient organization and contamination protection become clear over time. Dedicate the space, containers, and system that best suit your detailing needs. Your microfiber towel inventory represents a significant investment – care for it accordingly.
FAQs
How often should you wash microfiber towels?
Ideally, launder them after every 2-4 uses. Soiled towels lose cleaning effectiveness and risk swirl marks. Always wash towels separate from other laundry.
Should microfiber towels be stored wet or dry?
Never store damp towels together, as moisture encourages mildew growth. Make sure towels are completely dry before storage, either naturally or via air drying, heat, or fans.
How do you fold microfiber towels?
The standard method is to fold towels in half or thirds, facing inward to avoid contamination. Fold edges and labels outward for easy identification. For waffle weave, fold into fourths.
Should you use fabric softener on microfiber towels?
No, softener leaves behind a residue that fills the microfiber loops, reducing effectiveness. Wash towels only with mild detergent in hot water. Avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals.
Can you store microfiber towels in plastic bags?
Yes, sealable plastic bags work well for storage. Just ensure towels are totally dry first. If storing long-term, add some desiccant packs to prevent any moisture accumulation.
Conclusion
Microfiber towels perform best when handled and maintained properly between uses. Storing them in clean, dry environments away from contaminants ensures they last. Purchasing quality towels also makes a difference.
With some forethought and organization, you can create storage solutions tailored to your specific detailing needs. Options like bins, drawers, bags, cabinets, carts, and shelves all work well. The main goal is keeping your high-performing microfiber ready to make vehicles look their best.
