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Chamois cloths, made from soft leather, are used for car and boat cleaning. Natural suede should be hand washed, while synthetic options can be machine washed. A larger cloth is recommended for faster drying.
A chamois cloth is actually a soft leather that is traditionally made from the skin of a chamois, a variety of mountain sheep, but can be any type of lamb or sheepskin. In the United States, suede is pronounced “shammy,” a word that can refer to natural suede or various types of synthetic fabrics. These highly absorbent cloths are often used in car and boat cleaning, as they can make it easier to dry the vehicle’s surface and polish it to a high shine. The best suede fabric to choose will likely depend on how and how often it is worn.
A real suede fabric, because it is a natural material, should not be thrown in a washer or dryer. It should be hand washed with a mild detergent and rinsed thoroughly after each use. Although a shammy can last a long time, it can tend to leave lint or small shards after prolonged use. It can also become less absorbent due to buildup of car wax or polish.
An auto chamois made from man-made fibers can be thrown into a washing machine when it begins to lose its effectiveness. This generally makes a synthetic suede a more durable option. Synthetic fabrics, many made from microfiber materials, are also typically less expensive. However, for car maintenance, many enthusiasts prefer a natural suede cloth because it will dry with fewer spots and streaks than an artificial shammy.
A suede fabric can usually be purchased at a variety of retailers, from discount stores to specialty automotive stores. This type of shammy may be called a car towel, car drying towel, or car chamois, among other names. While you don’t need to use one to dry a car after a wash, it does remove water that can leave spots and streaks as it dries. Many people use something like a squeegee to scrape off as much water as possible before using a chamois cloth to finish drying and polishing the surface.
When choosing a faux or natural suede fabric, opt for a large size. A small cloth will take longer to dry the car or vehicle. A square of at least 25 inches (63.5 cm) may seem large, but it will make the job much faster. Even where there is no pressure against the chamois, it will absorb moisture from the car’s surface and dry it quickly. Small chamois cloths are also great for things like bikes, motorcycles, sports equipment, and touch-up jobs on larger vehicles.
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