To clean a chamois used for drying a car, rinse it with warm water and mild soap, then air dry it away from direct sunlight. Do not use harsh chemicals or machine wash and dry. A chamois is a soft, absorbent fabric made from sheepskin or lambskin, perfect for car washing. Proper cleaning is necessary to prevent soapy residue and scratches on the car’s surface.
You can clean a chamois that has been used to dry a recently washed vehicle by rinsing it thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. When the chamois is rinsed and the excess water runs clear, wring it out gently and allow it to air dry, preferably out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight or intense heat can damage the chamois.
A chamois, pronounced “shammy” or “sham-wa,” is a thin, leather-like fabric that is known for its high absorbency. A genuine suede fabric is made from sheepskin or lambskin. A chamois cloth is not abrasive. With its softness and absorbency, a chamois is the perfect fabric for drying a washed car. It is commonly used by professional and hobbyist car washers and detailers.
Using harsh chemicals to clean a chamois can strip the fabric of its oil, which can affect its absorbency and softness. Similarly, direct sunlight or intense heat exposure can dry it out too much. A chamois that is too dry becomes very stiff and difficult to use, although it may regain its softness if re-oiled.
The most common mistake you can make after cleaning a chamois is to wash it in a household washing machine and then dry it in a clothes dryer. The washer cycle is too harsh for the chamois, and the dry cycle is too hot. The best way to complete the drying cycle after cleaning a chamois is to hang the chamois indoors on a hanger. Hanging it outdoors on a clothesline is also acceptable if the weather is mild.
It is necessary to properly clean a chamois between uses. Using a chamois cloth not only draws excess water from the car’s surface, but also removes soap scum and dirt. Dirt and debris absorb into the chamois, so using the cloth at a later time without wiping it down can leave a soapy residue on your car’s paint. Also, absorbed dirt and grime can stain on the paint. Some of this absorbed dirt and grime can be abrasive, which can cause a dirty chamois to lightly scratch a car’s surface if not cleaned properly.
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