Chamois Leathers

[Andrew_Walker]

A bit off topic this one, but sort of related - I just got given a real Chamois leather cloth, versus the usual synthetic type, and was wondering what the consenus is regarding storing it? Damp in a sealed container or let it dry out so its like a piece of cardboard

[grahamm]

Andrew,

Real Chamois leather should be cleaned and stored dry. It is a natural product that will rot if stored damp.

Having tried both I now find the synthetic to be better as it takes all the abuse that I can give it, store it damp and it will not rot and when it is dirty I throw it in the washing machine.
Just my thoughts.

Graham

[Andrew_Walker]

Thanks Graham. I have only ever had the synthetic type, and always put them back in their plastic containers damp - normally they end up going green and I chuck them

[cliff wilkins]

Hi Andrew,
Don't use a real geniune Chamois leather use a synthetic cloth or better still a thick plush micro drying towel.
As a car valeter & detailer i would never use a Chamois the two I mentioned Not A Chamois leather.
One reason being if you have any expensive wax on your car a real chamois will strip it off.
Keep cloths clean also is a good tip.
Hope that helps
Cliff.

[jleyton]

I've splashed out on a few really good quality real ones. Not hard to rinse out and then just leave flat to dry out - great results

Cheers

Julian

[wilf]

I never use a Chamois leather on my car - they cause major swirl marking.

[Richard Saunders]

Water magnet towel is way better than a chamois imo.

[mjheathcote]

Chamois are so old school, just like sponges!
...Lambswool washmit, two buckets with grit guards, drying towel.

[Bandit1200]

Chamois used to be the only thing. Now synthetic are far superior in use, cheaper and just let them dry out.

[DJT]

I've always used chamois leathers, but I bought a couple of those synthetic jobbies that Roger Philips was selling at ND and I'm very pleased with it. I say 'it'; SWMBO nicked one for in the house............

[KOY 23]

I've got one of those, Dave B dried off my car at ND. I was so pleased that i had to buy one.

[jleyton]

Sounds like I'd better move with the times then

So, what's the best type to get then - and where from ?

Cheers

Chamois Leyton

[grahamm]

Do not bother with the cheap 'pound shop' synthetics for anything other than keeping one in the car to collect up spills. They fall apart as soon as you use and ring out excess moisture.

The quality synthetic I have used and give full marks to is 'The Absorber' - see http://www.the-absorber.co.uk/. I inherited mine from my daughter after she sold her Spitfire some 5 years ago. Use it all our cars, house windows, bathroom tiles, throw it in the washing machine for a clean and only now is it starting to show signs of wear and possibly needs replacing.

As I have not needed another synthetic I do not have experience of others.

Graham

[simon tarr]


Hi Andrew,



There is only one answer. The 

Kent Extra Large Microfibre Drying Towel.


It really does do what it says on the label - to paraphrase.


You can check it out here;


http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/45169/kent-extra-large-microfibre-drying-towel


I did recently wash my car and got all old school when I noticed my shammy hanging up, crikey!

Never again, slow, hard work and left swirl marks all over the shop, there is a reason why they invented microfibre cloth and here it is. Shifts gallons of water, quickly and leaves the best sparkly finish.

I do then have a drawer of extra smaller dry cloths which I then finish with, chucking them in the bucket as they get dirty. Wash em in the machine, no soap and start again.


Anyway that's my two penneth.


Cheers Simon.

[milothedog]

I've got one of those, Dave B dried off my car at ND. I was so pleased that i had to buy one.

If they are the Blue ones, 2 for £9 they are the dog's

Ian