Forum Discussion

D_E_Bishop's avatar
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Nov 11, 2013

Dryer pads and windows

I just read a post about removing bugs with various things and some one commented about dryer pads working great but that they muck up windows. For some time now we have been having a hard time with the windows streaking. I had purchased a bundle of white "bar towels" and some blue microfiber towels for my home shop. I washed the white bar towels and dried them with a dryer sheet, they are still stiff and scratchy but absorbent, however. the windows of all our vehicles streak like crazy. I have also noticed the microfiber towels that have been washed and dried with dryer sheet in the drier also tend to streak.

Anyone had this problem and if so what was the cause? I wonder about our water in L.A. but it happened up here at the beach using really soft well water. I also think I developing an allergy to the chemicals either in the laundry soap or the dryer sheets.
Seeking Advice
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2013
    Vinegar is a natural softener that will also help remove the build up from other products. Just put a cup or so of white vinegar in with your wash when you do towels and don't use any other softener product. They will become more absorbent and still be soft.
  • Handbasket's avatar
    Handbasket
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    My take on it is that it's the porous nature of the weave of the dryer sheets that makes them so good at removing bugs. I use used dryer sheets, not new ones. They work just fine, and leave much less 'goop' behind. After using them on paint, I usually wipe a quick coat of wax on afterwards. On glass, I follow up with a glass cleaner and paper towels.

    Jim, "Why did the chicken cross the road? To show the squirrel and possum that it could be done."
  • Homer1's avatar
    Homer1
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    Never use dryer sheets on anythig you are going to use to absorb water, they have waxes in them. I use two little spurred balls in the dryer for any kind of towel or cloth for windows, no dryer sheets, the balls work just great. I do use wet dryer sheets to clean bugs off the front of my motorhome, but never on the windows. Bugs will easily come off with damp dryer cloths. You will need to wipe the surface with a clean wax free towel or cloth.
  • cpaulsen's avatar
    cpaulsen
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    I use a little Bar Keepers Friend on my 5th wheel windows.Make a little paste....let it dry and take a wet towel and wipe almost all of it off. Then a nice dry towel to remove whats left. Takes all the water spots off the windows. Then for the casual touch-up...I use the blue windshield towels like you find at a gas station...use a couple that are wet with water...then some dry ones and clean the windows. They very seldom leave any streaks.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Nov 11, 2013
    You don't have to toss the towels anywhere but back into the washing machine. Wash them again then dry without any softener. Never use softener on any fabric you want to use to dry things, including your bath towels. The microfiber towels are best used if you completely wet them, wring them out and then use them to dry.

    To clean bugs off your windows or the front of your vehicle, dampen the dryer sheets with water and wipe them off. They will smear and make a mess but it's easier to then wash them off as you would normally wash your vehicle. I've found the microfiber towels work very well to provide streak free windows providing the towels are clean when you start. Newspaper works well also...Dennis
  • Ski_Pro_3's avatar
    Ski_Pro_3
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    Newspaper works much better than any cloth I've ever used. Dryer sheets add a wax to the fabric. Makes them less absorbent and they streak wax on the glass that is hard to remove.
  • Jim_Shoe's avatar
    Jim_Shoe
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    The dryer sheets, when dipped in water, take bugs off the windshield and front of the RV pretty easily, but you have to go back over the same surfaces with Windex and a clean cloth afterwards.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    The fabric dryer sheets will make towels or any other fabric less absorbant. Almost like water proof
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2013
    Use wadded newspaper to clean your windows with windex (etc). Works much better than cloth.
  • camperpaul's avatar
    camperpaul
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    Throw the towels out and buy new ones.

    DO NOT EVER wash or dry the new towels with fabric softener.

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