WTF Chamois Ew!
 

OK I picked up a real chamois and when I got it home I was reading the back of the package because the artificial chamois I had purchased before needed to be cleaned before I used it (which I didn't) and I ended up having to clean where I was going to dry the car. I though I'd avoid that grief then I find that the chamois has been tanned in the authentice technique of using cod liver oil..... I though the mess from the artificial one was bad - what is wiping cod liver oil all over the car going to do?

Is there some cleaning procedure before you use the chamois or is it already "cleaned" from the factory? I definately still smells like a dead fish.... Soapy water?

take it back!

use an oversized microfiber towel for drying

Good quality microfiber is the ticket.

This^^ or I sometimes use a synthetic shammy in a blotting fashion.

I've got a micro fiber towel for drying after I get the majority with the artificial chamois. I just thought I'd try the real deal and see if its any better than the artificial. I sheet the car first too which get most of the drops - chamois for what's left and the micro for the little dropplets the chamois leaves behind.

microfiber all the way, works fine and a much simpler technic...

.... I like the chamois - well the artificial one so far - haven't tried the authentic fish yet. You can soak up water wring it out and its good to go again - micro fiber isn't the same in that regard. I do use micro for the finish though...

"Absorber" has been great for me.

Use a leaf blower (perfectly clean one) to blow dry the car.

I use the absorber as well. Used it for years with great success.

I 2nd the leaf blower. Wash the car; use a leaf blower with full intention of leaving a few drops; and, use micro to dry ------ even on a black car, you get no streaks.

pshhh! I use the Sham-Wow!!! If its good enough for Navy Seal Divers, its good enough for my car!!! ;)

I thought about that. I assume it works well for you?

A leaf blower will launch dirt and other crap at your car at god awful speeds. I would not do that.

I was just thinking that. Isn't that the same as driving 200 MPH down the highway in a dust storm? OK maybe that's over exagerating but there is always debris around and do you want to be launching that into your clear coat?

....anyhow I washed the car last night and now I know why detailer use the chamois - it works great. The trick is to get a good sized one (kinda like using a face cloth instead of a towel.) The one I got was 5.5 sq feet and its plenty. Drape it over the hood an pull towards you and it sucks the water up in an instant. Now it takes more time to wring out the chamois than it does to dry. My artificial one works great but its not big enough and Costco had the real deal for $13 which was a lot cheaper than the other places. Finish off with a micro fiber towel and we're good to go. Chamois still smells like a rotten fish but its not oily after washing it three times with soapy water....