Just a few tips:
Microfibers works like this:

Have you ever heard of a thread count for sheets? Sometimes it's about 180 threads, then maybe upto 230 threads. This is how density of fabric is measured. The higher the number the better quality. Similarily, this applies to the microfibres cloths, with an added bonus of the actual fibers themselves. If you were to envision a single fabric fibre...a string. If it were magnified it would look like a tube or cyclinder, smooth on the outer surface. A micofiber is slightly different because it would have a rough outer surface which adds surface area. The more surface area the better the ability to pick up and hold dirt.

Care and laundering of your microfibre cloth is very important to maintain it's cleaning ability. Wash it with a load of laundry that has the least amount of lint. Because they are so clingly, lint will stick to it. Washing with a load of bath towels (for instance) is not recommended. Use regular laundry soap. If you use them for household cleaning, it's a good idea to wash them in hot water to disinfect, because they are so absorbant, the hold everything...even bacteria. Never use fabric softener...again, because they are so absorbant and the structure of the fibers will become clogged with the softener and impede the cleaning ability.

Use your cloths with a flat surface (ie: folded in half or quarter) as apposed to being all bunched up in a ball. The flatter surface will allow for a larger cleaning surface contact of the cloth to the surface of the object you are cleaning.

They work great, and make sure to rinse them often in clean water when using them on a painted surface like your motorcycle. Rinse, and refold to the clean side then continue to wash with the clean flat surface, and repeat. Because they hold dirt so well, you have to remember they will load up with dirt, then when you rub the cloth on the surface, you will be rubbing the dirt into the paint. Rinse, turn and flip the dirty surface often and be very light handed. It best to use them without any kind of soap. Soap only makes those surfaces on the fiber slippery and also will impede it's ability to hold dirt. Just plain hot water is best. If you need to use soap, use another cloth for that stage, then clean with microfibre and clean water afterwards.

Remember not all micro fibers cloths are the same. There are some that are better than others. I have the NORWIX ones. They are about as good as it gets.

 

Bikergirl.....you have done your homework. I like that.
I believe your last paragraph was talking about washing the bike..(?). Although the a lot of companies are pushing MF wash mitts and such it is not a good idea...( I believe that is what your were saying). If MF is doing its job then it will hold dirt.....you dont want that. You want your mitt...preferable sheepskin...to release the dirt when you shake it in your RINSE bucket...(yes two buckets to wash).
It is a good idea to wash MF with MF....beside not using fabric softners in the load or dryer, other things may have had fabric softners that can transfer..Also use about 80% of your normal laundry soap and put white vinegar in your rinse cup (helps to release the soap in the rinse cycle) If you dry, use low heat and time to nearly dry. For a person who is only doing their own bike getting an even small load could be difficult. If so let the soak in a bucket of cleaner and rinse by hand. We normally will use in the neighbor of two dozen towels when detailing a customers bike so wash loads are not a problem. I wont get into the different styles, thickness and such of MF we use for specific functions such as polish, wax, sealant and Qd's. Mainly if you have qualty MF you can make it work for every situation.
We do use waterless wash products a lot on my bike, show bikes etc and we do not induce micromarring (swirls) by doing so. When using MF to do this (as bikergirl stated) fold the towel. This will give you eight sides. One swipe and then you go to another side.
Rubbing on your bike the right way, with the right products is perfectly safe.

 

Thanks for the website info....good information

 

In case you are really ****, you can use micro restore to clean your micro fiber towels. I get all my stuff from www.properautocare.com. I believe they are along the lines of some of the other sites. Very informative and a wide range of products.

Bikergirl, I am going to have to look into the NORWIX MF stuff. Never heard of it.

3Dog, in terms of using two buckets, I have read of a guy that uses two grit guard inserts in a 5 gallon bucket to keep all the dirt towards the bottom of the bucket. He uses two to make sure he doesn't get a lot of dirt in the washing towel or mit. He details high end (ferrari, lambo, etc) and does not get the swirls. Just food for thought. I am really **** though and the 2 bucket idea sounds really good too.

 

First rinse bike ...Wash Bike with Baby diapers or new born blankets Blow dry with what ever
Ride Bike done!

 

I also have used Micro Fiber towels and get great results. However when useing them be careful around hot exhaust, if you'r one of those who cant wait to clean bugs off when you get in from a ride. If you come in contact with hot exhaust parts it will melt the towel on the exhaust.