Spokane man makes case against paper towels

Dear Greg: I really enjoyed your “do not use paper towels to dry your car” article recently. Being in the paper business, and also a longtime auto restorer hobbyist, I am often confronted with the issue from customers and friends about the use of paper towels and wipers for autos.

While paper is still the best for “streak free” results on glass (newspaper is the very best, paper towels are good), you truly hit the mark when advising against the use of paper on an auto or truck finish.

Dirt suspension is only part of the reason, however. It really comes down to the fact that paper is produced from wood, and wood fibers are abrasive. A perfectly washed and rinsed vehicle will still pick up the miniscule scratches or “swirl” that destroys the pristine gloss of modern clear coats.

However, although damaging, this swirl — and fairly deep surface scratches that don’t breach into the color coat — can be removed and/or reduced by modern-day polish and buffing techniques, although expensive. So, all is not lost.

However, the best car-drying advice is just what you wrote in your article — no paper towels. I’d recommend microfiber cloth, which is an excellent up-and-coming choice for auto finish. Thanks for telling many who take pride in their own maintenance about the perils of paper on paint (POPOP — my own stupid acronym). — Dennis A., Spokane, Wash.

A: Thanks much, Dennis. I’m sure our readers appreciate your additional input on the perils of paper towels on car and truck finishes. I’ll buy some microfiber cloth right away!