I just got my 2008 Armada last week and I'm loving it. I want to do my first car wash, and I plan on ordering the Zaino kit 1. I haven't used Zaino in about 8 years when I first go my 2002 Cavalier LS Sport. (Yes, I went from a Cavalier to an Armada. What a difference!!!!) Anyhow, back then I was able to find the Cannon-Fieldcrest towels as recommended. I had at least 2 for washing, 2 for drying, and 2 for polishing.

Now, I can't find the Cannon-Fieldcrest towels and I'm wondering what towels people are using and where are they getting them from? All of the towels I've seen so far although they say 100% cotton, they have borders not only on the side, but some had them in the middle. So far these are the towels I've seen. Are these the ones I should get or should I find the right towels else where.

Fieldcrest® Luxury Towels 3-pc. Set (http://www.target.com/Fieldcrest-Luxury-Towels-3-pc-Set/dp/B001AZJYO2/ref=br_1_1?ie=UTF8&id=Fieldcrest%20Luxury%20Towels%203-pc%20Set&node=405519011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-1&qid=1283479396&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1)

Thanks

Microfiber towels work best. They won't scratch the paint as some cotton towels can, plus great for multi-use applications. BJs, Sam's, Costco has them in a 20-24 pack for about $20. Local auto parts stores will sell them around $10 for a 3/pk.

Microfiber towels are great for just about anything car related. You can even pick them up at Wal-Mart.

Get good ones though, some of the cheaper versions will leave some swirls.
I like Meguire's (but you all knew that, LOL). I found some on sale at Amazon a few weeks ago.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+X2020

I use Zaino all the time. They say to use the plain white towels from Wal-Mart. I've been using these towels all the time and have no issues. Check the Zaino web site and you should be able to find the one's they recommend. He also sells towels on his site, but I haven't used them.

This is coming from the Zaino Web site:
The safest way to remove the residue from your paint is with white, made in USA, 100% cotton name brand large bath towels, such as Cannon or FieldCrest. Get them in the bath section at any major department store. The towels that you find in auto parts stores, or the auto sections of the department stores are usually not made in the USA, and even though they may say they are 100% cotton, they are not. Anything other than 100% pure white cotton may scratch your paint finish.You should use white towels because the dyes in colored towels can leave a chemical residue on the paint, and cause streaking. Also, it's important to either remove the stitched borders from your towels, or keep the towels folded in a way that keeps the borders away from the paint. The borders(edges or designs) can scratch your paint, as they may not be 100% cotton.

Wash your towels in hot water, and with a liquid detergent, like liquid Tide, or ALL. Avoid using Powdered detergents, Bleach or any kind of Fabric softeners as these products will leave a chemical residue on your towels that will cause streaking and scratching.

Thanks everyone for the help. I took a look at some stores for the 100%'cotton towels but the softest ones I saw where at Bed Bath and Beyond and I did not want pay $20 per towel. I been reading about microfiber towels but I'm so confused on what the good ones are. I'll look for the Meguire's brand and try those if I can find them locally

This might be a little bit off topic and sound silly, but I use my electric Toro leaf blower to dry my car. It works great. Maybe Jeff Foxworthy can incorporate that into his redneck routine.........lol.

This might be a little bit off topic and sound silly, but I use my electric Toro leaf blower to dry my car. It works great. Maybe Jeff Foxworthy can incorporate that into his redneck routine.........lol.
Yea i guess that would work except i dont think it will work well for the washing and polishing part he needed the rags for :ugogirl:

I use microfiber also. For waxing they seem to pick up better and smoother than terry cotton. They have different ones for different jobs. Ie: washing, waxing and polishing. There is a difference in quality between brands too.
I use this combo for detailing which comes with a couple of microfiber brand towels I like.
http://www.autogeek.net/sokit.html

saw 24 microfiber cloths in a pack at ace hardware for 14 dollars..

IMHO, if you're going to spring for Zaino then follow their directions and buy some 100% cotton made in the USA white towels. Bed and Bath usually has them, but with it being time for college students to stock up for their dorms you may need to look around a little.

I think I found some white 100% cotton on sale at Macy's a few years ago - about $12 each. I bought 4 or 5. I am still using them since I cut each towel into smaller rectangles.

As for micro-fiber, I have used those as well and did not notice any difference.

Zaino does do a great job of giving your car the "wet look".

I was at Target tonight and saw Fieldcrest 100% cotton for $12 and another brand, Robert O'Brien, or something and they were only $10 for 100% cotton bath towels. They both had stiched lines through them but could easily be cut out.