How to Clean a Selvyt Cloth and Keep It Like New

A Selvyt cloth is a high-quality, soft cotton fabric often used for polishing and cleaning, especially for polishing boots and shoes in the military. Here’s how you can properly wash a Selvyt cloth to maintain its effectiveness:

Large Range of Selvyt cloth's and boot cleaning kits available here!

Materials Needed:

• Mild detergent (free of bleach or harsh chemicals)
• A basin or sink
• Warm water
• A clean, soft towel for drying

Instructions:

1. Remove Excess Polish or Dirt:

   • Gently shake or brush off any dirt or excess polish from the Selvyt cloth. If there's any large buildup, try to carefully scrape it off with your fingers or a soft brush.

2. Prepare the Washing Basin:

   • Fill a basin or sink with warm water (not hot, as it could damage the fabric). Warm water is effective at loosening dirt and polish without harming the fibers.

3. Add Mild Detergent:

   • Add a small amount of mild, non-abrasive detergent to the water. A detergent that’s free of bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals is ideal. Avoid using any products that could leave residues that might affect the polishing performance.

4. Soak the Selvyt Cloth:

   • Place the Selvyt cloth in the warm, soapy water and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes. This will help break down any remaining wax, oils, or polish.

5. Gently Agitate the Cloth:

   • After soaking, gently agitate the cloth with your hands to work the detergent into the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, as this could damage the fibers or change the cloth's texture.

6. Rinse Thoroughly:

   • Rinse the Selvyt cloth thoroughly under cool water to remove all the soap. Make sure all detergent is washed out, as any remaining residue could affect the cloth's cleaning or polishing ability.

7. Remove Excess Water:

   • Gently press the cloth between your hands to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the cloth, as this could distort its shape and texture.

8. Dry the Cloth:

   • Lay the Selvyt cloth flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid using a clothes dryer, radiator, or direct heat, as this can shrink or damage the fabric. Let it dry naturally, away from direct sunlight.

9. Check the Cloth:

   • Once the Selvyt cloth is fully dry, check it for any remaining residue or areas that might need further cleaning. If necessary, you can repeat the process, but typically one wash should be enough.

Additional Tips:

• Do not use fabric softeners or bleach when washing a Selvyt cloth, as they can compromise the softness and cleaning properties of the fabric.
• Spot cleaning: If your Selvyt cloth only has a small stain or buildup, you may want to spot clean it by dabbing the affected area with a damp cloth and mild detergent rather than washing the entire cloth.
• Storage: Once dry, store your Selvyt cloth in a clean, dry place to prevent dust or contaminants from getting on it. You can fold it neatly to keep it in good condition for future use.

With these steps, your Selvyt cloth should stay clean, soft, and effective for polishing boots or other surfaces!