There are specific ways to ensure that the window towels are not susceptible to tire dressings, waxes, solvents and other oil based products. The best way that I have found uses a four step method that takes supervision and, if need be, discipline.

Step one: Color code your towels. This means all window towels will be blue, for instance, noting the color of the window cleaner itself, which is usually blue. Also, yellow or red can be used for the wax towels since these are usually wax colors.

Step two: Separate all your towels into different wash tubs and use those wash tubs for the corresponding towels exclusively. In other words, never mix your towels together. If an accident happens and someone puts the wrong towel in the wrong wash tub, or uses a window towel on another part of the car, throw away all the towels that were used incorrectly or placed in the wrong tub. Then, thoroughly scrub and clean that wash tub with a semi-abrasive, non-oil based cleaner.

Step three: Train the employees to follow this routine to the detriment of their position.

Step four: Follow through with step three.

This four-step method, if followed thoroughly, carefully and methodically, will ensure that your towels will rarely get mixed up. If they do, simply follow the last half of step two.

Christopher C. McKenna of McKenna Assets LLC, based in Redondo Beach, CA, can be reached at 310-947-9711, or via email at [email protected]. You can also visit his website at www.carwash-consultant.com.