Soft Cloth

Cloth in the Wash Process
By Hanna Sherman

Water, chemicals and friction are all needed in combination to thoroughly wash a car. The degree of friction needed has long been a topic of debate. Without friction, dirt cannot be completely removed. Too much friction can cause damage to the vehicle's finish. Hanna originated Super KleanCloth™ to provide the "touch" that would gently clean cars safely and effectively.

Cloth was first used in tunnel-type washes in the mid 1960s when indoor/outdoor carpeting was used at the entrance and exit ends of the wash to block cold air from entering the tunnel. This protection allowed tunnel systems to operate during severe winter months in the Midwest and East Coast regions. In the 1970s, Dan Hanna, Sr., became the first to experiment with cloth mitter curtains. What was once an idea became a revolutionary concept as Hanna's engineers developed cloth material for use as mitters in the tunnel carwash.

The first cloth used for washing was one-sided (it had a face side) and lasted no more than 30,000 washes. Despite limited durability, the cloth did improve cleanability and eliminated the surface damage sometimes caused by traditional fiber brushes. Because of the dominance of Hanna's original equipment market penetration, acceptance of cloth in place of brushes began to grow.

The 1970s and 1980s brought the inclusion of new raw materials for fiber production, and processing technology improved cloth performance in the vehicle washing industry. Better raw materials and advanced processing techniques provided the tools needed to compress the fibers, extending the life of cloth from 30,000 to well in excess of 100,000 washes.

Extended cloth life also brought challenges. Although increased density meant durability, it also meant decreased absorbency and limited surface cleaning on the vehicle. This forced manufacturers to continue searching for the perfect combination of design and chemicals to achieve acceptable cleanability. Hanna has reached a solution for all operators in creating Super KleanCloth™.

Dense wash material that results from high compression does not allow enough room for water and solution. Our fiber conversion process reduces fiber density. Engineering the fiber size and placement allows "pores" to be filled with the water and wash solutions. The cloth is engineered to absorb water and solutions. The friction caused by the movement of the cloth, reacting with the water and chemicals, releases dirt and grit, which fall to the ground. The car is washed safely, without scratching. Another benefit of lower fiber density and higher absorbency is the reduction in noise. Lower fiber density means the wash material is quieter.

Cutting requirements and equipment have changed over the years as technology has advanced. For example, the use of nylon thread has reduced breakage, furnishing longer lasting parts. Also, the addition of stiffeners in the fabrication of some side washers increases contact with the car for improved cleanability.

All Hanna Cloth is cut to exact specifications at the Hanna manufacturing plant.

Custom fabrication ensures an exact fit to your equipment's specifications. Hanna knows that curtain length for mitter assemblies must be cut at different lengths in order to reach the horizontal contours of the vehicle. We use precision-cutting presses and machines for accurate cloth sizing, whereas much of our competition cuts by hand.

Hanna invested in dye cutting machines because we recognize the importance of an excellent fit. An excellent fit is the best way to guarantee mitter performance. Our fabricating techniques optimize cloth performance. Panels and mitters are cut wider, to increase durability and cleanability. Horizontal window washer panels are attached with double cloth to stiffen each panel. This enables the cloth to cover the car's surface for a longer time, expanding cleaning time.

We have made cloth replacement simpler because of our original C-Channel design. The aluminum cores of the washers have an extruded "C" design. A polyethylene compound is pushed through a die to create the rounded form, which fits perfectly into the C-Channel. This rounded form is sewn onto the top of the Super KleanCloth™ wash panels. Cloth replacement is a snap; you just slide the panel into the aluminum C-Channel - no screws or clips to fasten. Downtime is reduced, saving the operator time and money. The idea was so good, all our competitors copied it.