When buying a chamois wringer, it is important to select one that will dry the chamois effectively but not aggressively. Manufacturers advise gentle wringing before using and after cleaning a chamois, as excessive wringing could cause tears and reduce the durability of the chamois. To ensure a well-regulated pressure, look for a wringer that has a balanced tension adjustment feature and tempered steel springs. These regulate the force and movement of the wringer, making the drying operation more effective.
To maintain a quality chamois, look for a wringer made of durable, smooth, and rust-resistant materials. Two recommended metals are stainless steel and zinc-coated steel. These are rust-proof, easy to use and safe to store. If part of the wringer is made of wood, the wood should be rot-resistant and minimally expansive, if at all. One safe and durable option is maple wood.
In addition to buying a wringer with quality materials, it is important to find one that is easy to operate. To ensure a smooth, non-abrasive drying operation, it is best to buy a chamois wringer that turns smoothly. Because the best quality wringers tend to be heavy, a wall-mounted wringer may be difficult to install and may not collect excess water. By contrast, a high-quality wringer that is designed to be mounted on a bucket is easy to relocate and creates less mess.
Chamois is typically made with natural oils which protect the moisture content and pliability of the chamois. Since chamois is naturally moist, it is unwise to over-dry it; doing so may cause stiffness and cracking. To avoid this, look for a chamois wringer that is effective on first use. Even if the chamois is more than slightly damp after the first turn, a second turn through a chamois wringer may cause tearing. If the wringer becomes less effective over time, having its springs and tension adjustment feature tightened may return it to the proper working condition.
When cleaning a chamois, manufacturers recommend using either regular bar soap or non-alkali soap in lukewarm water. After soaping and rinsing, the chamois should be gently squeezed by hand. This process should be repeated twice. The chamois may then be run through a wringer, or stretched by hand and hung to dry away from intense heat and light.
Chamois material is commonly used to clean cars. Therefore, consulting a car mechanic or car washer about chamois wringers may help narrow down good choices. Additionally, companies that sell car accessories are more likely to sell effective chamois wringers than the average all-purpose store.