Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maltese Microfiber different?
Maltese Microfiber products are developed through real-world firefighter testing and evaluation. Rather than adapting products designed for other industries, our goal is to create microfiber solutions specifically for firehouse operations.
Are your products only for firefighters?
No. While our products are engineered for firehouse use, they also perform exceptionally well for personal vehicles, RVs, boats, motorcycles, equipment, and household applications.
What is the Firehouse Microfiber System?
The Firehouse Microfiber System is a color-coded product system designed around specific tasks within the firehouse. Rather than using one towel for every application, each product is designed to perform a specific role.
What is the Fire Apparatus Drying Towel?
The Fire Apparatus Drying Towel is our flagship product. It was developed specifically for drying fire apparatus, ambulances, command vehicles, and support vehicles while providing excellent absorbency and paint-safe performance.
What size is the Fire Apparatus Drying Towel?
The Fire Apparatus Drying Towel measures 24” × 36” and was developed specifically for fire apparatus drying applications. The size was selected through field testing to balance absorbency, handling, and drying efficiency.
How many Fire Apparatus Drying Towels do I need?
Our current field testing has established the following starting recommendations:
• Engines and Medic Units: 4 towels
• Trucks, Aerials, and Heavy Rescue Apparatus: 5 towels
• Large Aerial Platforms or Specialty Apparatus: 5–6 towels
• Battalion or Command Vehicles: 2 towels minimum
These recommendations are based on real-world firehouse testing and are intended to provide enough drying capacity for routine apparatus washing while maintaining efficiency.
Individual department preferences, apparatus size, and washing frequency may affect the number of towels required.
Why don’t you make larger drying towels?
During product development, larger towel sizes were evaluated. Our testing showed that a 24” × 36” towel provided the best balance of absorbency, weight, maneuverability, and usability in the firehouse environment.
Can Maltese Microfiber products be machine washed?
Yes. For best results, wash microfiber products separately from cotton materials and avoid fabric softeners.
Will the colors bleed?
Some color transfer may occur during the first few wash cycles. We recommend washing new microfiber products separately during their initial washes.
Are your products tested in firehouses?
Yes. Product development includes evaluation in active firehouses and feedback from firefighters who use the products in real-world conditions.
Do you offer department pricing?
Yes. Department pricing and quantity discounts are available. Please contact us for additional information.
Can my department evaluate products?
We periodically work with fire departments to gather feedback on new and developing products. Opportunities for product evaluation may be announced as they become available.
Where can I learn more about product development?
Additional information regarding our development process can be found on our Product Development page.
Built on Tradition, Designed to Perform.