A few months back I purchased a box of Sham-wow at a local drug store and it was the same as on the infomercial, so it wasnt a knock-off.

I have to say I was suitably impressed with Sham-wow as performed pretty much as promised. The box does say machine wash, just dont make the mistake of tossing it in the dryer. I dont know what takes place in the heat of the dryer but when it comes out its just a rag. Still plenty good for a rag mind you, but not a water drinking chamois cloth.

During my stint of community service washing fire trucks (glad that is fially done!) I ran across another drying cloth that blows Sham-wow off the map. Its called "AquaDry" and it is available for measly $5 at your local Target store in the auto section. This thing wipes away water like a bloody squeege, occasionally complete with the same squeaking sound. It comes with plastic case muuch like the old "Absorber" and is designed to be stored slightly damp.
"AquaDry" is also machine washable but like Sham-wow, do not throw it in the dryer.
"AquaDry" wrings out easily and unlike Sham-wow, performs just as well after wringing as it did when it came out of the package.
I picked up mine on a 2 for $10 sale and I think its the best $10 I've spent for a car cloth ever.

Wow, I'll have to check that out. Thanks, T-bat!

The Sham-wow's I have leave all these little orange hairs on my car Not good for washing cars lol.

any microfiber towel acts exactly like a shamwow... I have also machine washed and dried my microfibers with no problems.

I am kinda mad I wasted my 20 dollars on the Shamwow

I might have to check it out as well.