Tired of going through what seems to be an endless list of extra steps just to dry your car after you’re done washing it?
If this is a recurring issue for you, then you might need to implement some changes to your car washing routine – or it might just be that you’re missing a few effective microfiber towels!
Choosing the right microfiber towel for auto detailing can make all of this simpler and more efficient, just the way it should be. They can also take away the need for that extra elbow grease to get the perfect shine – and who says no to that?
Despite the fact that they don’t seem to be the most complicated of products, there are a lot of things to know about microfiber towels and keep in mind to help you choose the right one when shopping around.
In this article, we’re going to cover the ins and outs of these scientific marvels and why they are an essential purchase for car owners. We’ll also cover the different types of microfiber towels available, what you should be looking for when comparing the options, and also review a selection of the best of the best microfiber towels on the market today.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Microfiber Towel
- Chemical Guys Professional-Grade Premium Microfiber Towel
- These pro-grade cloths are dual-purpose, with one side for cleaning and one for buffing.
- Zwipes 735 Microfiber Towel Cleaning Cloths
- Incredibly soft and can withstand up to 500 washes.
- Meguiar’s X2020 Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels
- Provide streak-free cleaning and great bang for your buck.
- Chemical Guys Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying Towel
- An extra-large towel with a waffle weave that traps dirt and absorbs liquids better than other designs.
- Kirkland Signature Ultra High Pile Premium Microfiber Towels
- A solid option if you’re a bulk buyer looking for a high-quality microfiber towel.
- SimpleHouseware Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- These high-pile towels are designed for tough cleaning jobs on household surfaces and stainless steel appliances but work equally well on cars.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Best Microfiber Towels – A More Detailed Look at Our Top Recommendations
High-quality microfiber towels are ideal for cleaning your car, and a far more economical and effective choice than sponges or paper towels. We’ll now go through our reviews of what we believe to be some of the best microfiber cleaning towels for cars to help you decide which will best fit your needs.
Chemical Guys Professional Microfiber Towels
These professional-grade towels from Chemical Guys are great because they serve a dual purpose. One side has a short pile which is best used for buffing away unwanted products like wax, while the high pile on the other side is great for achieving a streak-free finish.
There are no hard nylon, reinforced edges with this product. Instead, it comes with silky smooth edges that help prevent scratching while cleaning your car.
These microfiber car towels are made of 70 percent polyester and 30 percent nylon. They come in three different sizes for you to choose from depending on your needs, as well as various quantities: you can choose to buy just one cleaning towel, or packs of 3, 6 or 12.
To clean them, use Chemical Guys microfiber wash in hot water without fabric softener.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dual-weave design.
- Silk edging.
- Bright yellow color.
- Extremely soft.
- 70/30 blend.
- Three sizes.
What We Like
- Dual purpose, to make buffing and cleaning a one-time job.
- Bright golden color clearly shows dirt.
- Soft edges prevent scratching.
- Different towel sizes available.
- Sold individually or in multi-packs.
What We Don’t Like
- Might have a tendency to shed after several uses.
- The label on the towel can scratch surfaces if not removed.
Summary
If you’re looking for something to remove all the impurities from your car’s interior and exterior, these towels are great. Because they’re dual-sided and each side serves its own purpose, you won’t need to worry about buying more than one type of towel.
Their silk-lined edges also give a nice quality finish, reassuring you that you won’t need to worry about marks that most other types of cloths tend to leave behind.
Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
These cloths by Zwipes are a good choice if you’re worried about abrasive cloths damaging your shiny paintwork. They’re plush and incredibly soft, so they’re not likely to leave behind any marks.
Zwipes microfiber cloths are able to hold eight times their weight in water while still maintaining the quick-drying quality that microfiber towels are known for.
These cleaning cloths are available in packs of 12, 24, 36, or 48, and there are three different colors in each pack, allowing you to color-code each for a specific use (one for car cleaning, one for household cleaning, one for glass cleaning, etc.).
Lots of microfiber towels on the market today tend to fray and lose their appeal after only a few washes, so they aren’t exactly durable. The great thing about these, though, is that they can withstand up to 500 washes, which is ideal for any of you frugal Freddies out there!
Manufacturer Specs
- Plush and super-soft.
- Different colors in the pack.
- 110,000 fibers per square inch.
- Lint-free and streak-free cleaning.
- Absorbs eight times its weight in water.
- Safe for machine washing.
- Size: 12 inches x 16 inches.
- Ships in frustration-free packaging.
What We Like
- The package comes with multiple cloths in various colors.
- Streak-free cleaning.
- Long-lasting.
- Softer than most microfiber towels.
- Multiple uses for the car and home.
What We Don’t Like
- Need to be washed before first use to reduce fine fibers that they leave behind.
- Cloths are thinner than many other brands.
Summary
A super option if you’re looking for something to make cleaning as easy as possible. Plus, if you’re a worry wart and the idea of streaks and scratches terrifies you, then one use of these will put your mind at ease.
The fact that these towels come in three colors is also useful for color-coding cleaning tasks.
Their promise of prolonged use even after several washes make these an excellent option for anyone looking for extra durability, especially if you want the biggest bang for your buck.
Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Drying Towels
For those of you who want quick results and don’t like the thought of spending a whole morning washing and drying your car, these towels from Meguiar’s are a good choice.
They absorb two times more than regular terrycloth towels, which speeds up dry time significantly. These towels are also nice and plush, making them a great choice for a streak-free clean. You can confidently use them for your windows or other delicate surfaces you’re particularly worrisome about damaging – they almost guarantee a great result.
Meguiar’s Supreme Shine towels work well in removing compounds, polishes, waxes, and spray detailers (if you’re into car detailing at all).
This feature makes them very good all-around, multi-purpose cloths. They can be used to clean your car, buff out wax, polish, and any other compounds you’ve used on your car – whether that was on the inside or outside of your vehicle.
They are reusable and come in a pack of three large towels, and they’re also safe for the washing machine.
Manufacturer Specs
- Leaves a swirl-free, mirror-like finish on your surfaces.
- Non-scratch edging.
- Quickly remove polish and wax from car paint.
- 3-pack
- Size: 24 inches x 16 inches.
- 300 GSM.
What We Like
- Plush texture.
- Ability to be used on car’s exterior and interior.
- Good for polishing off cleaning compounds.
- Streak and swirl-free.
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes, it leaves lint for the first few uses.
- Might not be as long-lasting as some of the competition.
- Might fray easily.
Summary
For those of you who are all about fast results when polishing and cleaning, these may be just the right towels for you. They’re great for quickly finishing off the task you have at hand, and leaving your surfaces with a super shiny finish.
We specifically admire the fact that these towels are strong enough to give a good clean, yet delicate enough to use on both the exterior and interior of your vehicle without causing any damage.
Royal Reusable Microfiber Cloths
Aren’t sure about using the same cloth for cleaning your tires and your window at the same time? Then these may be a good choice for you to consider. Each pack comes with three different colors, so you can use specific colors for different purposes.
Royal microfiber cloths are unique in that they’re made with a 90 percent polyester and 10 percent nylon blend. This special blend makes the cloths soft enough even for a baby’s delicate skin, so you won’t need to worry about any streaks or scratches on your car while using them.
As the name suggests, these cloths are reusable and washable. They are also available in packs of 24 or 48, which is excellent if you’re looking to stock up.
Manufacturer Specs
- 24 or 48 packs.
- Packs come with 3 colors: white, yellow, and blue.
- High absorption.
- Size: 12 inches by 16 inches.
- 250 GSM.
What We Like
- Absorbs 10 times its weight.
- Can use different colors for different uses.
- Larger size makes them suitable for vehicles of most (if not all) shapes and sizes.
- Soft enough to use on the most delicate tasks.
What We Don’t Like
- Much thinner than many others.
- Only available in bulk packs.
Summary
All in all, these are great for anyone who likes to stay organized. If you want to use particular cloths for certain jobs, the fact that these come in three different colors will make your life much easier. They’re also versatile and have lots of uses around the home, not just for the car.
Chemical Guys Waffle Weave Towel
This product by Chemical Guys has patented waffle grooves to help trap dirt much more efficiently than other towels. This makes it a perfect option for even some of the more advanced tasks out there, such as getting a car show-ready.
It’s also a quick-drying towel, and the company boasts streak-free cleaning.
While normal microfiber towels use shorter strands, waffle weave varieties are unique in that they use square grooves to trap dirt and absorb liquids.
To simplify things, Chemical Guys compare the waffle weave to the difference between eating pancakes or waffles. With pancakes, the syrup rolls right off the pancake. With waffles, on the other hand, the syrup burrows into the grooves. So, that’s how the waffle weave technique got its name!
This towel also has the same silk edges as the professional-grade towels by Chemical Guys above, so you won’t need to worry much about fraying.
It’s also machine washable and can be used over and over for a long period of time, as long as it is properly cared for, of course.
This towel is larger than some of the others that earned a spot on this list, with dimensions of 36 inches by 25 inches. This bigger size makes it great for owners of large vehicles such as SUVs and minivans, though.
Manufacturer Specs
- Waffle groove design.
- Silk edging.
- Size: 36 inches by 25 inches.
- 70/30 blend.
- Machine washable.
What We Like
- Waffle grooves wick up water easily.
- Silk edges to ensure long-lasting use.
- Larger cloth to cover more surface area.
What We Don’t Like
- Single product pack isn’t economical for everyone.
- Not as plush as some other products
Summary
One of the best microfiber cloths out there for anybody looking for a quick drying time. Because of its unique waffle design, water and dirt will get wicked up quickly in just one or two swipes.
Like the other products by Chemical Guys on our list, it also has quality silk edges that will ensure they won’t fray, which is a major bonus.
Some people might find this towel a bit less absorbent than others, though, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a super-plush item.
Kirkland Signature Microfiber Towels
If you’re a bulk buyer, consider giving these a look. These Kirkland Signature ultra-plush towels come in a pack of 36 and are machine washable, so you won’t need to worry about repurchasing on a regular basis.
These towels also boast being ultra-plush and of premium-grade microfiber quality.
They’re made of high-pile microfibers so are good to use on just about any surface, as they won’t leave any scuffs or scratches on your pride and joy. Their high density means they’re also great for absorbing virtually any liquid, including oils.
Because of their high pile, they’re easy to use. You don’t need to use any special soaps or cleaners, as these can get the job done with just a little water.
They are made of an 80 percent polyester and 20 percent polyamide blend, and are 16 inches square.
Manufacturer Specs
- 36-pack.
- High pile fiber.
- 80/20 blend.
- Machine-washable.
- Size: 16 inches square.
What We Like
- Multiple products in the pack.
- Good weight and density.
- Dual-sided pile is good for different purposes.
- Absorbs most (if not all) liquids, including oils.
What We Don’t Like
- Color might bleed on washing.
- Might become discolored after a few washes.
Summary
If you’re a bulk buyer looking for a quality microfiber towel, then these ultra plush towels could be the right option for you. They’re certainly a crowd favorite for many!
We specifically like these because they can absorb so much. Just be sure not to wash them with your favorite shirts – that’s not going to end very well!
SimpleHouseware Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
This is another outstanding option for all you bulk buyers out there. They come in packs of 20, 50, or even a whopping 150 (!) if you need a whole bunch of them. Each pack comes with four different colors, allowing you to color code car cleaning tasks.
The SimpleHouseware cloths measure in at 12 inches by 16 inches, and can hold up to eight times their own weight in water. Each cloth is ultra soft and non-abrasive, so they’re strong enough to get the job done but delicate enough not to leave any unwanted scratches.
The cloths come in an 85 percent polyester and 15 percent nylon microfiber blend. They are washable and reusable, but ensure you wash them before the first use to make sure no fabric rubs off onto your car.
Manufacturer Specs
- Available in packs of 20, 50, or 150.
- Blend of 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon.
- Size: 12 inches by 16 inches.
- Green, yellow, blue, and orange.
- 250 GSM.
What We Like
- Available in smaller and large bulk packs.
- Different colors can be used to color code various cleaning tasks.
- Non-abrasive.
- Budget-friendly and affordable.
- Great for use in the household as well, not just for cars.
What We Don’t Like
- Not as highly absorbent as some other products.
- Very thin material.
Summary
All in all, these are ideal if you want to be sure to have plenty of cloths on your shelf.
These are also practical because the colors they come in are perfect for designating specific ones to particular purposes. This is a lifesaver for any super-organized folks out there who like to keep everything for its own purpose.
Why Microfiber Towels Are Essential for Car Owners
There’s no question that a microfiber detailer towel is a great item for general cleaning and drying purposes, but how does that apply to your car upkeep?
Well, if you plan on maintaining and regularly cleaning your own car to a high standard, or even if you’re looking for something a bit more advanced than that (perhaps you take your ride to car shows?), then these should definitely be one of the priority automotive items for you to have on hand.
Microfiber towels for car detailing can be used on a variety of surfaces, and because they dry rapidly, they’re very versatile. You can quickly finish washing and drying the body of your car and then move right on to drying its windows and interior.
In short, these towels are the go-to choice among many body shops and car showrooms, because of everything mentioned above – as well as how effective they are in achieving a swirl and providing a streak-free clean when used as polishing cloths.
Also remember that because they pick up water and dirt so easily, they make the task of washing and drying cars so much quicker. Time is of the essence! It’s also good to know that it’s much easier to wash microfiber cloths than cotton towels or standard bath towels (just don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets!).
What to Look for in Microfiber Towels for Cars (And What to Avoid)
While most microfiber cloths for auto detailing are essentially designed the same way, the size and density of their fibers isn’t always the same. This may not seem like a huge deal, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind when choosing between different microfiber towels.
Thicker, more dense fibers will translate to heavier and softer towels. Thinner, lighter fibers make for flimsier ones. Both types can be very beneficial, with either type being superior depending on the task at hand, so it pays to know which one to choose and when to choose it. This will usually depend on what type of surface you’re looking to clean.
In some cases, these cloths are rated by GSM, or grams per square meter. Usually, the higher the GSM rating, the better the cloth will be for delicate surfaces such as windows, mirrors, or a car’s paint. If you’re looking to clean the plastic areas of your car or other areas that aren’t easily prone to scratching, a cloth with a lower GSM count will work best in these cases.
When shopping around, be on the lookout for fibers woven in a looped weave, as these are generally of a much higher quality. When a cloth has a looped weave, this makes it much easier for it to grab at impurities, which makes for optimal cleaning performance.
If you aren’t sure whether or not a towel has a looped weave, there’s a small test you can do yourself to find out. Grab the microfiber towel and run the fabric across your skin – if it grabs at it a little, then it has a looped weave.
A high-quality towel will also absorb water very well. If the towel you buy just pushes water around while you’re using it, then it’s more than likely made of poor-quality material.
How to Use a Microfiber Towel
Always keep in mind that, although they are quick-drying, you don’t always need to soak them in soap and water before use. These towels can be used dry or slightly damp (use cold or warm water), and should still get the job done efficiently.
If you’re trying to dust off a surface because it’s got dirt or other debris on it, you can simply use the towel to wipe the surface down. For other, more intensive cleaning, spray water on the surface you’d like to clean and then use your towel.
Nobody wants to deal with streaks and scuffs while cleaning glass, mirrors and windows, right? Because of their streak-free properties, a simple wipe with a wet towel should be enough to help give your windshield and mirrors that perfect gleam we all seek. Washing microfiber towels after each use will also help in this regard.
Taking Care of Your Microfiber Towels
Washing microfiber cloths after each use is vitally important. If you don’t do this, dirt and other build-up will decrease the efficiency and life span of the product.
First things first, make sure whatever towels you get to use for your car have been labeled by the manufacturer as machine-wash friendly. You can pop them right into the washing machine, but be sure to wash them separately and only use liquid detergent, not powder.
You should never use bleach or fabric conditioners as this will corrupt the fibers and loosen them to the point where they won’t be as effective anymore. Vinegar should also be avoided, as it also tends to degrade the fibers. Also, never wash microfiber towels with hot water because this will shrink the fibers. Instead, wash them on a standard cycle, using warm water.
Dry them only on your dryer’s low-heat setting – or without heat at all. Using heat will cause the fibers to melt and also cause the fabric to deteriorate. Alternatively, of course, you can air dry them.
Conclusion
So, clearly there’s a lot more to microfiber towels than one would think at first!
With that being said, we’ve gone through the main stuff you should know about, and now you have a comprehensive guide to finding the best microfiber cloth on the market for all your car cleaning needs.
Our favorites are the Chemical Guys professional-grade microfiber towels. We like these the most because of their long-lasting use and completely streak-free promise (something many car owners who use these swear by as well). Their silk-banded edges do a great job at ensuring the cloth won’t do any unsuspecting damage to your vehicle during cleaning.
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