Your car, motorcycle, or UTV’s exterior is a delicate thing. Paint can scratch, glass can fog or blur, and trim can easily be damaged by the wrong cleaning products. This is especially true with how you wipe down, apply wax, or clean your ride’s exterior. Most folks don’t think twice about the towel they use, but they should. Using the wrong one can leave behind a damaged finish. Not so with microfiber cloths. These brilliant little cleaning products gently wipe away dirt, debris, and water and leave a sparkling finish. And now, thanks to your friends atThe Autance, we’ve put together a list of the best on the market. Check it out below.
Our Methodology
We’ve used hundreds of different microfiber towels over the course of our automotive lives. From cheap as heck Amazon products to luxurious offerings from Meguiar’s and Chemical Guys. We’ve bought towels from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Autozone, and everywhere in between. Suffice it to say, we know what we’re looking for and that’s absorption rate, size, quantity in the package, color-coding, percentage of polyamide, and types of microfiber. We put emphasis on brands we know and trust, but also threw in some that were worth the bargain-basement pricing. What we have left is what we think are some solid options for your next microfiber towel buy.
Best Microfiber Towels for Cars Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Our Verdict
For the best of the best (and a few extra towels), we recommend checking out the Meguiar’s X2000 Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel (3 Pack). Another great microfiber towel option is the SINLAND 720gsm Ultra Thick Plush Microfiber Car Cleaning Towels.
Microfiber Cloth/Towel Buying Guide
As with everything, more information is better than less, so here’s everything you need to know about microfiber towels.
Types of Microfiber Towels for Cars
Waffle Texture
Many microfiber towels feature a waffle texture with small depressions on the cloth. They are very absorbent because they have higher surface areas and are great to use after you've washed your vehicle. You can also use waffle microfiber towels to clean areas such as the tires and chrome.
Suede Texture
Towels with a suede microfiber texture are ideal when you're polishing your car, truck, or SUV. They have a smooth and satiny feeling to them and are perfect for polishing metal and chrome items on your vehicle. Ultimately, it's a personal preference when it comes to waffle or suede-style microfiber towels.
Medium and Long Pile
If you want to remove wax, look for a medium pile microfiber towel. They can also be used to remove water and are best for basic cleaning. They're not designed for delicate surface areas. Long pile towels are the softest and are ideal for buffing. They are very absorbent and will shine up a finish without scratching it.
Key Features
Thickness
Generally, thicker microfiber towels are better for car detailing. They absorb more wax and polish and are less likely to leave streaks behind. Some towels are measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Lighter towels have a lower gsm and tend to be the least expensive. Those with around 200 gsm are fine for towel drying a vehicle.
Size
You can find microfiber car towels in a variety of sizes, but the best ones for detailing are between 12 by 12 inches to 16 by 27 inches (or the size of a hand towel). Smaller, more lightweight towels are best for cleaning a vehicle's interior as well as its mirrors and windows. Use larger towels for the exterior surface.
Material
Most microfiber towels are 80 percent polyester and 20 percent polyamide, so they are soft and absorbent. Those with a higher level of polyamide are more absorbent, while those with more polyester are more likely to leave lint behind. Most brands are very careful about the composition and the ability of the towels to remove dirt and debris.
Top Brands
Meguiar’s
Meguiar's, based in Irvine, Calif., is well known in the industry due to its over 100-year commitment to automotive excellence. It designs products for every automotive surface, including paint, wheels, tires, and interiors. We recommend the Meguiar’s X2000 Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel (3 Pack).
Chemical Guys
California-based Chemical Guys is a popular supplier of automotive detailing supplies. The company manufactures high-quality waxes, coatings, polishes, and sealants as well as this Chemical Guys Woolly Mammoth Microfiber Dryer Towel.
Detailer’s Preference
Detailer's Preference, based in Simi Valley, Calif., produces a wide variety of detailing products, such as sheepskin mitts, buckets, and microfiber towels like Detailer's Preference Premium Thick Super Absorbent Wash and Detail Microfiber Towels.
Microfiber Towels for Cars Pricing
Generally speaking, the price of microfiber towels is based on the number of towels included in the set. The more towels you get, the more money you will spend, but you can pick up a set of microfiber towels for under $15. There are a few more expensive versions, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.
Benefits of Microfiber Towels for Cars
- They're reusable and durable. Microfiber towels have the ability to retain a lot of water, but that doesn't affect their construction. You can use them over and over again, which can save you money. Many automotive enthusiasts use microfiber towels when detailing their vehicles because they are long-lasting and can be washed numerous times. They're ideal for painted and glass surfaces.
- They won't harm your vehicle's surface. The best microfiber towels are designed to be streak- and spot-free. Rougher materials may scratch your vehicle's paint and leave lint behind
Tips and Other Considerations
- Quantity: If you detail your vehicle on a regular basis, you may want to buy a value pack with several towels included. That way, you won't run out when you're in the middle of cleaning. Some packs have three to six towels, while others may feature 12, 50, or more. You'll save more money if you buy in bulk.
- Ease of Use: The main purpose of a microfiber towel is to clean a vehicle's surface area without leaving streaks or marks behind. The towel should be easy to use and should not make your job harder. The best microfiber towels quickly and easily absorb water and are easy to wring out.
- Color: Professional car detailers are sticklers when it comes to organizing their cleaning supplies. The benefit of color-coding your microfiber towels is that you won't accidentally transfer one product onto the wrong towel. Microfiber towels are available in a variety of different shades, depending on your personal preference.
- Quality: A high-quality microfiber towel will resist tearing or ripping after a few uses.
- Material: Each towel manufacturer uses slightly different materials for their microfiber cloth surfaces, so test a few out before buying one to get a sense of how each one performs.
FAQ
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Why can't I use a regular towel to clean my vehicle?
Do you like your car’s paint all pristine and shiny like?
Q: Yeah.
There’s your answer. Normal towels are too hard to use on delicate body panels. Using a microfiber towel, on the other hand, won't scratch the surface because the material is soft.
Q: How absorbent should a microfiber towel be?
There is no specific amount, but the towel should avoid just pushing the water around as you clean the surface.
