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Microfibre Towels for Car Detailing – The Complete Guide

If I had to choose one thing that has revolutionised detailing in the last ten/fifteen years, I think I would have to say the introduction of microfibre towels has changed the industry significantly. We now have a much better understanding of the damage that can be caused using sponges, chamois and brushes on our paint.

The world of microfibres is a big umbrella encompassing a wide range of products. Microfibre is now used in pretty much every stage of detailing, from contact washing, drying, polishing, waxing and general cleaning duties. We will have a look at the differences between different detailing towels, and their unique applications.

What is Microfibre?

Microfibre is a synthetic material that is very thin, even thinner than silk. A typical microfibre thickness would be 1 x 10-5 metres (100 times smaller than a millimetre).

The largest component of most microfibres tends to be polyester, with a significant proportion also being polyamide.  The fineness of polyester microfibre gives it excellent absorption capabilities. They are soft enough that they are far less likely to scratch paint surfaces than more traditional materials, thus making them ideal for car detailing.

Microfibres are categorised in terms of their GSM, or grams per square metre, which is basically how densely packed the fibres are. GSM can range from 150 GSM up to 1400 GSM in the car detailing scenario. We will look at different cloths in different categories and discuss their uses.

General Purpose Microfibre Towels

General purpose cloths are typically in the range of 150 – 300 GSM. Usually less expensive, these cloths still offer excellent cleaning ability and are great for interior jobs. They can also be used for dirtier jobs such as engine bay detailing, but these cloths should be kept separate to avoid cross-contamination.

Cloths in this category can be used as throwaway towels for the levelling of ceramic coatings, as they are more cost-effective than using premium buffing towels.

General purpose microfibre cloths can often be bought in bulk for significant savings. I have been using these cloths from Exel for over two years and they are just as soft and effective after at least 50 washes as they were when new.



I use these cloths exclusively for interior use, not that they would cause any damage to paint when used properly, I just prefer to have different ones for different jobs. On a side note, these towels can also be used around the home.

Overview of General Purpose Towels

  • 150 – 300 GSM
  • Less expensive than plusher cloths
  • Ideal for interiors, engines and wheels
  • Tend to last a long time as long as cleaned after each use

Best General Purpose Microfibre Towels

The Rag Company (10 Pack Edgeless 300 16 x 16 Microfiber Terry Towel, Light Blue
1,118 Reviews
The Rag Company (10 Pack Edgeless 300 16 x 16 Microfiber Terry Towel, Light Blue
  • ☑️ Excellent All-Purpose Detailing and Cleaning Towel
  • ☑️ Quickly Removes Excess Polish, Glaze, and Sealants with Ease
  • ☑️ Premium 70/30 Blend and Edgeless Design = Totally Paint Safe

Microfibre Buffing Towels

Moving into more specialised towels, buffing towels are generally denser than general-purpose towels. They are much softer to the touch and have a plush feel.

Typical density for these cloths is between 350 – 600 GSM, but this can vary by manufacturer. These towels are useful for removing polish residue, as well as buffing wax and sealant hazing away. The softness and increased density allow for more effective residue removal, while further reducing the changed of introducing any micro-marring to the paint.

These towels are usually more expensive than general-purpose, but good quality cloths are well worth the money. They make removal of polishing oils much easier than using a low-pile cloth. I find these Korean Microfibres to make light work of any paintwork jobs.

Overview of Buffing Towels

  • 350 – 600 GSM
  • Mid range in terms of price
  • Used for buffing waxes, sealants, polish and glazes
  • Longer fibres to pick up residue from the paint

Best Microfibre Buffing Towels

The Rag Company - Eagle Edgeless 500 - Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush Microfiber Detailing Towels, 500GSM, 16in x 16in, Ice Grey (4-Pack)
852 Reviews
The Rag Company – Eagle Edgeless 500 – Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush Microfiber Detailing Towels, 500GSM, 16in x 16in, Ice Grey (4-Pack)
  • ☑️ PREMIUM EDGELESS, TAGLESS 70/30 Blend Professional Microfiber Detailing Towel With Over 600,000 Fibers Per Square Inch. Also Available in RED,…
  • ☑️ PERFECT CHOICE For All Detailing Sprays, “No Rinse” Products, Waxes, and Polishes – Your Final Buff Never Looked So Good!
  • ☑️ FINEST QUALITY 100% South Korean Super Plush AA-Grade Split Microfiber – Long Considered the Highest Quality Available

Microfibre Drying Towels

What has become an essential piece of detailing equipment, a good drying towel allows for the safe removal of water, preventing water spotting on the surface. In order to absorb as much water as possible, drying towels are the densest of microfibre media, with good towels boasting a density of 1400 GSM.

Purchasing a larger towel, for example, 50 cm x 80 cm, will allow you to dry at least one car. For more on drying cars safely, check out this helpful article.

Drying Towels Overview

  • Usually around 1400 GSM
  • Much heavier and larger in size than other cloths
  • Generally, more expensive
  • Designed to be super absorbent

Best Microfibre Drying Towel

Gyeon Q²M Silk Dryer XL 70x90 cm
487 Reviews
Gyeon Q²M Silk Dryer XL 70×90 cm
  • ADVANCED FIBERS – The Q²M Silk Dryer uses a dual-sided microfiber cloth weave. The long pointed fibers face downward and will draw up the surface…
  • SOFT AND SAFE – The specialty fibers on the Q²M Silk Dryer are extremely soft and plush for a smooth and safe drying experience. The larger rounded…
  • EXTRA LARGE SIZE – Measuring 36 inches wide by 28 inches tall the Q²M is a large and effective car towels microfiber drying. Microfiber drying towel…

Microfibre Wash Mitts

Chinelle microfibre wash mitts are an extremely affordable way to safely wash your car. In testing, it proved to be a safer and more effective cleaner than every other wash media tested (PRO Detailing Magazine, 2019).

The long noodle fibres allow dirt to be removed from the surface of the paint and pulled into the fibres, meaning they will not be scored across the paintwork. They should still be rinsed frequently when washing the car.



Chinelle wash pads are also available, they do the exact same thing except they do not fit over your hand. Which you use is an entirely personal preference, but I use a mitt as I’m less likely to drop it!

Wash Mitt Overview

  • Chinelle the most common type
  • Affordable, safe and reliable
  • Allow dirt to be lifted and stored away from cars paint

Best Microfibre Wash Mitt

Check out my best microfibre wash mitt picks here.

Gtechniq Car Cleaning Microfibre Cloth Wash Mitt with Inner Foam Core, Dirt Trapping Fibres, Comfortable Low Friction Glide Cleaning Mitt, Car Accessories for Car Detailing Kit
1,708 Reviews
Gtechniq Car Cleaning Microfibre Cloth Wash Mitt with Inner Foam Core, Dirt Trapping Fibres, Comfortable Low Friction Glide Cleaning Mitt, Car Accessories for Car Detailing Kit
  • QUICK AND EASY WAY TO WASH YOUR CAR – simply pop on the microfibre cloth mitt to efficiently wash your car without needing a separate sponge and cloth…
  • MICROFIBRE STRANDS PICK UP DIRT EFFORTLESSLY – special varied-length microfibre strands on the car polisher mitt are designed to attract and hold…
  • EASY TO CLEAN AND ECO-FRIENDLY – machine washable so you can use this resilient and effective microfibre towel wash mitt again and again for…

Microfibre Glass Cloths

For better glass cleaning results, a waffle weave glass cloth can be used. These are woven tighter than standard microfibres.

While many complain that their glass cleaner leaves streaks, often it is the cloth used that is the culprit. Dedicated glass cloths provide a streak-free finish.

Glass Cloths Overview

  • Designed to leave glass streak-free
  • Super absorbent
  • Often referred to as waffle weave

Best Microfibre Glass Cloths

The Rag Company - Standard Waffle Weave Towels, Microfiber Detailing, Window/Glass and Drying, Wax & Polish, Lint-Free, Streak-Free, 370gsm, 16in x 16in, Light Blue (3-Pack)
5,211 Reviews
The Rag Company – Standard Waffle Weave Towels, Microfiber Detailing, Window/Glass and Drying, Wax & Polish, Lint-Free, Streak-Free, 370gsm, 16in x 16in, Light Blue (3-Pack)
  • PERFECT CHOICE for Use on Windows (The Best!), Shiny Metals & Drying Small Areas Quickly and Safely, Holding Up To 8 Times Its Weight in Liquid
  • FINEST QUALITY 100% Split AA-Grade Microfiber – Long Considered the Highest Quality Available
  • EXTREMELY DURABLE: Ability to Withstand Hundreds of Washings, Getting Softer With Each Use

FAQ

Is a yellow sponge safe to use on a car?

No, these are not a suitable way to clean your car. Dirt sits on the surface of the sponge and is rubbed around the surface of the paint, causing swirling and marring. A better option is to use a wool or microfibre wash mitt.

What can I use to dry my car?

To dry a car, you should use a dedicated microfibre drying towel. These hold large amounts of water and safely glide across the paint. You should avoid using chamois leather, as any dirt picked up will be rubbed into the paint.

Is it safe to use a brush on car paint?

No, absolutely not. A brush will cause significant scratching after even one use and should be avoided. Using a microfibre wash mitt may take longer, but it will be significantly more effective, while being much safer for your paintwork.

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