WHICH MICROFIBER IS BEST FOR CARS

Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools for your car detailing. The right microfiber can make a huge difference in both the quality of results and the protection of your vehicle’s surfaces.

But not all microfibers are created equal and there isn’t a magic towel for all your detailing needs. In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes microfiber so effective, what differentiates one microfiber from another, and how to choose the right microfiber towel for each specific car care task.

 

How Does Microfiber Work?

Microfiber is a game-changer in the world of textiles. It has synthetic fibers that are incredibly small, measuring about hundredth of the diameter of a human hair. It also has a unique structure made from a blend of polyester (PE) and polyamide (PA - a type of nylon), which creates fibers that are both positively and negatively charged. This means microfibers can attract and hold onto dirt, dust, and other debris much more effectively than other materials.

When you wipe your car with a microfiber towel, these tiny fibers lift dirt off the surface, trapping them in the cloth until it’s washed. Unlike traditional cotton towels, which simply smear dirt and cause scratches, microfiber towels are designed to absorb and hold more water and debris. This makes them ideal for maintaining a swirl-free and scratch-free finish on your car’s paint, chrome, and glass.

 

What Differentiates One Microfiber from Another?

While many microfibers share the same basic structure, three key factors differentiate one microfiber from another. Understanding these differences helps ensure you select the right towel for each car detailing task.

1. Weight (GSM)

GSM, or Grams per Square Meter, is a measure of the towel’s density. A higher GSM indicates a thicker, plusher towel, which typically absorbs more water and is softer on surfaces. Lower GSM towels are thinner and are often better suited for tasks like cleaning windows or light dusting. If the manufacturer does not provide the GSM for the microfiber you can calculate an approximate value by using the formula below 

• 12 by 12-inch towel: GSM = Weight of one towel (in grams) * 12
• 16 by 16-inch towel: GSM = Weight of one towel (in grams) * 6
• 16 by 24-inch towel: GSM = Weight of one towel (in grams) * 4

For example, our Microfiber 600 Apply and Buff towel is 16 by 16-inch and weighs 124 g, that means that you are getting a minimum of 744 GSM towel!

2. Weave Type (sometimes called pile)

The way a microfiber towel is woven plays a major role in how it performs during various car care tasks. While there are many different types available, here are the ones you might come across most often.

• Terry: This is the most common and versatile weave type - The fibers are open ended and are bundled in small groups. It’s soft, absorbent, and good for removing wax or polish from surfaces.
• Coral Fleece: Coral fleece is a soft luxurious, thick and lint-free pile. It has a weave with a longer knap that is cut and has a higher pile than an all-purpose terry weave cloth. These provide cushion so that the fibers make less overall contact with the paint surface. These are great for application of dressing, polishes, and wax as well as buffing products.
• Waffle: As the name suggests, these towels have no weave but areas of low and high spots cross hatched together. The pattern reduces friction with the surface and pick up water from a wide surface area. This makes these towels great for drying without leaving any streaks.
• Chenile: Chenille microfiber is characterized by thick bundles of microfiber which stick through a thin base layer of fabric. The long cylindrical bundles have a high surface area, and are spaced to allow them to easily move which makes it well suited to work wet, and is often used to make car wash mitts, sponges and pads.
• Mesh: This microfiber has a web like structure which allows it to agitate Mesh microfiber material is great for scrubbing upholstery and leather cleaning and removing dead bug residue from exterior surfaces.
• Suede: This microfiber has a very low pile and feels smooth and soft. It is highly efficient for wiping away smudges and finger prints and for this reason is used often on console screens.

Each weave type has its strengths, and knowing when to use each one can help maximize your results.

3. Material Composition

Microfiber towels are typically made from a blend of polyester (PE) and polyamide (PA). The most common blends are 80% polyester / 20% polyamide or 70% polyester / 30% polyamide. Towels with a higher percentage of polyamide are softer and more absorbent, while those with more polyester tend to be more durable but slightly less soft. For most car care tasks, a 80:20 or 70:30 blend works just fine.

Understanding this balance helps you choose the right towel based on whether you need something more durable for heavier cleaning or something softer for delicate surfaces.

 

Which Microfiber to Use for Each Car Care Need?

Now that you understand the factors that differentiate microfiber towels, let’s break down which type of microfiber you should use for each specific car care task. Choosing the right GSM, weave type, and material composition ensures your microfiber towel delivers the best results while protecting your car’s surfaces. 

Must have list of Microfibers

While you could always add more microfibers to your collection, the below is a must have list if you detail your car yourself.  

1. Washing Towels

For washing, you need a towel that can safely lift dirt from the car’s surface without scratching it. A thicker, plush towel works best here.

• Recommended GSM: 400-600 GSM
• Weave Type: Chenile
• Material Composition: 80:20 or 70:30 of Polyester:Polyamide

These towels are designed to trap dirt in their fibers, keeping it away from your car’s paint while you wash. The mid-to-high GSM provides just the right thickness for a safe and effective wash.

2. Applying and Buffing

These towels are used for applying or removing waxes, sealants, and polishes. These towels should be soft and absorbent, ensuring they leave no streaks or lint behind.

• Recommended GSM: 500-800 GSM
• Weave Type: Coral Fleece
• Material Composition: 80:20 or 70:30 of Polyester:Polyamide

The coral fleece weave, combined with a high-range GSM, offers the perfect combination of softness and absorbency, making it ideal for achieving a smooth, polished finish.

3. Drying Towels

Drying towels must be highly absorbent to remove water from the car’s surface without leaving streaks or water spots. They should be plush to prevent scratching.

• Recommended GSM: 1000-1500 GSM
• Weave Type: Twist Loop Weave
• Material Composition: 80:20 or 70:30 of Polyester:Polyamide
• Additional consideration: When possible choose a bigger size to dry your car with one towel 

The high GSM and twist loop weave allow these towels to soak up large amounts of water quickly and efficiently, making them perfect for drying your car without leaving any spots behind.

4. Glass Cleaning Towels

Glass cleaning requires a towel that leaves no lint or streaks, ensuring a crystal-clear finish.

• Recommended GSM: 200-300 GSM
• Weave Type: Waffle Weave
• Material Composition: 80:20 or 70:30 of Polyester:Polyamide

A lower GSM ensures better control over the cleaning process, and the waffle weave helps minimize streaking while effectively removing water and cleaning solution from glass surfaces.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microfiber towel for each car care task ensures that your vehicle remains in pristine condition. By understanding the differences in GSM, weave type, and material composition, you can match each towel to the job at hand. Color coding a great way to keep your towels separated for each task.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microfiber Towels for Car Detailing

1. What is the best fabric for car detailing?

Microfiber is hands-down the best fabric for car detailing. Unlike traditional materials, microfiber's synthetic fibers are incredibly fine - about 1/100th the diameter of human hair - and have a unique polyester and polyamide blend that creates both positively and negatively charged fibers. This allows them to attract and trap dirt, dust, and debris rather than just pushing it around. Cotton and other natural fibers simply can't match microfiber's ability to lift contaminants safely while being gentle on your car's surfaces.

2. Should you use microfiber towels on a car?

Absolutely! Microfiber towels are specifically designed for automotive use and are the safest option for your car's paint, glass, and interior surfaces. Their unique fiber structure lifts dirt away from surfaces instead of dragging it across the paint, which dramatically reduces the risk of scratches and swirl marks. Professional detailers worldwide rely on microfiber towels because they're effective, safe, and versatile enough for every detailing task.

3. Are terry cloth towels safe for car paint?

Terry cloth towels are not recommended for car paint. While they're fine for household use, terry cloth fibers are much thicker and coarser than microfiber, making them more likely to cause scratches and swirl marks on your car's delicate paint surface. Terry cloth also doesn't have the dirt-trapping capabilities of microfiber, so it tends to push contaminants around rather than lifting them away. Stick with microfiber terry weave towels instead - they give you the absorbency you want with the safety your paint needs.

4. What's the difference between microfiber and cotton towels for cars?

The differences are significant. Cotton towels absorb moisture but don't effectively trap dirt particles, leading to potential scratching as you drag debris across your paint. Cotton fibers are also much thicker than microfiber, creating more friction against delicate surfaces. Microfiber, on the other hand, has split fibers that create millions of tiny hooks that grab and hold dirt, dust, and moisture. Cotton towels also tend to leave lint behind, while quality microfiber towels are lint-free. For car care, microfiber wins in every category: safety, effectiveness, and results.

5. What GSM microfiber towel is best for car washing?

For car washing, look for microfiber towels in the 400-600 GSM range with a chenille weave. This weight provides the perfect balance of thickness and flexibility - plush enough to safely trap dirt in the fibers, but not so thick that you lose control or feel. Towels in this range have enough "cushion" to protect your paint while still allowing you to feel what you're doing. Anything under 300 GSM might be too thin for washing, while towels over 700 GSM can become unwieldy when wet and may not rinse as easily.

6. What's the difference between 70/30 and 80/20 microfiber blend?

Both blends refer to the ratio of polyester to polyamide (nylon) in the microfiber. The 70/30 blend (70% polyester, 30% polyamide) is slightly softer and more absorbent because polyamide fibers are naturally more absorbent and pliable. The 80/20 blend (80% polyester, 20% polyamide) is a bit more durable and maintains its structure longer with repeated use. For most car detailing tasks, both blends work excellently - the difference is subtle. Choose 70/30 if you prioritize maximum softness and absorbency, or 80/20 if you want slightly better durability.

7. What size microfiber towel should I use for car detailing?

The ideal size depends on your specific task. For versatile detailing work, 16x16 inches is the sweet spot - large enough to cover good surface area but manageable to handle and fold. Our Microfiber 600 Apply and Buff towel comes in this perfect 16x16 size and weighs 124 grams, giving you a minimum of 744 GSM. For larger drying tasks, 16x24 or 20x40 inches with twist loop weave work well. Smaller 12x12 inch towels are great for detailed work in tight spaces. Having a mix of sizes gives you flexibility, but if you're starting with just one size, go with 16x16 inches.

8. Can you use the same microfiber towel for washing and drying?

You shouldn't use the same towel for both tasks, and here's why: washing towels pick up dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants that can scratch your paint during drying, even after rinsing. Additionally, the ideal towel specifications are different - washing towels work best at 400-600 GSM with chenille weave, while drying towels perform better at 500-1000 GSM with twist loop weave for maximum water absorption. Keep separate towels for each task to maintain the best results and protect your paint.

9. How many microfiber towels do you need to detail a car?

For a complete detail, plan on 6-8 microfiber towels minimum: 2-3 washing towels (so you can rotate clean ones as needed), 1-2 drying towels, 2-3 application/buffing towels for products like wax or polish, and 1-2 glass cleaning towels. Having extras allows you to use fresh towels when one gets too dirty, and it's always better to have too many clean towels than to compromise your results by reusing a contaminated one. Professional detailers often use 10-15 towels for a single car to maintain the highest quality standards.

10. What color microfiber towels should I use for different car parts?

Color-coding is a smart system that prevents cross-contamination. A popular approach is: blue or gray for washing and general paint work, yellow or green for glass cleaning, red for wheels and tires (the dirtiest areas), white or light colors for interior work, and darker colors for engine bays or very dirty areas. The key is consistency - once you assign a color to a task, stick with it. This prevents accidentally using a towel that cleaned your wheels on your paint, which could cause serious damage.

11. How do you properly wash microfiber towels for cars?

Wash microfiber towels separately from other laundry in warm (not hot) water using a small amount of mild detergent - about half what you'd normally use. Never use fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets as these coat the fibers and destroy their cleaning ability. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue. For heavily soiled towels, pre-rinse them with cool water before washing. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle occasionally to help break down any product buildup and restore the towels' effectiveness.

12. Can you put microfiber towels in the dryer?

Yes, but use low or no heat settings. High heat can melt the synthetic fibers and ruin your towels. The best approach is to air dry them when possible, but if you need to use the dryer, use the lowest heat setting or air-dry cycle. Never use dryer sheets or fabric softener sheets, as these leave a coating that reduces the towels' effectiveness. If your towels come out stiff, it usually means there's detergent residue - give them an extra rinse cycle next time.

13. How often should you replace car microfiber towels?

Quality microfiber towels can last 100-200 wash cycles or more when properly cared for. You'll know it's time to replace them when they stop picking up dirt effectively, become permanently stained, start to smell even after washing, or develop rough spots that could scratch. Towels used for harsh tasks like wheel cleaning may need replacement sooner, while those used for lighter duties like final buffing can last much longer. With proper care, a good set of microfiber towels can serve you for years.

14. Can you use fabric softener on microfiber car towels?

Never use fabric softener on microfiber towels! Fabric softener coats the fibers with a waxy residue that completely destroys their ability to attract and trap dirt and moisture. This coating also makes the towels less absorbent and can even make them streak on glass surfaces. The same goes for dryer sheets - they have the same negative effect. If your towels accidentally get exposed to fabric softener, wash them several times with just detergent and vinegar to try to strip the coating, though they may never fully recover their original performance.

15. What's the best microfiber towel for applying car wax?

For applying and buffing wax, look for a coral fleece weave towel with 350-450 GSM weight. The coral fleece weave has a longer, cut pile that provides cushioning and reduces direct contact with your paint surface, making it perfect for gently working in products and buffing them to a perfect finish. Our Microfiber 600 Apply and Buff towel is specifically designed for this purpose, featuring a dual-sided design with 600+ GSM coral fleece weave that's completely lint-free and safe for use on paint, leather, plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces. Its premium quality ensures it won't scratch your car while delivering professional buffing results.

16. What microfiber towel should I use for interior detailing?

For interior detailing, you want different towels for different tasks. Use a low-pile suede microfiber (200-300 GSM) for cleaning screens and delicate surfaces - it won't scratch and leaves no lint. For general interior cleaning like dashboard and door panels, a standard terry weave towel (300-400 GSM) works well. For leather, plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces, choose a soft coral fleece weave that won't damage these materials. Our Microfiber 600 Apply and Buff towel is excellent for interior work as it's specifically designed to be safe on leather, colored plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces. Having dedicated interior towels prevents transferring exterior contaminants to your car's interior surfaces.