WHICH MICROFIBER IS BEST FOR CARS

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: 350-450 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: 500-1000 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.

 

 

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