Detailing Microfiber Towels
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If you’re detailing your ride and still using old T-shirts or generic rags, stop right now. The right detailing microfiber towel makes all the difference—whether you’re buffing out polish, drying after a wash, or wiping down your interior. But with so many options out there, how do you know what’s actually worth your money?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about quality microfiber towels for car detailing, from GSM to grades, care tips, and answers to the most Googled microfiber questions.
What Makes a Microfiber Towel “Good Quality”?
High-quality microfiber feels soft, dense, and plush—not stiff or cheap. Here's what to look for:
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Split microfiber (the fibers are broken to create more surface area for trapping dirt)
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Blended ratio around 70/30 or 80/20 polyester to polyamide
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No tags (or removable ones)
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Laser-cut or silk edges to avoid scratching
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Lint-free and absorbent, even after multiple washes
A cheap towel might look okay at first—but after a few washes, it’ll feel rough, lint like crazy, and risk scratching your paint.
Which GSM Microfiber Cloth Is Best for Car Detailing?
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) tells you how thick and plush the towel is:
GSM Range | Use Case |
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200–300 GSM | General cleaning, engine bays, wheels |
350–450 GSM | Polish and wax removal |
500–800 GSM | Paint-safe buffing, quick detailers |
800–1200+ GSM | High-end drying towels |
Is 90 GSM microfiber good?
Nope. 90 GSM is way too thin for car detailing. It won't hold dirt, won't absorb water, and will likely cause scratches on paint.
Are There Different Grades of Microfiber Cloths?
Yes. Microfiber towels come in different:
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Blends (70/30 is better than 90/10 for softness)
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Weaves (plush, waffle, suede, looped)
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Edge finishing (laser-cut is ideal)
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Purposes (glass, drying, buffing, etc.)
Pro tip: Color-code your towels so wheel towels never touch your paint.
Microfiber vs Cotton vs Polycotton – Which Is Better?
Microfiber beats cotton and polycotton in almost every category:
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More absorbent
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Traps dirt better
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Lint-free
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Doesn’t scratch when used properly
Cotton is fine for drying your gym gear, not your freshly polished hood.
Common Microfiber Towel Questions (Answered)
Do microfiber towels absorb water?
Yes. Good ones absorb up to 7x their weight in water. Drying towels with twisted-loop weaves are best.
Are microfiber towels good or bad?
They’re great if you get quality ones and care for them right. Bad microfiber can scratch surfaces or fall apart fast.
What setting for microfiber in the washer?
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Cold or warm water
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Delicate or low-spin setting
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No fabric softener or bleach
Can you put microfiber towels in the washing machine?
Yes. Wash them separately from other clothes or towels.
What detergent should I use for microfiber towels?
Use a dedicated microfiber detergent or a mild, liquid detergent with no softeners or scents. Harsh chemicals ruin absorption.
Can I wash microfiber towels with other clothes?
Avoid it. Lint from cotton clothes will stick to your microfiber forever.
How many times can you use a microfiber towel before washing?
Once per job is best. Don’t use a dirty towel on your paint.
Is it OK to dry a car with a microfiber towel?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s the best way to dry a car without scratching it—if the towel is clean and soft.
Do you throw away microfiber towels?
Eventually. When they get rough, lose absorbency, or won’t release dirt after washing—retire them to wheel or engine bay duty.
Microfiber Care Tips: Keep Them Working Like New
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Wash after each use (especially after polishing or waxing)
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Air dry or tumble dry on low heat only
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Store in a clean container or sealed bag
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Never use fabric softener—it clogs the fibers
How to renew microfiber towels?
Soak in a mix of white vinegar and hot water, then rewash with microfiber detergent. This strips waxes, residues, and revives softness.
How Many Microfiber Towels Do You Really Need?
If you’re doing full car detailing:
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6–8 for exterior paint
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2+ drying towels
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2 glass towels
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4–6 for interior
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4+ junk towels for wheels or engine bay
That’s 15–20 towels in your regular rotation. Trust us—you’ll use them.
Final Verdict: Are Microfiber Towels Worth It?
Absolutely. If you care about your paint, microfiber towels are the best investment you’ll make. Just make sure they’re high quality, matched to the right job, and treated with care.
Looking for the Best Microfiber Towels for Cars?
At RaceStage, we only stock microfiber towels we’d use on our own builds—no junk, no hype. Whether you’re drying, buffing, or deep-cleaning, we’ve got the right towels to keep your car looking its best.
Shop microfiber towels now → RaceStage.eu