What kind of microfiber towel is best for washing the exterior?

Want your car to shine without the scratches?

For washing your car's exterior, you need a soft, plush microfiber towel. Look for one specifically made for cars, with a GSM (grams per square meter) between 300 and 500. This will help you lift dirt without damaging the paint.

Choosing the right towel can make or break your car washing experience. Let's dive into what makes a microfiber towel perfect for your car's delicate exterior.

What towels are best for car exterior?

Are you tired of swirl marks and scratches after washing your car?

The best towels for your car's exterior are plush microfiber towels with a high GSM (300-500). These towels are super soft and absorbent, which helps lift dirt and water without scratching the paint.

Dive deeper:
When I'm detailing cars, I always reach for my collection of microfiber towels. They are my go-to for washing, drying, and polishing. I have different types for different tasks. For the initial wash, I use a thick, plush towel to soak up as much water as possible. I follow that with a waffle-weave towel¹ to dry the remaining water. The most important thing is to choose towels that are specifically designed for car care. These towels are made with split weaves², which are very gentle on the car's surface. Avoid using towels that are too rough or have stitched edges, as these can cause scratches.

Is 70 30 microfiber better than 80 20?

Do you know what those numbers on microfiber towels even mean?

The numbers refer to the blend of polyester and polyamide. A 70/30 blend (70% polyester, 30% polyamide) is often considered better because it's more absorbent and softer than an 80/20 blend.

Dive deeper:
When choosing between 70/30 and 80/20 microfiber towels, it really comes down to personal preference and the specific task. A higher polyamide content (like in the 70/30 blend) means the towel will be softer and more absorbent. I've found that the 70/30 blend is great for delicate tasks like removing wax or polishing paint. They are more effective at grabbing and holding onto dirt and grime. They also tend to be more durable and last longer. The 80/20 blend is great for general cleaning, so you should assess your needs when picking the correct one.

Which GSM microfiber cloth is best for car exterior?

Are you confused about what GSM to look for when buying microfiber towels?

For your car's exterior, a GSM between 300 and 500 is ideal. This means the towel is thick enough to be absorbent and soft enough to prevent scratches. Lower GSM towels are better for glass, while higher GSM towels are great for drying.

Dive deeper:
GSM³, or grams per square meter, is a measure of the density of the microfiber fabric. A higher GSM means the towel is thicker and more absorbent. When detailing cars, I keep a variety of GSM towels on hand. I use the lower GSM towels on the interior. High GSM towels are great for drying because they can absorb a lot of water quickly. I recommend a GSM of 300 to 500 for the exterior. Towels in this range strike the perfect balance between softness and absorbency.

What are the different types of microfiber towels?

Did you know there's more than one kind of microfiber towel?

There are several types, including general-purpose, glass cleaning, drying, and detailing towels. Each type is designed for a specific task, with different weaves and GSMs to optimize performance.

Dive deeper:
Microfiber towels are not all created equal. Each type has its own unique features that make it suitable for different tasks. General-purpose microfiber towels are great for everyday cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces and cleaning up spills. They are versatile, inexpensive, and very effective. Glass cleaning towels have a tighter weave and are designed to leave a streak-free finish. Drying towels are highly absorbent and are designed to soak up large amounts of water quickly. Detailing towels are used to polish and wax cars. They are made with ultra-soft fibers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microfiber towel can make all the difference in keeping your car's exterior clean and scratch-free. Using the right GSM, blend, and type of towel will ensure the best results.