About Microfibers

There is a diverse offering of microfiber products for automotive detailing, including towels, applicators, gloves, dusters and wash mitts.  In the microfiber towels category alone, you will find dozens of different weaves, material weights, fabric blends, colors and sizes - microfiber detailing towels, microfiber waffle weave towels, and even a chamois towel. Here's how I categorize microfiber towels for my own use:

1. All Purpose - This is typically a microfiber towel with a standard split weave and an 80/20 blend of polyester and polyamide.  The towel has no specific purpose, and will be equally adept wiping paint, glass, vinyl, plastic and leather.  This towel will have a medium thickness (plushness) nap.
2. Glass & Polishing - Microfiber towels that work well for polishing and glass cleaning seem to have the same basic characteristics.  First, a glass cleaning cloth should be 100% lint free.  In most cases, this means the weave is going to have a shorter nap than a general purpose towel.  Many people believe that a good glass towel will leave as little water as possible so the droplets will evaporate without leaving a spot.  A good glass towel needs scrubbing power to successfully remove the residues that cause streaking.  It's the same characteristic that makes a good polishing cloth.
3. Drying - My favorite drying towel material is Leather Chamois, Synthetic chamois, PVA Chamois ability to wick up water like nothing else I've found or tested.  It's best to find a fabric that's not too heavy, or you won't be able to wring it out when it gets saturated.
4. Final Buffing - extremely soft, plush microfiber towels with a higher fabic weight than you find in general purpose or drying towels and is made of a 70/30 blend of polyester and polyamide.

 Maintaining Microfiber Towels:

Wash in cold water only.  Warm water can be tolerated, but hot water cannot.  Polyester and polyamide both shrink in hot water.  If you wash in hot water the fibers will shrink and the towel will not perform as intended.

Do not use fabric softeners of any kind.  The softener will become lodged in the microfiber reducing its ability to absorb water, clean and pick up dirt.  In short, you’ll have a soft towel that’s useless.

Do not dry above medium heat.  Treat microfiber towels the same as you would your delicate clothing.  Drying with high heat is worse that washing in hot water.