Why is it important to dry your car after washing?

You might think that the water will just dry on its own. That it will simply evaporate as you drive.

While that's true, minerals and other impurities contained in the water remain on the paint. Once they evaporate, they create typical white water stains known as water spots.

These are particularly visible on:

• black paint,
• dark colors,
• glass,
• glossy plastic parts.

If the water is harder or the car dries in the sun, water spots can be quite persistent and sometimes only another wash or polish will remove them.

Proper drying is therefore not just a matter of appearance. It helps protect the paint and reduces cleaning time during the next wash.

 

Why is chamois no longer used today?

Just a few years ago, chamois was almost a given. Today, however, most people only use it exceptionally. And I hardly know any detailers who do.

The reason is simple.

Chamois tends to wipe water rather than absorb it. If fine dust or small impurities remain on the paint, it can drag them across the surface and increase the risk of fine scratches.

Other disadvantages of chamois:

• very low water absorption,
• needs frequent wringing,
• hardens over time,
• requires more demanding maintenance.

There is a significantly better and faster solution for today's paints.

Microfiber drying towels are today's standard

Quality microfiber can absorb several times more water than traditional chamois. Moreover, it glides better over the paint, significantly reducing the risk of scratching when used correctly.

However, not all microfiber towels are created equal.

You'll most often encounter 2 types:

Plush drying towel

Plush microfiber is recognizable by its medium-length, truly soft and fine fibers.

It is very soft and easy to work with.

It is suitable for example:

• smaller cars,
• drying remaining water,
• drying details,
• sensitive paintwork.

Its advantages are pleasant handling and high gentleness.

A disadvantage is often lower absorption compared to modern technologies. For a larger SUV or van, the towel will often need to be wrung out during use or multiple towels used.

At the same time, this towel needs to be "moistened" to start absorbing water, otherwise it will drag it across the paint for a while.

Twisted Loop: the best choice for car drying

If you're looking for a truly high-quality drying towel today, you'll likely come across Twisted Loop technology (sometimes also referred to as Twisted Piles).

Instead of classic fibers, it uses specially twisted fiber loops (twisted fibers) that can absorb significantly more water.

In practice, this means:

• higher absorption,
• faster drying,
• fewer passes over the paint,
• lower risk of scratches.

For a normally sized passenger car, one quality Twisted Loop towel is often enough to dry the entire vehicle. This is why most professional detailers use this type today.

If you're only buying one drying towel, the Twisted Loop is usually the best choice.

What does GSM mean for drying towels?

When choosing, you often come across the specification GSM or g/m².

The abbreviation stands for grams of material per square meter.

Generally speaking:

• lower GSM = lighter towel,
• higher GSM = greater microfiber volume and greater water absorption capacity.

However, the number itself is not everything. More important is the quality of the microfiber, the weaving method, and the technology used.

A quality Twisted Loop towel with lower GSM can sometimes perform better in practice than an ordinary plush towel with higher grammage or even a Twisted Loop towel with higher GSM.

A great example is a drying towel from China versus a drying towel from South Korea. Korean microfiber is generally considered the best and highest quality fiber on the market. Although Chinese microfibers are more advanced today, in most cases they cannot replace Korean ones.

So yes, sometimes a Chinese towel with a grammage of 1400 GSM will absorb less water than a Korean towel with a grammage of 1200 GSM. 🤷

What is a Waffle Towel?

Another type is the so-called Waffle Towel.

It got its name from its waffle-like structure.

These towels were very popular a few years ago and still have their uses today.

They are most commonly used for:

• drying or cleaning windows,
• mirrors,
• smaller areas,
• interior glass.

However, for the entire car, most people and detailers now opt for the Twisted Loop, which offers higher absorption and more comfortable handling.

How to properly dry a car with a towel

The towel itself is only half the battle.

The correct technique is just as important.

The ideal procedure is as follows:

• first rinse the car thoroughly,
• if possible, use demineralized water for the final rinse,
• place the towel on the paint without unnecessary pressure,
• allow the microfiber to absorb the water,
• rather, let the towel glide over the surface under its own weight.

There is never a need to rub the paint hard.

The less pressure you apply, the safer the entire drying process will be.

Blower: drying without a single touch

An increasingly popular option is also a Blower (drying blower, electric dryer), which is a powerful blower designed for drying cars.

It works simply.

A stream of air pushes water out of all places where a towel is difficult to reach.

Typically, this includes:

• mirrors,
• radiator grille,
• emblems,
• handles,
• body panel gaps,
• wheels,
• grilles.

A big advantage is that you don't touch the paint at all.

This is especially appreciated by owners of cars with ceramic protection or very sensitive paint.

Advantages of a Blower

• contactless drying,
• no risk of scratching with proper use,
• water does not remain in the gaps,
• ideal complement to a quality towel.

Disadvantages of a Blower

• higher purchase price,
• quality models tend to be quite expensive,
• most require connection to the mains,
• operation tends to be noisy.

For regular home washing, a Blower usually does not replace a good drying towel. More often, it is used as a supplement to it.

Common car drying mistakes

Even the best towel can do a poor job if used incorrectly.

The most common mistakes are:

• drying in direct sunlight,
• waiting for the water to dry on its own,
• using a dirty towel,
• applying too much pressure to the paint,
• using an old chamois,
• washing microfiber with fabric softener.

The last point can significantly reduce the towel's ability to absorb water.

Which drying towel to choose?

If you're looking for a universal solution, today's choice is quite simple.

• Want the best performance? → Twisted Loop.
• Need a soft towel for details and final drying? → Plush.
• Mainly drying glass? → Waffle Towel.
• Want minimal contact with the paint? → Blower as a supplement to the towel.

It makes sense to replace the old chamois with modern microfiber in almost all cases today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chamois bad?

It's not outright bad, but today's microfiber towels outperform it in almost all aspects. They absorb water better and are gentler on the paint.

Which is better – Plush or Twisted Loop?

For drying the entire car, Twisted Loop usually wins due to significantly higher water absorption. Plush is more suitable for final drying or delicate surfaces.

Does higher GSM always mean a better towel?

No. GSM is just one parameter. The quality of the microfiber and the construction of the towel itself are equally important.

Will a Blower help prevent water spots?

Yes, because it removes water before it dries. However, you'll achieve the best results in combination with a high-quality drying towel.

How often should I wash a drying towel?

Ideally after every use if it's dirty. Otherwise, once every 3 dryings is sufficient. This will maintain its absorbency and reduce the risk of scratching the paint during the next wash.

Conclusion

Proper car drying is just as important as the wash itself.

If you want to minimize water spots, protect the paint from fine scratches, and reduce the time spent caring for your car, a quality drying towel is one of the best investments.

Today's standard are towels with Twisted Loop technology, which, thanks to their high water absorption, can dry the entire car faster and more safely than traditional chamois and most older types of microfiber. And if you want to take your detailing a step further, you can complement them with a blower, which removes water even from places the towel usually can't reach.