How to choose a microfiber towel? Overview of types and their uses

If you start getting interested in detailing or hobby car maintenance, sooner or later you will come across one question – which microfiber towel should I actually choose?

At first glance, they may all look similar. In reality, however, there are different types of microfiber that are designed for completely different tasks. Some are ideal for polishing waxes, others for cleaning glass, and still others for interiors.

A poorly chosen cloth won't ruin your car, but it can leave streaks, absorb water less effectively, or unnecessarily increase the risk of fine scratches.

In this article, we will show you what types of microfiber cloths exist, when to use which one, and why the quality of the microfiber itself also matters.

Why aren't all microfiber towels the same?

Many people choose a towel based on price or how it looks in a photo.

But the difference is not just in color or size.

A quality microfiber towel differs, for example, in:

• grammage (GSM),
• fiber length,
• microfiber density,
• quality of stitching or edgeless design,
• polyester and polyamide ratio,
• the quality of manufacturing itself.

At first glance, two towels may look almost identical. In practice, however, one will last dozens of washes, and the other will start shedding fibers or lose its absorbency after a few uses.

That's why it pays to choose not only by price, but mainly by what you will be using the towel for.

Terry Weave – a universal helper

Terry Weave is a classic microfiber that most people know and buy.

It has short to medium-long fibers and is one of the most versatile types of towels.

It is most often used for:

• interior cleaning,
• plastic parts,
• APC application,
• cleaning sills,
• general dirt wiping.

It is affordable, easy to work with, and suitable for almost every garage.

However, its disadvantages include shedding smaller fibers after a few washes.

For final paint polishing or wax wiping, there are more suitable options.

The most ideal choice is NOX FiberOne - 5-pack version or 10-pack version.

Pearl Weave – ideal for wiping waxes and coatings

You can recognize Pearl Weave by its very short and dense pile with a fine pearl structure.

Compared to long-pile towels, it offers slightly less resistance, making it very effective for wiping off products that create a thin layer when dry.

It is most often used for:

• wiping waxes,
• wiping ceramic coatings,
• sealants,
• Quick Detailers,
• final paint polishing.

A major advantage is that it leaves almost no fibers behind, and with proper quality, it leaves a perfectly clean surface.

That's why it is one of the most popular towels for applying ceramic coatings, where clean and even wiping is absolutely crucial.

The disadvantage is that it is not as "forgiving" as Long Pile. If a small impurity remains on the paint, the long fibers of BOA will hide it better during final polishing than the short Pearl Weave.

The most ideal choice is NOX FiberWipe - 3-pack version or 5-pack version.

Long Pile or BOA – best for paint

If you're choosing one truly high-quality towel for paint, it will most likely be a Long Pile, or another towel referred to as BOA.

And what's the difference? Well, almost none. BOA is simply a more premium and softer Long Pile towel.

This type is used by most detailers for the final polishing of a car.

Long and dense fibers have one huge advantage.

If a tiny impurity remains on the paint, the microfiber will hide it better among its fibers instead of dragging it across the surface.

This reduces the risk of fine scratches.

Long Pile is most commonly used for:

• wiping Quick Detailer,
• polishing waxes,
• buffing ceramic detailers,
• sealants,
• final paint polishing.

That's why it is one of the most frequently used towels in detailing for the grand finale, when the paint should shine like the smile of a Czech Miss.

The most ideal choice is NOX FiberBOA.

Waffle Weave – ideal for glass

Another well-known type is Waffle Weave, sometimes referred to simply as a waffle towel.

Its structure resembles a waffle, from which it got its name.

It used to be used for drying the entire car, but today it has found its main application in cleaning glass.

It is excellent for:

• car windows,
• side windows,
• mirrors,
• displays,
• smaller amounts of water.

For drying the entire car body, most detailers now use more modern Twisted Loop towels, which have significantly higher absorption.

The most ideal choice is NOX VisionOne.

What does GSM mean?

When choosing a microfiber towel, you will definitely come across the designation GSM.

This refers to the material's grammage, meaning the number of grams per square meter.

Generally:

• lower GSM means a lighter towel,
• higher GSM means denser microfiber,
• higher grammage often brings greater absorbency and softness.

However, GSM alone is not everything.

Much more important is the quality of the fibers used and the manufacturing process.

A cheap towel with high grammage may not be better than a quality microfiber with lower GSM.

Chinese or Korean microfiber?

This is a topic that is quite often discussed in the detailing community.

Most cheaper microfiber towels come from large-scale production in China. Their quality can vary significantly. Some will perform well, others will lose their softness after a few washes, absorb water less effectively, or start shedding fibers.

However, if you are looking for truly high-quality microfiber, production in South Korea has long been among the best.

Korean microfiber is known for:

• high fiber density,
• long lifespan,
• excellent absorbency,
• gentleness to paint,
• quality craftsmanship.

It's no coincidence that many premium detailing brands use Korean microfiber.

This is also the approach taken by NOX Equipment, whose microfiber towels are made from high-quality Korean microfiber. This allows them to retain their softness even after repeated washing and to withstand long-term use without problems.

If you want a towel that will last for years and be safe even for sensitive paint, high-quality Korean microfiber is one of the best choices today.

How to identify a quality microfiber towel?

At first glance, it might not be easy.

However, there are several signs by which you can recognize a quality towel.

It should have:

• dense and soft microfiber,
• quality stitched or edgeless borders,
• high absorbency,
• minimal linting,
• a pleasantly soft surface,
• long lifespan even after repeated washing.

Cheap towels are often thinner, harsher, and lose their properties after a few washes.

How to properly wash microfiber towels?

Even quality microfiber needs proper care.

If you wash the towels incorrectly, they will gradually lose their softness and ability to absorb water.

Follow a few simple rules:

• wash at a maximum of 40 °C,
• do not use fabric softener,
• use a detergent designed for microfiber or a mild liquid laundry gel,
• do not wash them with cotton,
• do not dry them at high temperatures.

Thanks to proper maintenance, your quality microfiber towel will last many times longer.

Common mistakes when using microfiber

Even the best towel won't work correctly if used improperly.

Common mistakes include:

• one towel for the entire car,
• using the same towel for paint and wheels,
• washing with fabric softener,
• using a dirty towel,
• dropping the towel on the ground and continuing to work.

The cleanliness of the microfiber has a great impact on safety when working with paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which microfiber towel is best for car paint?

For final paint polishing, Long Pile (BOA) towels are among the best choices. Thanks to their long fibers, they are very gentle and effectively capture small impurities.

What does GSM mean for a microfiber towel?

GSM stands for grams per square meter. A higher number usually means denser microfiber, but it does not solely determine the quality of the towel.

Is Korean microfiber better than Chinese?

Generally, premium Korean microfiber is among the best available on the market today. It offers high durability, softness, and excellent absorbency. The quality of Chinese towels can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer.

How often should microfiber towels be washed?

Ideally after each use. This prevents dirt build-up and extends their lifespan.

Can I use one towel for the entire car?

It's not ideal. It's best to have separate towels for paint, glass, interior, and wheels.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microfiber towel can have a greater impact on the detailing result than most people think.

Each type has its use. Terry Weave is great for general cleaning, Pearl Weave for glass, Long Pile (BOA) for paint polishing, and Waffle Weave for windows or smaller amounts of water.

Moreover, if you choose quality Korean microfiber, you will get a towel that lasts significantly longer, absorbs better, and is gentler on the paint than most cheap alternatives. That's why it pays to choose based on quality, not just price.

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