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Make dusting, wiping, and drying a breeze. Twisted Loop Microfiber Towel
When it comes to cleaning, microfiber towels reign supreme. These multi-use cloths are not only more absorbent than traditional towels made with cotton, but they’re significantly more effective at picking up dirt and bacteria. They're also one of the essential tools you'll need if want to clean green.
To find the best microfiber towels for different cleaning needs—including dusting furniture, polishing cars, cleaning floors, and more—we evaluated top-rated microfiber towels on factors like material, density, efficiency, and versatility. We also received expert tips on purchasing and using microfiber towels from Angela Brown, CEO and founder of Savvy Cleaner, as well as Leanne Stapf, COO at The Cleaning Authority.
“The number one thing to look for in a highly-quality microfiber cloth is if it is ‘gripping’ what you’re cleaning,” says Stapf. “Although soft to the touch, if you run your hand over the cloth, you’ll notice a gripping sensation caused by the electricity pulling at your skin. If there is a gripping sensation, you’ll know that the cloth is ready to pick up any dirt you throw its way!”
It's suited for a variety of messes and surfaces.
It's not the most effective towel for car detailing.
For a jack-of-all-trades microfiber towel that's effective on both tough messes and delicate surfaces, this affordable set is a great option. Trusted by professional cleaners, these towels can be used for everything from scrubbing toilets to dusting furniture to soaking up spills. They're highly absorbent and won't leave behind any lint or streaks, and their lightweight design means they dry quickly, too—good for wiping dry a just cleaned Le Creuset. A barely damp micro cloth is also perfect for cleaning upholstery.
The set includes 12 towels in four different colors, so you can designate different colors to different cleaning areas to ensure all germs and contaminants are contained to that area. In terms of durability, these towels have reinforced edges that will endure hundreds of wash cycles when properly cared for.
However, we would caution you not to use these towels on painted surfaces when car detailing, considering the grams per square meter (GSM)—or the grade of a microfiber towel's density—is below 350. (Keep scrolling for more information on GSM in microfiber towels.)
Size: 12.6 x 12.6 inches | Material: 85 percent polyester, 15 percent nylon | GSM: 280-320 | Care: Machine wash
It comes in a bulk pack, offering more value than other choices.
It's a little abrasive and prone to scratching.
For significantly less per towel than the Mr. Siga set, this set of microfiber towels is great for large cleanups around the house, car, or garage. Each towel has more surface area than many similarly priced towels at 12 x 16 inches, providing more absorption and grip for tough messes. The sets range from 24 towels per pack to 144 towels per pack, each with three different colors so you can designate different colors to different cleaning areas (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, car)—use it to clean greasy stovetops.
Despite the manufacturer's claim that these towels are "non-abrasive," at 220 GSM and 90/10 polyester to polyamide blend, we don't recommend these towels for automotive detailing or delicate glassware that is prone to scratching. But their mildly abrasive texture and large surface makes them a reusable alternative to paper towels for cleaning up spills, dishwashing, dusting, and more.
Size: 12 x 16 inches | Material: 90 percent polyester, 10 percent polyamide | GSM: 220 | Care: Machine wash
Each set comes with a variety of microfiber towels for different surfaces.
The towels don't excel in any particular use or surface category.
For many people, having a variety of different microfiber cloths for various everyday cleaning tasks makes the most sense. This set of microfiber towels includes five for cleaning, two for polishing, and one for dusting, with varying textures and piles. The dusting cloth is good for wiping down details like chair rail moldings when cleaning walls. Use the polishing cloth to buff clean laminate wood floors to a shine.
E-cloth is one of the most trusted names in microfiber, claiming their towels remove over 99 percent of bacteria without the use of chemical cleaners (you just simply add water). From counters to windows to tile, this set gives you the tools you need to manage a variety of messes.
Size: Various | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Various | Care: Machine wash
It's highly absorbent and can clean up messes without scratching.
It monochrome color makes it hard to differentiate from other towels in the pack.
For a microfiber towel you can trust on all household surfaces, look no further than this set of multi-surface cloths. They have just enough grip to snatch up dirt and grime without scratching or streaking, and you can use them for dusting, wiping up spills, cleaning and drying dishes, polishing glass, cleaning stainless steel appliances, wiping down car interiors, and more. The overall density plus high percentage of polyamide make them particularly plush and absorbent.
Although each 12-count set features just one color, the towels are available in seven different colors so you can purchase multiple sets if you'd like different colors for different cleaning tasks.
Size: 12 x 12 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 325 | Care: Machine wash
It's specifically designed for quality car detailing.
It's not the best option for other uses outside of automobile upkeep.
Microfiber cloths are the industry standard when it comes to car detailing, but not all microfiber cloths can be trusted not to scratch paint. Fortunately, these professional-quality towels were designed for sensitive detailing. The 70/30 microfiber blend and silk edges ensure a lint-, swirl-, and scratch-free finish. Use the high-pile side of the cloth to wipe away dust and debris, and use the low-pile side for removing waxes and sealants or cleaning windows and glass.
Of course, the trade-off with these plush microfiber towels is that they may not be abrasive enough for scouring and scrubbing, and they're more expensive than a lot of the competition. But if you're looking for the best microfiber towels for cars, we'd argue these are well worth the investment to protect your paint job.
Size: 16 x 16 inches | Material: 70 percent polyester, 30 percent polyamide | GSM: 380 | Care: Machine wash
It's thin design makes it safe for delicate screens and lenses.
It doesn't absorb liquids very well.
Keyboards, phone screens, TV screens, camera lenses, and eyeglass lenses all have an annoying habit of attracting dust, smudges, fingerprints, and oils. These ultra-thin microfiber cloths will bring your electronics and other delicate surfaces back to life without streaking, scratching, or linting. In fact, gently wiping with a microfiber cloth is the only universally agreed-upon method for cleaning a flat-screen TV. Plus, each cloth comes with a polybag so it will remain protected and ready to use straight from your purse, car, desk, etc.
These towels are probably best reserved for dusting or removing smudges rather than general deep cleaning, as they're not thick enough to absorb large spills. And it should be noted that the manufacturer suggests hand washing these towels.
Size: 6 x 7 inches | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Not specified | Care: Hand wash only
It has excellent absorbing capabilities, making it perfect for drying.
It's low pile doesn't make it suitable for buffing.
Unlike most microfiber towels that feature a loop weave, these towels have a no-pile waffle weave that simultaneously collects dust and dirt while quickly wicking away water and liquids. This design makes the towels particularly adept at drying or cleaning up spills, and the non-abrasive microfiber means it's ideal for cleaning windows and mirrors. With a GSM of 370, these high-quality towels are made to withstand hundreds of washes, getting softer with each one.
Size: 16 x 16 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 370 | Care: Machine wash
It's unique design allows it the towel to double as decor.
The pattern is only available on one side of the towel.
These stunning tea towels from Geometry prove microfiber doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian. Each is made from post-consumer recycled bottles and comes with a unique print, from floral to geometric and everything in between. At 18 x 30 inches, these towels provide increased surface area for drying hands, wiping up spills, cleaning the house, and drying dishes.
The tight weave is quick to dry, so you’ll never be left with smelly towels in your kitchen. And with a GSM of 320, they’re soft enough to dry delicate dishes and absorbent enough to mop up spills up to seven times their weight. We do wish the patterns came printed on both sides, but even still, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better looking microfiber towel.
Size: 18 x 30 inches | Material: Recycled polyester and polyamide | GSM: 320 | Care: Machine wash
It's excellent for absorbing moisture in hair and preventing frizz.
It won't produce amazing results for those with fine or shorter hair.
Microfiber towels are able to absorb more water while causing less damage and frizz compared to other fabrics, so they’re ideal for drying hair. Plus, they put less strain on your neck than standard bath towels. We like the Volo Hero Hair Towel because it’s made with a plush microfiber that significantly reduces drying time. It's also one of our favorite gifts for women.
Unlike many other hair towels, it comes with a snug strap to ensure your wrap stays tucked in place (because we’ve all experienced hair towels falling off or pulling at our roots when we move). This towel is particularly great for those with long or extra-thick hair, thanks to its large surface area.
Size: 23.5 x 38.4 inches | Material: Microfiber | GSM: Not listed | Care: Machine wash
It's designed to soak up plenty of water without damaging delicate items.
It's scouring capabilities aren't as strong as other options.
These kitchen towels have the absorbency and quick-drying ability of microfiber, but look more like a classic dish cloth. At 350 GSM, they’re just the right weight for drying dishes and mopping up everyday messes, but they won’t damage delicate items such as glassware. Plus, each is generously sized at 18 x 26 inches.
You can rinse them off in between uses and use the attached loop to hang them up to dry. When it comes time for a deeper clean, simply toss them in the washing machine. The towels come with a classic lattice design and are available over 10 different colors, so you’re sure to find some to match your existing decor.
Size: 18 x 26 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon | GSM: 350 | Care: Machine wash
It's large size makes it suitable for large spills and messes.
It's very heavy compared to other towels.
Although these are marketed as bath towels, this twin-pack of 30 x 60-inch microfiber towels will cover a lot of area when soaking up large spills, drying off pets, wiping down car exteriors, and more. These are the heaviest towels on our list at 400 GSM, so they’ll feel soft against your skin, should you choose to use them as bath towels.
Unlike traditional bath towels, these can absorb seven times their weight in water and dry very quickly, so you’re never left with a musty smell in your bathroom. And each comes with a hanging loop for drying. The towels are also available in packs of four and six and come in over 15 different color options.
Size: 30 x 60 inches | Material: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent polyamide | GSM: 400 | Care: Machine wash
The Mr. Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Set earns our top spot because the towels have just the right amount of scouring power without being overly abrasive, making them a great all-purpose choice. Plus, each set features four different colors so you can designate a color for each cleaning area, helping to prevent cross-contamination.
For a less expensive alternative, the Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths are a great value and have a large surface area for picking up dirt and absorbing spills. However, they're not suitable for delicate surfaces such as glassware or car detailing.
Most microfiber cloths feature a loop weave with tiny hooks that can grab wet and dry messes without damaging surfaces. Loop weave microfiber cloths have different pile lengths, from low to high. Low pile towels are less prone to linting and more effective at cutting through tough messes, while high pile towels are more plush and absorbent, and best for cleaning delicate surfaces.
Waffle weave microfiber towels are no-pile towels that feature a cross-hatched pattern that's great for drying. Water becomes trapped in the grooves of the waffle pattern, while the ridges give the towel scouring power. And when made from high quality microfiber, waffle weave towels are non-abrasive and lint-free, making them ideal for glass cleaning.
There are different grades of microfiber cloths based on density, or grams per square meter (GSM). All-purpose microfiber towels often range from 250-350 GSM. The lower the GSM, the better for scouring and tougher cleaning jobs, but the higher the likelihood of streaking and scratching. The higher the GSM, the better for delicate surfaces. Use the chart below as a guide when choosing the right GSM for your cleaning needs:
Microfiber towels are made up of a blend of polyester and either polyamide or nylon. Polyester usually makes up the majority of the towel and is responsible for its durability and scrubbing power, while polyamide or nylon is responsible for its absorbency and density. Thus, the higher the percentage of polyamide or nylon, the more scratch-resistant and plush the towel. Cheaper towels may have a ratio of 90 percent polyester to 10 percent polyamide or nylon. For an all-purpose cleaning cloth, look for a blend of about 80/20 or 85/15.
You may not think to pay attention to color when purchasing a microfiber cloth, but having a variety of colors within a set can help prevent cross contamination, especially considering how well microfiber holds onto dirt and grime. "With the awareness of cross-contamination it's great to have a variety of cloths you can keep separate in your cleaning caddy, in your car, and in the wash," says Brown. "And using the same color for every job removes the guesswork from trying to keep your cloths separate."
Try designating a different color for each cleaning area, such as kitchen, bathroom, automotive, glass, etc.
Microfibers are set apart for their ability to attach themselves to microscopic dirt particles and even bacteria: "A microfiber cloth is designed with millions of small fibers that can lift and hold dirt, bacteria, and liquids," says Stapf. "Scientifically speaking, the polyester fibers are positively-charged and the nylon fibers are negatively charged, which creates the perfect storm to attract and pull in the mess you're cleaning up." High-quality microfiber towels are also more absorbent and quicker to dry than other towels, which makes them ideal for household cleaning.
Microfiber towels have many different uses, and certain blends lend themselves particularly well to specific cleaning tasks. In general, you can use microfiber towels any way you would a paper or cloth towel, because they're great for picking up dirt and bacteria.
"Every type of cloth has a purpose," says Brown. "In cleaning, microfiber cloths are preferred because of their effectiveness in sanitizing surfaces."Because of its ability to snatch up tiny particles, microfiber is also great for dusting surfaces, including electronics and car interiors. And depending on its density, it can be used for scrubbing down surfaces or drying and detailing scratch-prone surfaces, such as car paint. Microfiber cloths can be used dry, with water, or with cleaning solutions.
Some microfiber towels have one soft side and one slightly more abrasive side. The latter is best for scrubbing, while the former is meant for drying or detailing delicate surfaces without scratching them.
Because microfibers have the ability to attract dirt, it's essential to maintain that attraction in order for your cloth to last: "Harsh chemicals will coat the cloth and make it less viable over time," says Stapf. "Therefore, you actually don't need to give the cloth a deep clean with every use. You can reuse the towel a few times in a row and just simply rinse it out under warm water and hang it to dry."
When it's time to wash, most microfiber towels are machine washable in cold or warm water (not hot) and should be washed separately from non-microfiber items to avoid attracting lint from other fabrics, such as cotton. Use a mild, unscented detergent and avoid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and bleach when washing microfiber towels. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can affect the towels' absorbency, while bleach will erode the fibers. "Instead of fabric softener, you can throw in a tablespoon of white vinegar to combat any odor," says Stapf. A great way to keep them organized in the broom closet is to keep clean small towels in a hanging bag and larger ones stacked on a shelf.
To get as many wash cycles out of your towel as possible, Brown suggests the following steps:
Waffle Microfiber Towels This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile the list, she spent hours researching microfiber towels. She also received tips on how to shop and care for microfiber towels from Angela Brown, CEO and founder of Savvy Cleaner, as well as Leanne Stapf, COO at The Cleaning Authority.