How to Wash Microfiber Towels (Even Cheap Ones) the Right Way
Properly washing microfiber towels is the #1 way to make them last longer, perform better, and prevent them from scratching your paint. In this guide, we show you exactly how to wash both premium and cheap microfiber towels without ruining them.
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
30-Second Verdict
Microfiber towels should ALWAYS be washed separately, using fragrance-free detergent, warm water, and low heat. Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and dryer sheets at all costs.
Cheap microfiber towels (like Grant’s) will never become premium paint towels, but washing them correctly will help them last longer for interiors, wheels, and jambs.
Premium towels like Softer Than Soft and Everyday Microfiber benefit even more from proper care.
Key Takeaways
- Wash microfiber towels separately from all other laundry.
- Use warm water, fragrance-free detergent, and low heat drying.
- NEVER use fabric softener → it ruins microfiber permanently.
- Sort towels by usage level: paint, interior, wheels.
- Cheap towels can still last longer with proper cleaning.
Quick Summary: How to Wash Microfiber Properly
- Wash Temp: Warm water
- Detergent: Unscented, dye-free
- Drying: Low heat or air dry
- Sorting: Paint towels separate from dirty towels
- Avoid: Fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach, high heat
Best Towels for Washing: Premium edgeless microfiber like Everyday Microfiber.
People Also Ask
- How do you wash microfiber towels without ruining them?
- Can you use regular detergent on microfiber?
- Why do microfiber towels get stiff after washing?
- Are cheap towels worth cleaning?
- Should you air dry or machine dry microfiber towels?
Introduction: Why Washing Microfiber Towels Properly Matters
Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools in detailing. They’re responsible for:
- Wiping wax and sealants
- Drying paint safely
- Maintaining ceramic coatings
- Interior cleaning
- Quick detailing
If you wash them incorrectly, they lose softness, absorbency, and become scratch risks.
This guide walks you through exactly how to wash *any* microfiber towel the right way — from premium edgeless towels to cheap Harbor Freight packs.
1. Always Sort Your Microfiber Towels Before Washing
You should NEVER wash all your microfiber towels together.
Best Sorting Method:
- Paint Towels (high GSM) → drying, polish removal, ceramic coating work
- Interior Towels → plastic, vinyl, leather, dusting
- Dirty Towels → wheels, jambs, engine bays
2. What Detergent to Use (and Avoid)
The wrong detergent can ruin microfiber permanently.
Use:
- Unscented detergent
- Dye-free detergent
- Free & Clear formulas
- Microfiber-specific detergents
Avoid at all costs:
- Fabric softener → clogs fibers
- Bleach → destroys fiber structure
- Scented detergents → leaves residue
- Stain removers → chemical damage
3. Wash Temperature: Warm Water Is Best
Microfiber responds best to warm water.
| Temperature | Effect on Microfiber |
|---|---|
| Cold | Safe but less effective at cleaning oils |
| Warm | Best balance of safety and cleaning |
| Hot | Can melt or curl fibers |
Choose warm for best results.
4. Machine Settings: Gentle Cycle Only
Microfiber should always be washed on:
- Gentle or delicate cycle
- Medium spin
- No extended soak cycles
This reduces fiber shredding and keeps the pile soft.
5. Drying Microfiber Towels the Right Way
Most people ruin microfiber in the dryer — NOT the washer.
Dry microfiber using:
- Low heat
- No dryer sheets
- No fabric softener
- Short cycles
The safest method:
Air dry or hang dry
6. How to Restore Stiff or Hardened Microfiber Towels
If your microfiber towels feel stiff, crunchy, or grabby, they may have detergent buildup or fiber contamination.
To restore them:
- Wash towels in warm water
- Add 1–2 oz of distilled white vinegar to rinse cycle
- Run an extra rinse
- Air dry fully
This helps break down residue and reopens fiber pores.
7. How Cheap Towels (Like Grant’s) React to Washing
Cheap towels can be washed the same way as premium towels, but they:
- Break down faster
- Lint more often
- Flatten out quickly
- Lose softness after few washes
They’re still great for:
- Interiors
- Wheels
- Exhaust
- Door jambs
- Engine bays
But never expect cheap towels to become paint-safe.
8. Washing Premium Towels (Edgeless, High GSM)
Premium microfiber towels like:
- Everyday Microfiber
- Softer Than Soft Towels
- Massive Drying Towel
…benefit hugely from proper maintenance and maintain:
- Softness
- Absorbency
- Safety
- Longevity
Premium towels can last years when washed correctly.
9. Full Washing Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 → Sort towels by usage
Paint towels, interior towels, dirty towels.
Step 2 → Shake out debris
Remove trapped dirt before washing.
Step 3 → Add correct detergent
Use dye-free, unscented detergent.
Step 4 → Warm water wash
Small load size, gentle cycle.
Step 5 → Rinse twice
This removes leftover residue.
Step 6 → Dry low or air dry
Never use dryer sheets or high heat.
Comparison: Cheap vs Premium Microfiber When Washed Properly
| Category | Cheap Towels | Premium Towels |
|---|---|---|
| Softness After Washing | Low–Medium | High |
| Linting | High | Low |
| Durability | Low | Very High |
| Safe for Paint? | No | Yes |
Want Towels That Stay Soft After Washing?
Upgrade to premium edgeless towels designed for swirl-free paint care.
Alternatives
- Softer Than Soft Towels → Best for drying & coatings
- Everyday Microfiber Towels → Best for general paint care
- Massive Drying Towel → Safest drying method
- Scrub Buddy Pad → For interiors (NOT for paint)
Suggested Next Reads
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels Review
- Are Grant’s Towels Safe for Black Paint?
- Best Uses for Cheap Microfiber Towels
FAQs
Can I wash microfiber with regular laundry?
No. Cotton lint ruins microfiber and makes it scratchier.
What detergent is safe for microfiber?
Fragrance-free, dye-free detergents or microfiber-specific detergents.
Can microfiber go in the dryer?
Yes — but only on low heat and with no dryer sheets.
Does vinegar help restore microfiber?
Yes. It breaks down detergent residue and restores softness.
Can I wash cheap towels the same way as premium towels?
Yes, but cheap towels still won’t be paint-safe — only longer-lasting.
Final Thoughts
Proper washing is the secret to keeping your microfiber towels soft, absorbent, and safe. Even cheap towels last longer when washed correctly, and premium towels can last years.
Sort your towels, use the right detergent, and avoid heat — your microfiber will thank you.
Upgrade to Premium Microfiber Towels
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/softer-than-soft-towel
