How to Wash Microfiber Towels the Right Way (Without Ruining Them)
Washing your microfiber towels incorrectly can turn them from soft and safe — to scratchy and useless. Here’s how to wash microfiber towels the right way so they stay in perfect condition.
Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools in your car detailing arsenal. But if you’re not washing them properly, you could be ruining them after just a few uses.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to wash, dry, and store your microfiber towels the right way — so they stay soft, absorbent, and safe for your paint.
Why Washing Microfiber Towels Properly Matters
Microfiber towels rely on extremely fine synthetic fibers to trap dirt, water, and chemicals. But these fibers are delicate. Washing them the wrong way can:
- Cause them to lose softness
- Reduce absorbency
- Introduce lint or static
- Embed dirt that can scratch your paint
Taking a few extra steps when washing your towels will help them last longer and perform better — saving you money and protecting your car.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Microfiber Towels the Right Way
1. Sort Your Towels
Always wash microfiber towels separately from other fabrics. Never mix them with cotton towels or clothes, as lint will cling to them.
Also sort by type and use:
- Wash your Everyday Microfiber Towels used for interior or general cleaning separately from towels used on paint.
- Wash your Massive Drying Towels by themselves to prevent them from picking up lint.
- Wash Softer Than Soft Towels separately — these should only touch delicate paint or glass.
2. Use the Right Detergent
Use a dedicated microfiber detergent or a gentle liquid detergent with no dyes or fabric softeners. Avoid powder detergents, bleach, and fabric softener — they will clog the fibers and ruin your towels.
3. Wash in Warm Water
Use warm (not hot) water — about 100-120°F. Hot water can damage the fibers, while cold water may not fully clean them.
4. Run an Extra Rinse Cycle
After washing, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed. Any residue left in the towels can cause streaking or lint on your car’s surfaces.
5. Dry Carefully
Dry microfiber towels on low heat or air dry. High heat will melt the fibers and ruin the towel’s performance.
If using a dryer, clean the lint trap first and skip the dryer sheets — they’ll coat the towels in fabric softener.
Pro Tips to Extend Towel Life
- Don’t overload the washing machine — give towels room to agitate.
- Store clean towels in a sealed bin or cabinet to prevent dust contamination.
- Replace towels that become stained or lose their softness.
Stock Up on High-Quality Microfiber Towels
If you want towels that hold up to many wash cycles and deliver pro-level results, check out these from my personal line:
- Everyday Microfiber Towels — perfect for interior, glass, and general cleaning.
- Massive Drying Towel — my go-to for safely drying cars without water spots.
- Softer Than Soft Towels — ideal for final wipe-downs, ceramic coatings, and delicate surfaces.
Take care of your towels and they’ll take care of your car — wash them the right way and keep your detailing game strong!
