Why You Should Never Use a Bath Towel on Your Car
It might seem harmless—but drying your car with a regular bath towel is one of the fastest ways to ruin your paint.
Here’s why that old cotton towel in your laundry room is causing swirl marks, scratches, and damage you can’t always see—until the sun hits it.
What Happens When You Use a Bath Towel on Paint
At first glance, a bath towel feels soft. But compared to microfiber, it’s stiff, absorbent in the wrong way, and totally unfit for car surfaces.
- Fiber structure: Cotton loops grab debris and drag it across the paint
- Weave: Bath towels have thick seams and hems that can scratch clear coat
- Absorption: Cotton towels smear water around instead of lifting it off
- Drying Time: You’ll need multiple passes and still leave streaks
The result? Swirl marks, micro-marring, and water spots every time you dry.
Microfiber Drying Towels vs Bath Towels
| Feature | Bath Towel | Microfiber Drying Towel |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch Risk | High | Low |
| Water Absorption | Smears water | Traps water instantly |
| Streaking | Common | Minimal |
| Finish Safety | Not coating-safe | Safe on wax, sealant, ceramic |
Microfiber towels are engineered with split fibers that trap water and lift contaminants without scratching. Cotton simply can’t do that.
Recommended Towels for Safe Car Drying
Massive Drying Towel
Ultra-soft, huge surface area, absorbs more water than any bath towel ever could. Built for large vehicles or single-pass drying.
Everyday Microfiber Towels
Perfect for touch-ups, glass, and trim. Safe on every surface, coating, and finish type. Washable and reusable for hundreds of cycles.
Final Tip: Save the Bath Towels for Your Body
It’s tempting to grab a cotton towel after a wash—but your paint deserves better. Microfiber costs a few bucks more, but it protects your finish, prevents swirl marks, and makes drying faster and easier.
Stop scratching your car with your laundry. Use the right towel for the job.
Shop Safe Car Drying Towels
Ditch the Bath Towel. Upgrade Your Drying Game.
Professional-grade towels built to protect paint, coatings, and your sanity.
