What Cheap Microfiber Towels Are Best Used For (And NOT Used For)
Cheap microfiber towels like Grant’s, Walmart packs, Amazon Basics, and Costco multipacks are everywhere — and they definitely have their place in detailing. But using them on the wrong surfaces (especially paint) can cause major problems. This guide breaks down the BEST uses for cheap microfiber towels, the tasks they’re perfect for, and the areas where they can damage your vehicle.
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
Quick Summary: The BEST Uses for Cheap Microfiber Towels
- Best for dirty jobs — interiors, jambs, wheels, exhaust.
- Not safe for paint — especially black paint.
- Great for interiors: plastics, vinyl, leather cleaning.
- Excellent for product removal on non-gloss surfaces.
- Do NOT use them to dry paint or remove ceramic coatings.
Best Paint-Safe Upgrade: Everyday Microfiber Towels
Key Takeaways
- Cheap microfiber towels are NOT all-purpose — only use them strategically.
- They are perfect as “sacrificial towels” for dirty tasks.
- They break down fast, losing softness after a few washes.
- Never use cheap microfiber on paint or glossy surfaces.
- Premium towels last 10–15× longer and remain paint safe.
People Also Ask
- What are cheap microfiber towels good for?
- Can you use cheap microfiber towels on car paint?
- When should you throw away microfiber towels?
- Are budget towels safe for interiors?
- What microfiber towels should you use for washing and drying?
Introduction: Cheap Microfiber Has a Purpose — But Not Everywhere
Cheap towels are tempting because you can buy 12 of them for the price of one premium towel. But cheap microfiber has serious drawbacks:
- Short, stiff fibers
- Lower GSM (thinner weave)
- Stitched edges (scratch risk)
- Poor polyamide content (less softness)
- Rapid durability loss after washing
The trick is knowing WHERE cheap towels work well and WHERE they will absolutely ruin your finish.
This guide breaks down exactly that.
1. What Cheap Microfiber Towels ARE Good For
Use #1 — Interiors (Dashboard, Plastics, Vinyl, Rubber)
Cheap microfiber is perfect for general interior cleaning:
- Dusting vents
- Wiping dashboards
- Cleaning door panels
- Removing fingerprints from vinyl
- General wipe-downs
- Working with Complete Cabin Cleaner
Use #2 — Leather Cleaning (NOT Conditioning)
Cheap towels work great for:
- Scrubbing leather with a brush
- Removing cleaner residue
- Working on coated leather seats
Do NOT use them for buffing leather conditioners — you need premium microfiber for that.
Use #3 — Wheels & Tires
Cheap towels are PERFECT for wheels because they:
- Get filthy instantly
- Pick up brake dust
- Are totally disposable
Use them with:
- Wheel cleaners
- Tire cleaners
- Pure Magic Cleaner (as a wheel/tire formula)
Use #4 — Door Jambs, Trunk Channels & Dirty Areas
These areas collect grease, grime, and oily buildup.
Cheap towels are perfect for:
- Door jamb wipe-downs
- Trunk lip cleaning
- Fuel door areas
- Underside of hoods
Use #5 — Exhaust Tips
Exhaust tips get covered in carbon soot and oily residue — a nightmare to clean with premium microfiber.
Cheap towels = perfect.
Use #6 — Engine Bay Cleaning
There is ZERO reason to use premium towels under the hood.
Use cheap microfiber for:
- Degreasing
- Wiping covers
- Cleaning plastics
- Drying after rinsing
Use #7 — Dirty One-Time Jobs
Some tasks destroy towels instantly:
- Tar removal
- Sap removal
- Metal polishing
- Chemical stripping
Cheap towels are perfect sacrificial choices here.
2. What Cheap Microfiber Towels Should NOT Be Used For
Absolutely NOT for Paint
Cheap towels have:
- Short, rough fibers
- Lower GSM
- Stitched seams
- Linting issues
- Rapid degradation after washing
Never use cheap towels for:
- Contact washing
- Drying
- Polish removal
- Ceramic coating leveling
- Final wipe-downs
- Spray wax or ceramic spray removal
Absolutely NOT for Glass
Cheap microfiber leaves lint trails and streaks.
Glass requires a tight weave and higher-quality fibers.
Use:
- Everyday Microfiber Towels for streak-free glass
Absolutely NOT for Touching Glossy Surfaces
Cheap microfiber creates micro-marring on:
- Piano black trim
- Infotainment screens
- Glossy interior plastics
- Exterior painted plastics
Premium microfiber only here.
3. Comparison Table — Cheap vs Premium Microfiber
| Category | Cheap Microfiber | Premium Microfiber (Jimbo’s) |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Low–Medium | Very High |
| Paint Safety | Low | High |
| Glass Safety | Low | High |
| Durability | Low (5–10 washes) | High (100–150+ washes) |
| Best Use | Dirty jobs, interiors | Paint, coatings, drying |
4. When to Throw Away Cheap Microfiber Towels
Replace them when:
- Edges fray
- Softness is gone
- Linting becomes excessive
- They no longer absorb water
- They feel rough to the touch
If they’re rough — they scratch.
Need Towels That Won’t Scratch Paint?
Cheap towels are perfect for interiors and dirty work — but NEVER for paint. Upgrade to safe microfiber designed for streak-free, scratch-free results.
Alternatives
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel — Safest for washing
- Massive Drying Towel — Streak-free drying
- Softer Than Soft Towels — Coating removal
- Everyday Microfiber Towels — All-purpose premium microfiber
Suggested Next Reads
- Are Cheap Microfiber Towels Worth It?
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels Review
- Are Grant’s Towels Safe on Black Paint?
FAQs
What are cheap microfiber towels best used for?
Interiors, wheels, jambs, engine bays, exhaust tips, and dirty one-time jobs.
Can I use cheap microfiber towels on paint?
No — they scratch easily and degrade quickly.
Are cheap towels safe for glass?
No — they lint heavily and streak.
Do cheap microfiber towels break down fast?
Yes — most lose softness and absorbency within 5–10 washes.
Are premium microfiber towels worth the cost?
Yes — they last years, stay soft, and protect paint.
Final Thoughts
Cheap microfiber towels are extremely useful — but only in the right places. Interiors, wheels, jambs, and dirty jobs are where they shine. But when it comes to paint, coatings, glass, and glossy surfaces, cheap microfiber becomes a liability.
Cheap microfiber towels save money. Premium microfiber saves your paint.
Upgrade to Safe, Paint-Protecting Microfiber:
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber
