Grant’s Microfiber vs Chemical Guys Towels: Which Is Better?
Budget microfiber towels are everywhere — Grant’s towels from Harbor Freight on one end, and Chemical Guys microfiber on the other. But how do these two popular options actually compare in softness, GSM, durability, paint safety, and real-world usability? After testing them side-by-side, this is the definitive comparison.
Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
Quick Summary: Grant’s vs Chemical Guys Microfiber
- Grant’s towels: cheap, useful for interiors and dirty jobs, NOT paint-safe.
- Chemical Guys towels: softer and safer, but overpriced for the quality.
- Neither matches the softness, GSM, or durability of premium microfiber.
- Best option for paint safety: Jimbo’s Detailing microfiber lineup.
- Chemical Guys wins the comparison — but only slightly.
Best Paint-Safe Upgrade: Everyday Microfiber Towels
Key Takeaways
- Grant’s towels are extremely cheap but get rough fast.
- Chemical Guys towels are softer but still not true premium microfiber.
- Both are risky on black paint or soft clear coats.
- Premium microfiber lasts 10–15× longer than either budget option.
- Value per wash: premium towels win every time.
People Also Ask
- Are Grant’s towels from Harbor Freight any good?
- Are Chemical Guys microfiber towels worth it?
- Which towels are safest for paint?
- Do budget microfiber towels scratch cars?
- What GSM is best for washing and drying?
Introduction: Budget Towels vs “Premium-ish” Towels
Microfiber towels vary wildly in quality. Even though Chemical Guys and Grant’s both market their towels for detailing, the performance difference between them — and between them and true premium microfiber — is massive.
This comparison is based on real-world testing:
- Softness & fiber density
- GSM (grams per square meter)
- Absorbency
- Linting
- Scratch/marring potential
- Edging type
- Durability after 10 wash cycles
Here is exactly how they compare.
1. Softness & Fiber Quality
Grant’s Towels
Grant’s microfiber is:
- Short fiber
- Low GSM
- Rougher texture
- Stitched edges
After 2–3 washes, softness plummets.
Chemical Guys Towels
Chemical Guys uses:
- Longer fibers
- Higher GSM (typically 300–400 GSM)
- Softer feel out of the package
- Sometimes silk edging (varies by towel)
Chemical Guys is noticeably softer than Grant’s, but still not true ultra-soft microfiber.
Winner: Chemical Guys
2. Paint Safety (MOST Important)
During testing on soft paint:
- Grant’s towels produced micro-marring instantly.
- Chemical Guys towels produced marring after repeated wiping.
Scratch Risk Rating
| Towel Brand | Scratch Risk | Paint Safety Score |
|---|---|---|
| Grant’s | High | 3/10 |
| Chemical Guys | Medium | 6/10 |
| Jimbo’s Detailing (Everyday + Softer Than Soft) | Low | 10/10 |
Winner: Chemical Guys (but premium towels outperform both)
3. GSM & Construction Differences
GSM (fiber density)
- Grant’s: ~220–260 GSM
- Chemical Guys: ~300–400 GSM
- Jimbo’s Towels: 390–550+ GSM (depending on towel)
Edging
- Grant’s: stitched edge (high scratch risk)
- Chemical Guys: microfiber edge or silk edge (safer)
- Jimbo’s: edgeless ultrasound cut
Winner: Chemical Guys
4. Absorbency Testing
Grant’s Towels
- Absorbency: low
- Tends to smear water rather than pull it
- Not suitable for drying
Chemical Guys Towels
- Absorbency: medium
- Better for rinseless and spray wax removal
- Still struggles on full drying
Jimbo’s Towels
- Absorbency: extremely high
- Perfect for drying, glass, coatings, and final wipes
Winner: Chemical Guys (Grant’s is not absorbent enough)
5. Durability: 10 Wash Cycle Test
Grant’s Towels After 10 Washes
- Softness: 2/10
- Linting: heavy
- Edges fray
- Fiber breakdown significant
Chemical Guys Towels After 10 Washes
- Softness: 5–6/10
- Moderate linting
- Edges hold up okay
- Still usable but not premium
Jimbo’s Towels After 10 Washes
- Softness: 10/10
- No linting
- No edge fray (edgeless)
- Still paint safe
Winner: Chemical Guys (Grant’s towels degrade fast)
6. Value Per Wash Cost Breakdown
| Towel Brand | Avg Price | Usable Lifespan | Cost Per Wash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant’s | $0.50–$1 each | 5–10 washes | $0.05–$0.10 |
| Chemical Guys | $3–$6 each | 20–30 washes | $0.10–$0.20 |
| Jimbo’s Detailing Towels | $5–$10 each | 100–150 washes | $0.03–$0.05 |
Winner: Jimbo’s Detailing — best long-term value.
7. Best Use Cases for Each Towel
Grant’s — Best For:
- Interiors
- Door jambs
- Wheels
- Engine bays
- Dirty one-time-use jobs
Chemical Guys — Best For:
- Waterless washes
- Interior wipe-downs
- Rinseless washing
- Spray wax removal (light pressure)
Jimbo’s Detailing — Best For:
- Washing paint
- Drying paint
- Ceramic coating removal
- Final wipe-downs
- High gloss surfaces
Upgrade to Real Paint-Safe Microfiber
Cheap towels have their place, but nothing protects paint like high-GSM, edgeless, ultra-soft microfiber.
Alternatives
- Massive Drying Towel — Premium drying performance
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel — Safest contact wash towel
- Scrub Buddy Pad — Interior cleaning tool
- Complete Cabin Cleaner — Pairs great with interior towels
Suggested Next Reads
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels Review
- Are Cheap Microfiber Towels Worth It?
- What Cheap Microfiber Towels Are Best Used For
FAQs
Are Chemical Guys microfiber towels better than Grant’s?
Yes — they are softer, higher GSM, and safer for light paint work.
Are either towel truly paint safe?
No. Both fall short of the softness needed for delicate or black paint.
Which towel lasts longer?
Chemical Guys towels last longer than Grant’s, but neither match premium durability.
Are Grant’s towels worth buying?
Yes — for interiors, wheels, jambs, and dirty jobs. Just not for paint.
What’s the best paint-safe option?
Everyday Microfiber and Softer Than Soft Towels from Jimbo’s Detailing.
Final Thoughts
Grant’s towels are great for interiors and dirty work. Chemical Guys towels are a small step up, but still not true paint-safe microfiber. Both are fine for beginners — neither is ideal for long-term detailing.
If you care about scratch-free paint, upgrade your towels — not your technique.
Upgrade to Real Paint-Safe Microfiber:
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber
