Grant’s Microfiber Towels vs Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels

Grant’s Microfiber Towels vs Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels

Grant’s Microfiber Towels vs Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels

Grant’s microfiber towels are cheap, widely available, and beginner friendly — but how do they compare to professional-grade microfiber like Jimbo’s Detailing Everyday Microfiber and Softer Than Soft Towels? After real-world testing, side-by-side comparisons, absorbency measurements, and paint safety evaluations, here’s the full breakdown.

Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes

Quick Summary: Grant’s vs Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels

  • Grant’s Towels: Very affordable, decent for interiors and dirty tasks
  • Jimbo’s Towels: Premium GSM, ultra-soft, paint-safe, long-lasting
  • Grant’s towels lint and mar paint more easily
  • Jimbo’s towels are ideal for coatings, drying, and soft paint
  • Grant’s = budget option → Jimbo’s = professional detailing quality

Best Upgrade: Everyday Microfiber Towels — the perfect step-up from budget towels.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant’s towels are fine for interiors, wheels, and dirty jobs.
  • They should NEVER be used on black paint or delicate finishes.
  • Jimbo’s towels deliver pro-level softness and zero linting.
  • Grant’s towels degrade fast — Jimbo’s towels last years when washed correctly.
  • For coatings, drying, and finishing, premium microfiber is essential.

People Also Ask

  • Are Grant’s microfiber towels safe for car paint?
  • Why are premium microfiber towels more expensive?
  • How do I know if a towel will scratch my paint?
  • What GSM microfiber towel is best?
  • Do cheap microfiber towels lint more?

Introduction: Why This Comparison Matters

Microfiber towels are one of the most important detailing tools you’ll ever use. They dry paint, remove waxes and sealants, wipe interior surfaces, lift dirt, and keep your vehicle looking flawless. But not all microfiber is created equal. Budget towels like Grant’s are inexpensive, but their fibers, weaving technology, and GSM are nowhere near the quality of a professional-grade towel.

If you use the wrong towel on your paint, you can introduce swirls instantly — even with safe washing techniques.

This post compares Grant’s towels directly against Jimbo’s professional-grade microfiber lineup, revealing exactly where each shines and where they fall short.

1. Fiber Quality Breakdown: Cheap vs Premium

Microfiber is made from a blend of polyester and polyamide. The better the blend, the softer, safer, and more durable the towel.

Grant’s Microfiber Towels

  • Low GSM
  • Short fibers
  • Basic polyester-heavy blend
  • Higher risk of linting
  • Lower absorption

Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels

  • High GSM
  • Ultra-soft Korean-style fiber
  • Premium polyester/polyamide blend
  • Zero linting
  • Safe on black paint and coatings
Pro Tip → If a towel feels “grabby” or stiff, do NOT use it on paint.

2. Paint Safety Testing (Black Paint Sensitivity)

Black paint shows everything — swirls, micro-marring, lint, streaks, everything. This is the perfect test to compare towel performance.

Results:

Test Category Grant’s Towels Jimbo’s Towels
Linting High Zero
Marring Risk Moderate to High Very Low
Soft Paint Safety Not Recommended Safe
Edgeless Design No (edge stitching) Yes (edgeless cutting)

Grant’s towels should NOT be used on paint — especially black paint.

3. Absorbency Test: How Much Water Each Holds

We tested both towels by fully submerging them, wringing them out, and recording water weight absorbed.

Results:

  • Grant’s: 2.5–3x its weight
  • Jimbo’s Everyday Microfiber: 4–4.5x its weight
  • Softer Than Soft: 5–6x its weight

Premium microfiber has better pore structure and capillary action — which means better drying and better lubrication during wiping.

4. Durability Test: 10 Wash Cycles

We washed both towel sets for 10 cycles using proper microfiber-safe wash methods.

Grant’s Towels After 10 Washes:

  • Fibers clumped and matted
  • Noticeable stiffness
  • Lint output increased
  • Edges curled slightly
  • Lost softness drastically

Jimbo’s Towels After 10 Washes:

  • Softness retained
  • No linting
  • No fiber collapse
  • Edges stayed flat
  • Still safe for coatings and black paint
Warning → Cheap microfiber breaks down fast, making it scratchier with every wash.

5. Real-World Use Cases: What Each Towel Is Best For

Grant’s Microfiber Towels — Best For:

  • Door jambs
  • Wheels & exhaust
  • Engine bays
  • Interior plastics
  • General dirty jobs
  • One-time use cleaning

Jimbo’s Microfiber Towels — Best For:

  • Coating removal
  • Wipe-downs
  • Drying soft paint
  • Interior finishing
  • Detail spray application
  • Streak-free glass cleaning

Grant’s towels = utility towels. Jimbo’s towels = detailing towels.

6. Premium vs Budget Microfiber: Side-by-Side Summary

Category Grant’s Towels Jimbo’s Towels
Price Very Low Mid-Level
Paint Safety Low High
Softness Low–Medium Very High
Durability Low High
Absorbency Low–Moderate High

If you care about scratch-free results, premium microfiber wins easily.

7. What the Pro Detailers Actually Use

Professional detailers NEVER use cheap towels on paint. The risk of marring is too high, especially on:

  • Black cars
  • Soft Japanese paint
  • Freshly polished surfaces
  • Ceramic coated vehicles

Pros use towels like:

Quality microfiber is a foundational tool in professional detailing.

Ready to Upgrade From Cheap Towels?

Get paint-safe, ultra-soft microfiber towels designed for swirl-free detailing.

Alternatives

  • Everyday Microfiber — Best all-around towel
  • Softer Than Soft — Best for coatings and finishing
  • Massive Drying Towel — Safest drying option
  • Scrub Buddy Pad — Interior cleaning only (not for paint)

Suggested Next Reads

FAQs

Are Grant’s microfiber towels safe for paint?

They are not recommended — they lint easily and can mar soft paint.

What makes premium microfiber better?

Higher GSM, softer fibers, better blends, edgeless construction, and longer lifespan.

Will cheap towels scratch black paint?

Yes — especially during drying or wipe-downs.

Which Jimbo’s towel is best for beginners?

Everyday Microfiber gives the best balance of durability and softness.

Are premium towels worth the money?

Absolutely — they prevent scratches, last years, and improve detailing results.

 

Final Thoughts

Grant’s microfiber towels are an excellent low-cost option for interiors, wheels, jambs, and dirtier tasks — but they are NOT paint-safe. Jimbo’s microfiber towels deliver professional-level softness, durability, and absorbency designed specifically for swirl-free detailing.

If you want scratch-free, streak-free results, premium microfiber is the only choice.

Upgrade to Paint-Safe Microfiber Towels
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber