The Problem with Using Just Any Microfiber on Interior Surfaces

Think all microfiber towels are the same? Think again. Using the wrong towel on your car's interior can cause more harm than good.

Microfiber towels are essential to car detailing, but they’re not all created equal. The same towel that works great on wheels or paint might be too aggressive or linty for your dashboard, screens, or soft-touch surfaces. Here's why using the wrong microfiber towel inside your vehicle is a big mistake.

Why Generic Towels Don't Cut It

Low-quality microfiber towels are often made with short fibers, inconsistent blends, and poor edge stitching. That can mean lint left behind, streaks that won't go away, or worse — micro-scratches on delicate interior surfaces.

Interior Surfaces Are More Sensitive

Touchscreens, piano black trim, gauge clusters, and soft plastics all demand a gentler touch. A towel that's too aggressive can haze or swirl them permanently.

What You Should Be Using Instead

• Everyday Microfiber Towels – Perfect for dashboards, leather, and door panels.
• Softer Than Soft Towels – Ideal for screens, gloss trim, and sensitive finishes.

Don’t Ruin a Detail with the Wrong Towel

If you’ve ever spent time cleaning your interior only to see haze marks or lint stuck in crevices, chances are your towel is the problem — not the product. A high-quality towel can make even budget products perform better.

Need More Help Picking the Right Towel?

We break it down in this post: Best Microfiber Towels for Interior Detailing.

FAQs

You may leave scratches, lint, or streaks that are hard to remove — especially on gloss black or soft-touch finishes.

Rub it across a CD or a soft plastic surface in good light. If it leaves trails or feels grabby, it's not safe for interiors.

Technically yes, but it's not ideal. Cross-contamination and product residue can cause streaks and reduce towel effectiveness.