Best Towels for Interior Detailing (and Which to Avoid)
The right towel = flawless results. The wrong one = streaks, lint, or worse. Here's what to reach for—and what to leave in the garage.
Why Towel Choice Matters
Interior detailing is full of sensitive surfaces—glass, glossy trim, soft plastic, even leather. The wrong towel can scratch, streak, or leave lint everywhere. Let’s break it down by task.
🧼 For Glass and Mirrors
Use: Softer Than Soft Towels. These low-pile, 550 GSM towels are perfect for streak-free glass and touchscreen cleaning.
Avoid: Plush towels or ones used for other parts of the car. Even trace residue from other areas will smear your glass.
🪑 For Seats and Door Panels
Use: Everyday Microfiber Towels. They’re versatile, durable, and absorbent—great for wiping down leather, cloth, and plastic with interior cleaner.
Avoid: High-pile paint towels. They can leave lint and don’t have the grip needed for cleaning textured surfaces.
📱 For Buttons and Screens
Use: Clean Softer Than Soft towels or a dedicated glass towel. No pressure. Just a gentle wipe with a lightly damp towel.
Avoid: Anything rough or previously used on dirtier surfaces. Screens scratch easily.
💡 Pro Tip: Color-Code Your Towels
Use different colored towels for glass, seats, and plastic trim so you never mix them up. This reduces risk of streaks and cross-contamination.
⚠️ What to Avoid Altogether
- Household rags or terry cloth (too rough)
- Old cotton t-shirts (leave lint)
- Shop towels (not microfiber, too aggressive)
- Previously used towels (can spread grime or dressing residue)
Final Thoughts
Want a showroom interior? Start with your towels. Skip the guesswork and use the right tools for each surface. It’s a simple detail that makes all the difference between a pro-level finish and a frustrating cleanup.
