How to Wash Microfiber Towels Without Ruining Them

Microfiber towels are one of the most important tools in car detailing—but if you wash them wrong, you’ll ruin them fast. Here's how to clean and care for your towels the right way so they stay soft, absorbent, and swirl-free for as long as possible.

Why Proper Washing Matters

Microfiber towels work because of their fine fibers, but those same fibers are easy to clog, flatten, or damage if washed incorrectly. Using the wrong detergent, tossing them in with cotton laundry, or drying them on high heat can destroy their effectiveness and cause scratches on your paint.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Microfiber Towels

 
1. Separate Your Towels: Don’t wash paint towels with wheel towels or interior towels. Keep them sorted by use.
 
2. Use Microfiber-Safe Detergent: Avoid soaps with fragrance, dyes, or fabric softeners. Use a dedicated microfiber detergent if possible.
 
3. Wash on Cold or Warm: Never use hot water. Set your washer to cold or warm only.
 
4. Extra Rinse Cycle: Run a second rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
 
5. Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: High heat will melt and ruin microfiber. Stick to low heat or hang dry.

Pro Tips

 
• Never use fabric softener. It clogs the fibers. Here's why.
 
• Wash towels after each use—especially ones used for polishing, ceramic coating, or drying.
 
• Want to know when to retire old towels? Check out our guide: How Often Should You Wash or Replace Microfiber?

Recommended Towels to Care For

 
• Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
 
• Massive Drying Towel
 
• Everyday Microfiber Towel
 
• Softer Than Soft Towels

Want More Microfiber Tips?

 
• Microfiber GSM Explained – What Weight Is Best?
 
• Edged vs Edgeless Microfiber Towels

FAQs