Microfiber cloths are ideal for several different tasks around the home, from drying your hair to cleaning your floors. When it comes to price, microfiber towels vary widely. You can find some that are very affordable, while others are quite expensive. It all depends in the material quality of the towel and the brand. But with so many different types and brands on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this article, we are explaining some features and qualities of microfiber towels as well as the different types of microfiber and their usage that will help you choose the right cloth for the job, and finally, some tips to check the quality of microfiber cloth.
Features to look while buying a microfiber towel
Here are some common features of microfiber fabric which you can consider before you make your purchase. This will help you to choose the best microfiber towel according to your need.
Material composition:
You can check the material composition on the package or you can ask the supplier for the material composition of microfiber fabric. Don’t buy if it is 100% Polyester. They are less absorbent and not good for drying. Good quality Microfiber clothes are usually made of a combination of Polyester and Polyamide. The polyester gives the structure to the microfiber fabric, the polyamide gives its absorbency.
The typical material composition of 80% Polyester and 20% Polyamide is considered to be quality microfiber clothes. If material blend is 70% Polyester and 30% polyamide then it is, even more, better, softer, and more absorbent.
GSM (Density):
GSM stands for Grams per square meter. It means how many grams weight is of a 1 square meter fabric. It is commonly used to measure the density of clothes, sheets, and towels. The more a towel is dense the more absorbent it is, no matter whether it is microfiber or cotton. If you understand the GSM calculation of fabric it will help you to buy a good quality bath towel as well as a cleaning cloth.
Microfiber can holds 8 times of water of its weight. If you plan to buy a microfiber cleaning cloth for car detailing purposes or home cleaning you would surely want it more absorbent. Generally, microfiber car cloths that weigh more than 300 GSM are used for detailing purposes.
Split microfiber
While making process of microfiber towels, fabric go through a chemical process that split the fibers. Split microfibers enhance the absorbing and dirt-trapping capabilities of fabric. If it is not a split microfiber, then it is no worth and it is just like a normal fabric. Hold the cloth in your hand and you can easily feel the split microfiber cacthes the imperfections of the pores of your hand.
Lint-free
One of the major advantages of a microfiber towel is that it does not leave lints while cleaning and provide a lint and streak-free shining surface after cleaning. If it is not lint-free then it is not a good quality microfiber. Look for the cloth or check the feature on package whether it is lint-free or not.
Edges
When choosing for best microfiber towel one should take care that its edges are soft and have overlapping satin or polyester material or thread. Satin or Polyester material is safe for the wiping of delicate surfaces as it doesn’t leave any scratches or marks. You can also opt for edge-less or inner-seamed microfiber towels.
Size
You should get the correct size of microfiber cloth according to the job you are buying it. For general cleaning, a medium-size cloth is ok that you can fold it twice and It remains big enough to fit your entire hand. Drying towels, bath towels, or sports towels must be large in size, at the same time if you need to clean small electronic gadgets like cameras, mobiles or, laptops, small size cloth is a good choice.
Types of Microfiber cloths
Based on material, Pile length, weaving, and knitting there are different types of microfiber cloths available for different usages. The type you choose will depend on what you plan to use the towel for. If you get the correct type of towel for the specific purpose, then your task can be very easy. We researched the different types of microfiber cloths and their usage, which will help you to select the best microfiber towel according to your need.
General purpose Warp knit microfiber
This is the most common type of microfiber cloth. They are also known as terry microfiber towels. They have low to medium piles and standard weave uniform structure across the entire surface of the cloth. They are commonly available in a GSM range from 200 gsm to 400 gsm. As the name suggests it can be used for multipurpose cleaning, dusting, car washing, polishing, and waxing.
High pile ultra plush microfiber cloths
These towels are premium segment towels having high piles on both sides of the fabric . This high pile works as a cushion between the towel and surface and minimizes surface area contact. They are ideal for delicate cleaning surfaces. You can use them for baseboards, chrome polishing, vehicle exterior, sinks, countertops, and stainless steel.
Twisted Loop drying towels
These Twisted loop towels are the best microfiber towels for auto detailing. These water-thirsty towels feature a closed twisted loop pile. The twisted loop microfiber allows a smooth continuous movement over the surface while absorbing the water so fast. The long piles provide a delicate cleaning. They are costlier than other general-purpose microfiber and you can use them for drying your car after a car wash.
Coral fleece
Coral Fleece towels utilize high adsorption capacity and the soft microfiber used in this cloth is super absorbent and made to trap dirt, grime, and other particles. Absorbs more water and dries faster than cotton, Safe for all hard surfaces. This microfiber cleaning cloth is safe for all finishes and surfaces. They are best for Waterless Washing, Quick Detailing, Wax, Compound, Sealant, Glaze, and Polish Removal; Polishing Chrome, Wheels, and Other Shiny Metals.
Flat weave cloths for glass cleaning
These Microfiber cleaning cloths contain a smooth surface pile that leaves a crystal clear residue-free surface. These Microfiber Glass Cloths are silky smooth and efficient in Lint-Free & Streak-Free shine on surfaces especially Mirrors, Windows, Glass Fixtures, Stainless Steel, etc.
Waffle weave
Waffle weave microfiber towels are known for their faster drying ability. Waffle weave Honeycomb pattern makes it super water-absorbent, greatly reduces drying time with less wring-outs. The surface structure of these towels is like the surface of a waffle. You can use them for drying cars, dishes, drying hair, and also for drying pets after bath them.
Coral velvet microfiber
Coral Velvet is a type of microfiber that has the soft feel of velvet, the durability for upholstery, is drapable for window treatments, stain, and water-resistant, and is easy to clean. If you need a dish cleaning cloth for your kitchen, buy the wipes made with coral velvet material which easily absorb oil stains and save effort. These wipes made of coral velvet are lint-free and have strong water and oil absorption properties which helps in your kitchen cleaning. These Towels are very absorbent and soft and will remain soft after washing and drying, without any shedding. Dry quickly to eliminate much of the bacterial growth, don’t get smelly.
Suede microfiber
Suede microfiber fabric is a type of microfiber made from polyester fabric with a suede-like texture. It has a very low pile or no pile. Suede-like structure and low pile make it soft and lint-free. The small suede microfiber wipes are great for the Camera lens, mobile, LED screens, laptops, and sensitive monitors.
Chenille Fabric
Chenille microfiber fabric is a material with lots of microfibre projection buds. These chenille threads are bunched together to create plush strands, like yarn. The chenille material is soft and when used with foaming car shampoo does a good job to remove dirt and grime.
The most common fabric used for car wash mitts is chenille microfiber. The bristles provided on the mitt attract all the dust particles during a dry wipe, you can also use this for washing the vehicle with soap, the material is tested for detergents and soaps, which means it does not react with that detergent and lose its quality texture.
How to test the quality of a microfiber cloth
We are providing you with three tips that will help you to test the quality of microfiber cloth.
- Open the palm of your one hand and move the towel gently with the other hand. If the fibers cling to the imperfections of the pores of your hand then it is a good quality split microfiber. Split microfiber improves its contact surface and dust picking and absorption quality.
- Spill some water on any smooth surface, now fold the microfiber twice so that it will fit in your hand. Now wipe the water with cloth and check whether it absorbs the water or slides it. If it slides the water then it is not a good quality microfiber, probably it does not have the blend of polyamide.
- Hold the cloth or towel in front of light. If you are able to see the light through it, then it is not a good microfiber as it is not a dense microfiber.