10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed for a Spotless Shine

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Car enthusiast or not, who doesn’t want their car clean at all times? Clean cars don’t just look appealing, they perform well when it comes to functioning. Have you ever noticed the ride after cleaning your car? If you would have then you would relate to me that the ride in a clean shiny car feels smooth. It has a whole different vibe to it. 

But, cleaning a car isn’t that easy. It comes at a cost especially if you want to maintain the cleanliness of your car. There is no way that you wash your car once a week and it will remain like this for the rest of the day. No way, not at least with this much pollution outside. If you want to maintain your cars’ sparkle then you would need to wash it 2-3 times a week, only then you can get your desired outcome.

Washing your car with just water is not the solution though. It’s already a complicated process that you wouldn’t be able to afford 4 times a month so 2-3 times a week is definitely out of the question. Not to mention the adverse effect of incessant washing of cars that comes with it is not worth it. 

Well, the only solution to keep your cars clean at all times is to use Car Drying Towels. However, with car drying towels comes some extra care because one wrong move and you will be having swirls and scratch marks on your car’s paint. Now you wouldn’t want that, would you? So, make sure you have the right towel for this job. 

How To Clean Your Car With Car Drying Towels

What to Look For in the Best Car Drying Towels?

To select the right car drying towel for your car, make sure you know certain things to avoid all sorts of swirl marks.

  • Material

Car drying towels come in several materials such as cotton, chamois, microfiber, terry cloth, etc., but not every towel is suitable for car drying. The most commonly used materials for car drying towels are microfiber and cotton. 

Cotton is gentle and cost-effective but when it comes to removing dirt, it isn’t effective enough. It tends to push the dirt rather than absorb it. Not to mention, its susceptibility to bacteria and odors is another problem that comes with it. Similarly, terry cloth towels made up of cotton do not absorb well and leave swirls behind.

Microfiber, on the other side, made up of polyester and nylon, is extremely soft and highly absorbent that works well even on extremely wet surfaces. It is highly effective when it comes to removing dirt and dust and provides the best results. Microfibers can be expensive but the quality that comes with them covers the cost. Most car detailers around the world use microfiber towels due to their certified scratch-free quality.

Chamois can be soft and weaved but still, it requires extra care or could result in scratches. It’s a well-absorbent material and is preferred for larger vehicles. However, car detailers still believe that nothing can match microfiber towels when it comes to car drying.

  • Weave

A car drying towel having a woven pattern can also be effective as it can absorb more water as compared to towels having other patterns. 

  • Longevity

Always look for a long-lasting towel. You can have the best towel but if it starts to fall apart very early then it’s of no use. Make sure you read peoples’ reviews before buying a towel because experience doesn’t lie. Long-lasting towels might be expensive but their long life would make up for the amount.

  • Pile Depth

Pile depth plays a crucial role in car drying towels. The more the pile depth, the more water it will absorb and the more time you will get to wring out the towel. Thin towels are less water absorbent and budget-friendly, so if you are short on budget then buy 2-3 thin towels at a time and it will do your job.

  • Size

When it comes to the size of the towels, people usually prefer large towels due to their large surface area and high water absorbency. But, larger towels aren’t always good. If you have a large vehicle, only then go for a large drying towel. Using a large towel on small vehicles can be handy but it can often be troublesome as large towels can easily pick up dirt from the ground surface which could then affect the car’s surface.

Car Drying Towel Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of your car drying towels is crucial to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips:

  • Washing:
    • Wash your towels regularly, especially after heavy use.
    • Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners as they can reduce the towel’s absorbency.
    • Wash towels separately from other laundry items to prevent lint and debris from transferring.
    • Air dry your towels whenever possible to maintain their softness and absorbency.
  • Storage:
    • Store your towels in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
    • Avoid folding towels tightly, as this can damage the fibers.
    • Consider using a towel storage bag to keep them organized and protected.
  • Drying Technique:
    • Use a “fold and flip” technique to dry your car. This involves folding the towel over itself and flipping it frequently to expose a dry side.
    • Avoid rubbing the towel vigorously on the car’s surface, as this can lead to scratches.

OVERALL BEST CAR DRYING TOWEL

Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towel

Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber towel

  • Super soft and plushy to capture the dirt and dust.
  • Dual pile weave pattern to keep your car scratch-free.
  • Super absorbent and versatile that can be used for various purposes.
  • Industry standard premium quality to restore your car’s shine.

TOP 10 BEST CAR DRYING TOWELS

In case, if you are in a rush then you can skim through these top 10 options for best car drying towels and select any one for you, right at the spot.

1. Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towel

The professional microfiber towel is here to make your work easier. With this towel around, you cannot worry about the scratches and the swirls anymore.

This fluffy towel consisting of dual pile weave is not just scratch-free but removes dirt, grime, and dust to make your car look all shinier and sparkly. The premium quality microfiber towel captures all the dirt deep in its fiber without affecting your car’s paint at all. 

Its super absorbent and perfect finishing quality have made it the best-selling product all around the world. You can use it on your car’s paint, wheels, windows, and even wet surfaces at your home, this can take it all.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES:

BrandChemical Guys
Dimensions16”L and 16”W
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Industry Standard
  • Best selling
  • Long lasting 
  • Machine washable
  • Perfect for both interior and exterior cleaning

Cons

  • Costly

2. Chemical Guys Woolly Mammoth Microfiber Dryer Towel

The budget-friendly Woolly Mammoth microfiber towel is 25” by 36”. It is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a large towel for your car. The thick, plushy towel consisting of split fibers delivers promising outcomes.

This is super absorbent, and swirl-free which will make your car shine without any effort. You can wash it in a machine with any detergent you like and it is good to go. Make sure you don’t use any fabric softener or it would affect the properties of microfiber.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES:

BrandChemical Guys
Dimensions36”L and 25”W
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Long lasting 
  • Machine washable
  • Machine dried

Cons

  • Costly

3. Griot’s Garage Extra-Large PFM Edgeless Drying Towel

The extra large and extra absorbent edgeless drying towel is here to the rescue. If you have a large truck or an SUV then this is the right choice for your car. The next level size of this towel can get your work done in less time with less wringing.

Yes, with high absorbency power and large size, forget about wringing it again and again while drying your car. The towel’s double-ply design and edgeless feature ensure better outcomes. 

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES:

BrandGriot’s Garage
Dimensions13”L and 2”W
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Large in size
  • Machine washable
  • Less wringing
  • Less time

Cons

  • Costly

4. Zwipes Auto Professional Microfiber Waffle Drying Towel

By now, you would know that waffle weaves work much better when it comes to water consumption. This towel from Zwipes featuring a blast combination of microfiber and waffle makes it unique and better than other car drying towels out there.

It is super soft and effective enough to remove all the dirt, muck, or dust from your car in very less time. Not to mention, its large size is best for your SUV, truck or RUV. You can also wash it in your regular washing machine and it’s good to go.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES:

BrandZwipes
Dimensions36”L and 25”W
MaterialCotton

Pros

  • Large in size
  • 2 in a pack
  • Durable
  • Long life
  • Can also be used in house

Cons

  • Its edges might cause swirl marks.

5. Chemical Guys Waffle Weave Gray Matter Blend Microfiber Drying Towel with Silk Edging

Chemical Guys are leading the industry with its fine and high-quality products. Waffle weave along with microfiber and silk edging is the smartest combination that this industry needs.

Unlike plush microfiber strands, this towel uses a special waffle weave grooved pattern which ensures the most highly absorbent quality that you could ever think of. Just a dab and all the water is gone. 

You might have noticed that Chemical Guy’s towels are costly compared to the other car drying towels. That’s because, unlike the other towels, they are made up of 70/30 polyester and polyamide. So, think no more and buy this extraordinary towel with silk edges for your car and forget about the swirls.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES:

BrandChemical Guys
Dimensions36”L and 25”W
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Large in size
  • Silk edges
  • Softest
  • Super absorbent
  • Durable
  • Long life

Cons

  • Costly

6. Meguiar’s Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel

This Meguiar’s microfiber towel is for sure a lifesaver in difficult times. Whether it was the precedent or an unprecedented storm, you can wipe it all within minutes with this water magnet towel.

There is no doubt that microfiber works better than the usual terry/cotton towels. However, this towel works best due to the amalgamation of microfiber and waffle design which can remove the extra amount of water with just a swipe.

You can use this towel on your trucks, SUVs, cars, motorcycles, or anything you want. It can wipe all the dirt and grime from any vehicle. Keep your car clean at all times with less amount of money and time with this reusable towel.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES

BrandMeguiar’s
Dimensions30”L and 22”W
MaterialOther

Pros

  • Large in size
  • Super absorbent
  • Durable
  • Reusable

Cons

  • Nil

7. Amazon Basics Drying Chamois

If car detailers believe in any other material except for microfiber then it’s Chamois. This chamois towel is capable of efficiently absorbing any sort of liquid on your car or any other vehicle. It won’t affect the finishes of your car and won’t leave any scratches or swirl marks behind.

In case you have dropped some juice in your house, you can even wipe that with this towel. Be it in the house or the car, with its remarkable versatility you can use it anywhere you want. And best of all, it can easily be washed in a machine to be reused hundreds of times.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES

BrandAmazon Basic’s
Dimensions26”L and 17”W
MaterialSynthetic

Pros

  • Absorb all sorts of liquids
  • Versatile
  • 2 towels in a pack
  • Reusable
  • Chemical resistant

Cons

  • Nil

8. Chemical Guys El Gordo Professional Extra Thick Supra Microfiber Towels

Now, you would be well aware of the popularity of the Chemical Guys towels in the car detailing industry due to their effective and remarkable features that makes it all appealing and desirable.

These super soft EL Gordo professional towels are a must for waterless washes. It has got a thick weave side to remove the dust and dirt, along with a thin weave side to remove the sealant without causing any swirl marks. 

The light color of the towel is an add-on for you to be careful while using the towel and not to use the dirty side to wipe your car. This towel made up of industry-standard microfiber is versatile enough to be used for the interior and exterior of the car at a time. 

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES

BrandChemical Guys
Dimensions16.5”L and 16.5”W
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Versatile
  • 6 towels in a pack
  • Reusable
  • Best for waterless wash and quick drying
  • Super absorbent

Cons

  • Short in size

9. CleanTools The Absorber New Premium Synthetic Texture Drying Chamois Cloth for Car 

The Absorber towel made up of PolyVinyl Alcohol is one of its kind when it comes to absorbing. The sponge pore-like structure that comes with it makes it more desirable due to its excellent absorbent quality. You can use it to dry your car or your skin or your windows, anything that is wet can be cleaned by these towels.

It is easy to use and easy to store in its tube-like container and most importantly, you can even store it moist after use and it won’t be affected. The tough and resilient properties that come with it make it more durable and reusable.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES

BrandCleanTools
Dimensions27”L and 17”W
MaterialPolyVinyl Alcohol

Pros

  • Versatile
  • 2 towels in a pack
  • Reusable
  • Super absorbent
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Over-priced

10. Microfiber Towels by Armor All

This pack of 24 towels is ideal for all your auto detailing and interior cleaning. The premium towels made up of 80/20 polyester and polyamide microfibers are highly efficient in absorbing and removing dirt and grime.

It is capable enough to clean both the exterior and interior of your car and would give you scratch-free outcomes. These multi-purpose towels are worth the money and are what you need for smart cleaning.

10 Best Car Drying Towels Reviewed For A Spotless Shine

KEY FEATURES

BrandArmor All
Dimensions11.8”x15.8”
MaterialMicrofiber

Pros

  • Multi-purpose
  • Scratch-free
  • Super absorbent
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Short

Conclusion

As insignificant as it seems, car towels play a crucial role in the maintenance of the vehicle. If you are the one who prefers his/her car to shine at all times then car drying towels are a must-thing in your routine car cleaning. You cannot just rely on water to clean your car every time nor can you go with any towel you find and start cleaning your car.

Car detailers believe that one should be very careful while choosing car drying towels. The material, the size, the pattern, and the price everything plays a major role. All you need to do is keep in mind the size of your car and your budget in your mind before going on a towel hunt. 

We have shortlisted some of the best car-drying towels to make it easier for you guys to select based on your vehicle and your budget. However, the cost factor doesn’t affect that much because some towels are expensive but with their high quality and remarkable features, they can be used for a long time. 

You can also watch the tutorial from Chemical Guys on “How To Pick The Right Towel” to make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why should the size of towels be decided based on the size of the vehicle?

You should keep in your mind the size of your vehicle before selecting a car-drying towel. Large vehicles can easily be cleaned with large towels in less time. They can be cleaned with short towels as well but it would take a lot of your time and more wringing would also be required.

Similarly, for small cars, it’s good if we go with short towels. We can use large towels on small vehicles as it would do the work in no time but there is a high chance that while cleaning the car the towel would touch the ground in turn affecting the cleaning process. 

Is it okay to directly store the towel after every use?

It mostly depends on the product. There are some towels like The Absorber that you are allowed to store directly after every use. But some towels require proper drying before storing or it would affect the quality and the function of the fabric.

Which material is best-fitting after microfiber for car drying?

Car detailers believe that if there is anything that works best after microfiber then it is the Chamois which is super absorbent and less time consuming.

Can car drying towels be used for other purposes?

It depends on the one that you have. There are many car towels out there that are versatile and can be used for different purposes. It is recommended to buy a multi-purpose towel so that you can take full advantage of it.

What’s the difference between a waffle weave and a plush microfiber towel?

Waffle weave towels are known for their excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties. They are great for removing excess water quickly. Plush microfiber towels are softer and more gentle on the car’s paint, making them ideal for the final drying stage.

Can I use a regular bath towel to dry my car?

While it’s possible to use a regular bath towel, it’s not recommended. Bath towels are often made of materials that can scratch the car’s paint. Microfiber towels are specifically designed to be gentle on car finishes.

How often should I replace my car drying towels?

While microfiber towels can last a long time with proper care, you may need to replace them every 1-2 years, depending on usage and washing frequency.

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Owen Price

I'm Owen Price, the founder and car enthusiast senior editor of CarDetailingDIY. I love helping people and teaching them how to take care of their cars and that they don't end up spending thousands of dollars in detailing something that could have been done by themselves at home easily.

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