Detailers United range tested: the best budget microfibre towels
• Detailers United's range of microfibre towels • Top-class cleaning without an expensive price tag. • We've put a selection to the test to see if they're any good.
If there’s one thing you can never have enough of when it comes to car cleaning, it’s microfibre towels. Whether you’re drying paintwork, buffing waxes, or simply wiping away excess wax, microfibre towels are essential.
Finding good microfibres that don’t cost a lot of money is a little harder. The larger car cleaning companies certainly sell them, but the prices can seem a little steep, paying an extra for the brand name. Detailers United claims to be different, its goal is to provide professional quality microfibres, but at a reasonable price. To see If they’re any good, we’ve assembled a range of towels and put them to work.
Hydro Hoovers
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Detailers United microfibre towel
These are the heavyweights of car drying, quite literally. At 1400GSM they have a nice natural weight to each one, no matter the size. The largest we have on test is the XXL, which is huge at 70 x 90cm, while the other sizes tested were the Mini (20 x 20cm) and the 40 x 40cm regular Hydro Hoover. There are four colours available (grey, gold, orange and blue), designed to be bright enough to show up any deposits and alert the user that it’s time to flip the towel to avoid scratches.
This commitment to avoiding paintwork scratches is continued with some of the design features. There are no tags at all for a start as they pose a scratch risk. Besides, it’s not uncommon for detailers to remove them anyway so it makes sense. They also feature silk-banded edges to minimise the chances of scratches while keeping the towels durable. Best of all, these towels are reasonably priced but feature a real-quality feel.
Glass towels
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Detailers United microfibre glass towel
Glass towels can get away with a lower GSM because glass is tougher than paint, and the shorter fibres won’t absorb glass cleaner like the drying towels.
In use
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Detailers United small towel
All the towels were tested as they would be used in the real world. That meant filling two buckets with water and cleaning a car before seeing how well it could be dried. A good drying towel won’t become saturated too quickly and won’t leave behind any lint or water spots that blemish the look of a clean car.
The XXL drying towel proved to be the most useful for drying a car thanks to its huge surface area. There’s no single way to dry a car but with the multiple methods tried (patting, draping and even rubbing), the Hyrdro Hoover proved useful. The XXL towel absorbed the water well without becoming saturated which was very impressive.
The glass towels proved useful, too, and provided a streak-free finish.
Washing
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Detailers United packaging
Maintaining these towels is very simple as they’re all machine washable. Even after a couple of washes, both the drying and glass towels haven’t started to lint or fray. The only issue is that they take an age to dry and cannot be tumble-dried (the heat damages the fibres).
All Hydro Hoovers arrive in resealable packaging, a particularly welcome feature once they’ve been washed as it means you can seal them away from any potential contamination.
Verdict
These towels are well-made, good value for money and thoughtfully designed. If you don’t currently own a drying towel and want something that can dry your car quickly and effectively, then the Hyrdro Hoover should be a top pick. The same can also be said if you don’t own a glass towel. In fact the only downside is that the ultra-plush fibres take an age to dry out after use.
What makes microfibre cloths better for car detailing compared to regular cloths or towels?
Microfibre cloths are made from a blend of polyester and polyamide, which creates fibres that are much finer than a human hair. This fine fibre structure allows the cloths to pick up and hold dirt, dust, and moisture more effectively without scratching the car’s surface. Additionally, microfibre is highly absorbent and can hold up to seven times its weight in water, making it ideal for drying and detailing.
How should I wash and care for my microfibre cloths?
To maintain their effectiveness, wash them separately from other laundry. Use a gentle detergent without fabric softeners or bleach, as these can clog the fibres and reduce their effectiveness. Wash in warm water and air dry but don’t use a tumble drier as the heat can damage the fibres.
Can I use the same microfibre cloth for both drying and waxing my car?
It’s best to use separate cloths for different tasks. Cloths used for drying should be kept separate from those used for waxing, polishing, or applying detailing products. This prevents cross-contamination of products and ensures that each cloth remains effective for its specific purpose.
Are all microfibre cloths the same, or are there different types for different tasks?
Not all microfibre cloths are the same. They come in different weaves and thicknesses, tailored for specific tasks. For example, a plush, high-pile microfibre cloth is excellent for drying and buffing, while a low-pile or waffle weave cloth is better suited for cleaning glass and applying polish.
Can I use microfibre cloths to clean the interior of my car as well?
Yes, microfibre cloths are versatile and can be used to clean both the exterior and interior of your car.
How do I know when it’s time to retire a microfibre cloth?
It should be retired when it becomes worn out, loses its absorbency, or starts to fall apart. Signs of wear include fraying edges, thinning fabric, or no longer effectively picking up dirt.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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