Our Home Editor gave them a whirl and found impressive results on her family car and work pickup truck.

What are Chemical Guys Microfiber Towels?

Bryce Gruber for Family Handyman

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A set of brightly-hued Chemical Guys microfiber towels is easily one of the best car accessories for anyone who likes to keep a clean, shiny car. They’re long-lasting microfiber cleaning tools that offer scratch-free, lint-free and swirl-free cleaning.

They work on a variety of surfaces, from a car’s delicate exterior to the vinyl and rubber interiors that often take a beating from long-haul commutes and daily wear and tear.

These cloths are one of the best car cleaning products for those who pay attention to every detail and don’t want to spend a small fortune on disposable interior car wipes or weekly visits to the car wash. They’re also soft, easy to handle and last for ages thanks to sturdy long-lasting microfiber construction.

Specs:

  • Dimensions: 7.87 x 7.64 x 1.81 in.;
  • Available in three-, 12- and 24-pack offerings;
  • Silk-banded edges;
  • Machine washable;
  • Can be used wet or dry.

How We Tested Them

As a mom of five, there’s no shortage of minivan messes to clean up in my household. Between spilled snacks and sticky fingers, my vehicle has put up with lots of abuse. It could use a proper cleaning that’s also easy and quick enough for a mom on the go.

I put the Chemical Guys microfiber towels through rigorous tests cleaning my Toyota minivan’s stickiest surfaces, even with a bunch of toddlers with lollipops in-hand “helping” with the task. I also tested them against the car’s pollen-dusted exterior and all over the vinyl and rubber accents of a GMC pickup truck.

With a few dabs of Leather Honey, one of the best car leather cleaners, I tried them on the minivan’s leather seats to clean, polish and protect.

The supple cloths worked perfectly on every surface, leaving behind absolutely no lint, scratches or damage — a major upgrade from abrasive paper towels or ordinary cotton terrycloth. We also tried the towels without cleaning fluid and found they worked better than any other dusting product we’ve tried. They effectively clean the tiny particles that tend to build up on dashboards and around rearview mirrors.

That was enough to sell me on the merits of these cheap cleaning helpers, but it wasn’t until I threw them in the washing machine that I was fully impressed. I’ve used the towels, washed them, and reused them eight times so far, and they’re still just as good as new. Just make sure you don’t put microfiber cloths in the dryer.

Chemical Guys Microfiber Towels Product Features

Aside from being incredibly affordable at less than $4 per cloth, these scratch-free wonders offer lint-free cleaning and washing. They can be used on their own or paired with car-cleaning putty and the best car vacuum cleaners for a certified, swirl-free finish. They’ll impress even the most discerning cleaning fanatics.

Pros

Cons

  • Color selection is limited for now;
  • Can’t go in the dryer; high temperatures can damage the cloth’s integrity. Hang dry only.

BRYCE GRUBER FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Can Chemical Guys microfiber towels be used on interior and exterior surfaces?

Yes. They’re ideal for cleaning a car’s exterior including paint finishes and glass, as well as all types of interior surfaces including vinyl, rubber and leather.

Can I use these towels with car wax?

If you’re using a soft or sprayable wax finish product, the Chemical Guys microfiber towels work especially well. With a solid or semi-solid wax, go with a higher-powered electronic buffer machine.

How long do Chemical Guys microfiber towels last?

“We don’t use paper towels, so I wanted something good quality that we can use and reuse for a while. I have two messy children under two years old and these clean up EVERYTHING. Just a little bit of water and I can wipe down every kitchen surface, sticky hand and food-covered face.”

Final Verdict

The Chemical Guys microfiber towels are a must-buy for anyone who loves their vehicle. They’re so affordable, easy to use and practical that they’re an essential investment. They more than pay for themselves in the amount of disposable cloths and cleaning products you save. The scratch-free soft shine they leave behind also provides valuable peace of mind.

Where to Buy Chemical Guys Microfiber Towels

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