The 4 Best Microfiber Detergents for Cleaning Detailing Towels

Microfiber towels are a staple in most home garages and detail shops nowadays. They are the best tool for cleaning, polishing, washing, and drying. Whether you are cleaning your own vehicle or detailing a client's car you surely have a pile of microfibers in your arsenal. Taking care of your microfibers correctly and keeping them clean is essential to maximizing their performance but also the life of the usefulness. 

How should you clean microfiber detailing towels?

Washing and cleaning your car detailing towels is crucial to keeping their performance up. Washing them correctly is not difficult but is slightly different then washing a pair of jeans. First you should never wash your microfibers with clothing or household towels. Always separate your different types of microfibers and do not wash microfibers you use on paint with detailing towels you use on engine bays or wheels. Separating your towels will help prevent cross contamination of chemicals, dirt, and grime, and also will cut down on lint. Never wash your microfibers in hot water as that can cause the fibers to melt and because scratchy and stiff. Finally, always dry your microfibers on low heat or hang them up to dry out. Again, the high heat setting can damage the materials in towels. For a more in depth breakdown on cleaning your microfiber towels check out our microfiber care guide.

What should you use to clean your car detailing towels?

Using the proper detergents is another crucial part of the process for caring for your car detailing towels. You should avoid using normal washing machine detergents and never use fabric softeners. These cleaners can damage the fibers in your towels and fabric softeners clog them with fragrances and other additives. Microfiber towels are already soft and you do not want to limit their absorbency because they are loaded up with chemicals from detergents and fancy scents. You should always use a detergent designed for cleaning microfiber towels, wash mitts, wash pads, microfiber pads, and more. These detergents are designed to clean the fibers of microfiber products without breaking them own prematurely. Microfiber detergents usually have little to no scent and no softeners added in. For a simple alternative get a washing machine detergent that is clear and free of additives like Tide Free & Gentle that is free of dyes and perfumes. 

The Best Microfiber Detergents We Use

Much like car shampoos there are several options for microfiber detergents and cleaners. We have selected some of the industries best and the ones we trust and use in our microfiber washes. We feel many of these work equally as well as another so we have no skin in the game or order of greatness. Much of the time we will buy the microfiber detergents that are on sale and not split hairs on having a singular brand. Here are some of our favorites that we believe will serve you well:

P&S Rags to Riches Microfiber Detergent

Price: $20.60 to $40.40

Code: GLOVE15 for 15% off

Sizes: Quart and 1 Gallon

Pros: Formulated by The Rag Company and P&S Products and is a staple in most detailers cabinets. The quart bottle comes with an integrated measuring system which saves product and money.

Cons: This detergent is quite expensive and could be more cost effective.

3D Towel Kleen Microfiber Detergent

Price: $19.99 to $28.79

Sizes: 64 ounces and 1 Gallon

Pros: Nice clean scent without being over powering and more cost friendly than Rags to Riches.

Cons: Would be great to get a 32 ounce bottle like Rags to Riches that has the built in measuring system.

Malco Microfiber Refresh Concentrated Detergent

Price: $25.97

Sizes: 1 Gallon

Pros: This detergent works great and extremely cost friendly.

Cons: Only comes in one size and smaller bottles would be great, especially a quart size container for easier pouring.

Micro-Restore Laundry Detergent

Price: $17.50 to $155.00

Code: GLOVE15 for 15% off

Sizes: Quart, 1 Gallon, 5 Gallons

Pros: The OG in microfiber cleaners and comes in many sizes to work for all levels of detailers and budgets.

Cons: None

No matter which of these microfiber detergents you use you will be happy with the results. All of these microfiber cleaners work well in a washing machine and in a presoak bucket for really filthy and clogged up microfiber towels.