Compare at a glance
Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless 500 | Best overall towel | 500 GSM, edgeless, 16 by 16 inch | $18.00 maker listed |
| The Rag Company Liquid8r Microfiber Drying Towel | Drying a full car | 1100 GSM, twist loop | $15.75 maker listed |
| Chemical Guys Workhorse Professional-Grade Microfiber Towel 3 Pack | Low price set | 3 pack, 16 inch | $9.99 maker listed |
| Griot's Garage PFM Terry Weave Drying Towel | Large drying towel | 1120 GSM, 25 by 35 inch | Check current price |
| Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels | Large general towel | 3 pack, 16 by 24 inch | Check current price |
How we choose
How we research
We compared five microfiber towels for washing a daily driver, using maker product pages and retailer listings used only to cross check model names and sizes. We reviewed weight in GSM, blend, weave, edge, size, absorbency, and care. This is research only. The criteria and weights were softness and paint safety at 30 percent, absorbency and drying at 25 percent, size and ease of use at 20 percent, durability and care at 15 percent, and price at 10 percent. Sources were checked on 2026-11-06. No ASIN was confirmed on amazon.com for these exact models, so all 5 products in the YAML list use ASIN_TBD, and the exact ASIN_TBD count in this guide is 5. No ASIN was invented, and no Amazon price or Amazon rating was used.
Direct answer
The best microfiber towel for most daily drivers in this guide is The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless 500, at a maker sale price of $18.00 for a 4 pack of 16 by 16 inch towels on the maker page checked 2026-11-06, with a regular price of $24.00. We compared five towels and the Eagle Edgeless 500 stands out because it pairs a 500 GSM plush pile with a 70 and 30 blend, an edgeless and tag free design, and a size that works for washing, drying and buffing. It is soft enough for paint and glass, and it is thick enough to hold water without dripping. Buyers who want a dedicated drying towel should look at the Liquid8r at $15.75, and buyers who want the lowest price should look at the Chemical Guys Workhorse 3 pack at $9.99.
The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless 500
Best for most daily drivers, especially a first set of quality towels.
The Eagle Edgeless 500 packs 500 GSM of ultra plush microfiber into a tag free, edgeless design, and it is made in South Korea from AA grade microfiber yarn. The blend is 70 percent polyester and 30 percent polyamide, and the weave is a circular knit weave. The maker lists the towel for detailing sprays, rinseless and waterless wash products, waxes, sealants and polishes, and for drying and touch ups on smaller or mid size areas. The 16 by 16 inch, 4 pack was listed at a sale price of $18.00, with a regular price of $24.00, on the maker page checked 2026-11-06. The maker notes that some minor fraying is possible from washing an edgeless towel, and that loose fabric can be snipped with scissors.
Pros:
- The 500 GSM plush pile holds wash water and detailing spray well.
- The edgeless and tag free design leaves no hard edge against paint.
- The 70 and 30 blend is soft enough for paint, glass and trim.
Con: The plush pile is thick, so the towel takes longer to dry after washing than a thin towel.
Owner review themes in the sources we reviewed often mentioned a soft towel that felt safe on paint, a good size for hand washing, and a towel that stayed soft after washing. Some owners noted that the edgeless edge can fray a little with washing, and that the thick pile needs a full dry cycle.
Price: $18.00 maker listed, sale price, from The Rag Company maker page, checked 2026-11-06: https://theragcompany.com/products/eagle-edgeless-500
The Rag Company Liquid8r Microfiber Drying Towel
Best for drying a full car after a wash, when one towel must hold a lot of water.
The Liquid8r is a heavyweight twist loop drying towel with 1100 GSM, a 70 percent polyester and 30 percent polyamide blend, and a hemmed hidden edge. It is made in China. The maker describes it as a thick, plush towel that soaks up water fast, and it lists sizes of 16 by 16 inch in a 2 pack, 20 by 24 inch as a single, and 25 by 36 inch as a single. The 16 by 16 inch, 2 pack was listed at a sale price of $15.75, with a regular price of $21.00, on the maker page checked 2026-11-06. The maker notes that the long closed loop design can snag, and that a loose thread can be snipped with scissors.
Pros:
- The 1100 GSM twist loop pile absorbs a large amount of rinse water.
- The large towel covers a hood or roof in fewer passes.
- The hidden edge keeps a hard seam away from paint while drying.
Con: The heavy towel is bulky when wet, and the long loops can snag on rough trim.
Owner review themes in the sources we reviewed often mentioned fast drying, a towel that held a lot of water without dripping, and a soft feel on paint. Some owners noted that the towel is heavy when wet, and that it needs a careful wash to keep the loops soft.
Price: $15.75 maker listed, sale price, from The Rag Company maker page, checked 2026-11-06: https://theragcompany.com/products/the-liquid8r
Chemical Guys Workhorse Professional-Grade Microfiber Towel 3 Pack
Best for buyers who want a low price set for everyday washing.
The Workhorse 3 pack is a professional grade microfiber towel set from Chemical Guys, listed at $9.99 on the maker page. The towels are 16 inch size, and they are sold as a set of 3. The maker describes the towels as premium grade microfiber, and the set is listed for car wash, home cleaning and pet drying in the product name on retailer listings. The maker page showed sold out on the check date, so availability needs a fresh check before ordering. The low price makes the set a good choice for a daily driver, where towels get dirty fast and need frequent washing.
Pros:
- The 3 pack gives a clean towel for wash, rinse and final wipe.
- The maker price is low for a set of professional grade towels.
- The 16 inch size is easy to fold and hold while washing.
Con: The maker page showed sold out on the check date, so availability needs a fresh check.
Owner review themes in the sources we reviewed often mentioned a good value set, a soft towel for general washing, and a useful size for hand washing. Some owners noted that the towels are thinner than a premium plush towel, and that they work best when kept clean and free of grit.
Price: $9.99 maker listed, from the Chemical Guys maker page, checked 2026-11-06: https://www.chemicalguys.com/products/workhorse-professional-grade-microfiber-towel-3-pack?utm_content=Facebook_UA&utm_source=facebook&variant=46263666245937
Griot's Garage PFM Terry Weave Drying Towel
Best for buyers who want one large towel to dry a full car.
The PFM Terry Weave Drying Towel, model 55590, uses a 1120 GSM weight microfiber in a 70 percent polyester and 30 percent polyamide blend, with a long loop terry weave. It measures 25 by 35 inches, it is double sided, and the maker states that the long looped microfiber holds as much as 5 lb of water. The towel has rounded corners with bound in satin edging, which helps protect paint while drying. The maker describes the towel as a one towel, one vehicle drying towel, because the large size and high weight can dry a full car in one pass when used with a drying aid.
Pros:
- The 25 by 35 inch size dries a full car with fewer wrings.
- The long loop terry weave holds a large amount of water.
- The satin edged corners help protect paint while drying.
Con: The large, heavy towel is hard to wring out by hand when it is fully wet.
Owner review themes in the sources we reviewed often mentioned a towel that dried a full car fast, a thick feel that held water well, and a size that covered large panels. Some owners noted that the towel is heavy and hard to wring, and that it needs a large wash load to clean well.
Price: Not verified today. No maker USD price was found for this exact towel on a maker page checked 2026-11-06, so check current price before ordering.
Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels
Best for buyers who want a large, general purpose towel for wash and wax removal.
The Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels, model X2020, come as a 3 pack of 16 by 24 inch towels. The towels are dual sided and plush, with safety edging to help reduce scratching. The maker describes the towels as plush microfiber for producing swirl free, mirror like results, and for fast removal of compounds, polishes, waxes and detailers. The large size covers a panel in one pass, and the pack of 3 gives a clean towel for each stage of a wash and wax job. The towels are yellow, and they are listed for paint, glass, plastic and chrome in retailer listings.
Pros:
- The 16 by 24 inch size covers a large panel in one pass.
- The dual sided plush pile works for drying and for removing wax.
- The safety edging helps reduce the risk of scratching paint.
Con: The towel is large for small jobs, and it needs a full wash load to clean well after use.
Owner review themes in the sources we reviewed often mentioned a soft, plush towel, a good size for drying, and a useful towel for wax removal. Some owners noted that the towels are large to fold for small areas, and that they need a careful wash to stay soft.
Price: Not verified today. No maker USD price was found for this exact towel on a maker page checked 2026-11-06, so check current price before ordering.
Questions to ask before you buy
What GSM should I look for in a microfiber towel for washing a car?
A GSM of 300 to 500 is a good range for a general washing towel, because it is thick enough to hold water and dirt without being too heavy. A GSM of 500, such as the Eagle Edgeless 500, gives a plush towel that works well for washing, detailing sprays and wax removal. A GSM of 1100 or more, such as the Liquid8r or the Griot's PFM towel, is best for drying, because the thick pile holds a large amount of water. A thin towel under 300 GSM dries fast, but it holds less water and needs more passes. Choose a mid weight towel for washing, and a heavy towel for drying.
How many microfiber towels do I need to wash a daily driver?
Three clean towels are a good start for washing a daily driver, because one towel can be used for the wash, one for the rinse or drying, and one for the final wipe. A 3 pack, such as the Chemical Guys Workhorse set or the Meguiar's Supreme Shine set, covers that need in one purchase. A 4 pack, such as the Eagle Edgeless 500, gives a spare towel for glass or trim. Use a fresh towel when the first towel picks up grit, and do not use a towel that has fallen on the ground, because grit in the fibres can mark paint. Keep a separate set for wheels and door jambs, so brake dust and road grime do not reach the paint towels.
How do I wash microfiber towels so they stay soft?
Microfiber towels stay soft when they are washed in warm water with a mild detergent made for microfiber, or a plain liquid detergent with no fabric softener. Fabric softener coats the fibres and reduces absorbency, so it should not be used. Wash towels separately from cotton towels and from towels used on wheels, and do not use bleach. Dry the towels on a low heat setting, or air dry them, because high heat can melt the fibres and make them stiff. Wash towels after every use, because dirt left in the fibres can scratch paint on the next wash.
Should I use a different towel for washing and drying?
Yes, a different towel for washing and drying works better, because a washing towel needs to lift dirt, while a drying towel needs to hold water. A mid weight towel, such as the Eagle Edgeless 500, works well for washing and for removing wax, while a heavy twist loop towel, such as the Liquid8r, works well for drying. Using the same towel for both jobs can spread dirt from the wash onto a clean panel during drying. Keep the drying towel clean and dry between washes, and use a drying aid spray when the maker instructions suggest it, because it helps the towel glide over paint.
Can a microfiber towel scratch paint?
A clean microfiber towel should not scratch paint, because the fibres are soft and the towel lifts dirt away from the surface. A dirty towel can scratch paint, because grit trapped in the fibres acts like sandpaper. A towel with a hard edge or a tag can also mark paint, which is why edgeless towels are popular. To reduce the risk, rinse the car first to remove loose dirt, use a clean towel, fold the towel so a fresh face touches the paint, and do not press hard. If a towel drops on the ground, set it aside and use a clean one.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace microfiber towels?
Replace a towel when it feels stiff, sheds fibres, or leaves lint on glass after washing. With proper care, a quality towel can last for many washes, but a towel used on wheels or with grit should be replaced sooner.
Can I wash microfiber towels with regular laundry?
Yes, but wash them separately from cotton and from dirty shop towels, use a mild detergent, and do not use fabric softener or bleach. Dry on low heat or air dry.
What size towel is best for a daily driver?
A 16 by 16 inch towel is a good size for washing and detailing, because it is easy to fold and hold. A 16 by 24 inch or 25 by 35 inch towel is better for drying a full car, because it covers more area.
Do I need a special detergent for microfiber towels?
No, a mild liquid detergent works, but a detergent made for microfiber helps keep the fibres soft and absorbent. Avoid fabric softener, bleach and high heat.
Can I use the same towel on paint and glass?
Yes, a clean microfiber towel works on paint and glass, but keep a separate towel for glass if you want a streak free finish. Do not use a towel that was used on wheels or tires on paint or glass.
Sources
- The Rag Company maker page, Eagle Edgeless 500, $18.00 sale price, 500 GSM, edgeless: https://theragcompany.com/products/eagle-edgeless-500 - checked 2026-11-06
- The Rag Company maker page, Liquid8r Microfiber Drying Towel, $15.75 sale price, 1100 GSM: https://theragcompany.com/products/the-liquid8r - checked 2026-11-06
- Chemical Guys maker page, Workhorse Professional-Grade Microfiber Towel 3 Pack, $9.99: https://www.chemicalguys.com/products/workhorse-professional-grade-microfiber-towel-3-pack?utm_content=Facebook_UA&utm_source=facebook&variant=46263666245937 - checked 2026-11-06
- Griot's Garage PFM Terry Weave Drying Towel retailer listing, model 55590, 1120 GSM, 25 by 35 inch: https://www.autozone.com/p/griot-s-garage-terry-towel-55590/978921 - checked 2026-11-06
- Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel 3 pack retailer listing, model X2020, 16 by 24 inch: https://www.detailedimage.com/Meguiars-M43/Supreme-Shine-Microfiber-Towel-3-pack-P658/16-x-24-S1/ - checked 2026-11-06
- Griot's Garage PFM Terry Weave Drying Towel retailer listing, 1120 GSM, holds up to 5 lb of water: https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2498360-pfm-terry-weave-drying-towel/ - checked 2026-11-06
Motorlark Editorial Team
Motorlark Editorial Team
Motorlark Editorial Team
Motorlark reads car gear like a spec sheet: engine fit, output and amp ratings before marketing copy. Every pick names who it fits, lists the maker specs we found, shows a price tier, and links to Amazon for the current price. We update a page the moment a model is discontinued or replaced.