Why are high-quality towels made of microfiber?
First, it is important to mention why microfiber is so different from other materials when drying a car. You may remember traditional cotton towels and chamois leathers, which were widely used in the past to dry cars and often contributed to unsightly holograms and scratches on the paintwork. In contrast, modern microfiber towels are very gentle on the delicate paintwork of a car and, above all, incredibly absorbent. Microfibers are made of synthetic materials such as polyester and polyamide, divided into thousands of tiny fibers. This composition gives the towels several advantages:- Excellent absorbency: microfiber can absorb large amounts of water, allowing for quick and effective drying of the paint without leaving marks.
- Gentle on surfaces: thanks to its fine structure, microfiber is very gentle on paintwork, reducing the risk of scratches.
- Durability and long life: microfiber is very durable, does not pill, and can withstand many washes without losing its properties.
- Effective dirt capture: microfiber can effectively capture small dirt particles, which helps keep the car's surface clean and shiny.
The holy grail of microfibers – the ideal ratio of polyester and polyamide
Not all microfibers are the same, so it's no surprise that drying towels are not uniform in their composition either. You will often see labels such as 70:30 or 80:20, which indicate the ratio of polyester to polyamide in the microfiber. It is this ratio that affects not only the durability but also the absorbency and softness of the microfiber. Polyester forms the basis of most microfibers and gives them their typical structure and durability. However, polyester alone does not have all the properties necessary for optimal water absorption. This is where polyamide, which you may know better as nylon, comes in. It significantly increases the towel's ability to absorb water, creating a synergistic whole that gives microfiber towels their typical properties. The split microfiber construction further enhances the important properties of polyester and polyamide, resulting in excellent drying performance. In addition to absorbency, polyamide also contributes to the softness and luxurious feel of a quality microfiber towel. It also helps to create a more flexible and softer fabric compared to pure polyester microfiber, which is very important when in contact with delicate car paint.The magic ratio of polyester to polyamide is 70:30, which ensures optimal microfiber properties for drying vehicles. We recommend always following this rule and generally working with microfiber towels and cloths made in South Korea, which is a world leader in microfiber quality.
Different types of microfiber towels
Microfiber towels differ not only in their composition ratio, but also in the types of microfibers and their structure. This primarily affects the absorbency of the towels, their ability to retain water, and other important properties. Different types of microfibers also have a significant impact on the price of the towel. Below, we will examine different types of towels and evaluate their main properties. We will start with basic towels, which are attractive not only for their capabilities but also for their low price.1) Waffle microfiber towels
Basic microfiber towels include those with a "waffle" texture, which is easily recognizable by its distinctive square pattern resembling waffles. These towels have average absorbency, which is usually compensated for by their larger size. However, they are an excellent choice for drying glass without streaks. Other advantages include virtually no lint, quick drying, and affordable price.Main features:
- Good absorbency: the raised squares create deep pockets that quickly soak up water.
- Fast drying: the waffle pattern ensures good airflow, which helps speed up drying.
- Minimal softness: generally less plush than other types, but offer a good balance between absorbency, control, and price.
- For initial drying: optimal for initial drying to remove most of the standing water.
- Glass and windows: the waffle pattern is suitable for streak-free glass drying and is often found on glass cloths.
- Versatile use: you can use these towels on virtually the entire car, where they will perform well.
- ADBL Goofer Towel - basic towel designed primarily for drying glass, dimensions 35 x 35 cm and weight 500 g/m².
- Purestar Waffle Glass Towel - medium-sized towel for drying glass and small parts. Dimensions 40x60cm and weight 300 g/m².
- Gyeon Q2M WaffleDryer EVO - large waffle drying towel, dimensions 60 x 80 cm, weight 390 g/m².
2) Microfiber "terry" towels
Drying towels of this type are very similar to the traditional cotton terry towels we all know from home. The difference is that they are made of microfiber, which gives them interesting properties. Compared to terry towels, they are primarily more absorbent, and this ability increases with higher weight. And as we explained above, microfiber is also significantly more durable. Nevertheless, these types of towels perform slightly worse after frequent washing, and those of lower quality sometimes shed fibers. Of all types of microfiber drying towels, these are the softest and most plush. However, as microfiber technology has now been surpassed, you will achieve the best results with the types of towels listed below. Main features:
- Good absorbency: these towels offer a medium level of absorbency, with slightly above-average absorbency in more expensive versions with a higher weight.
- Versatility and durability: the weave has a firm structure, making these towels durable even with repeated use.
- More affordable: these are often in a more affordable price range, especially for lower weights.
- For everyday drying: a good universal choice for regular car drying with very good results.
- For detailed interior cleaning: this type of microfiber is ideal for cleaning interiors due to its extreme softness.
- For those who want to save money: they provide significantly better results than "waffle" towels without a significant increase in cost.
Ewocar Microfiber Drying Towel - economical medium-sized drying towel, dimensions 40 x 60 cm and weight 800 g/m².
Gyeon Q2M SoftDryer EVO - a soft drying towel with larger dimensions, very good absorbency, and a great price. Dimensions 60 x 80 cm, weight 600 g/m².
Work Stuff Beast Drying Towel - medium size, high weight, and absorbency for medium-sized cars. Dimensions 50 x 70 cm and weight 1100 g/m².
Purestar Supreme Drying Towel - extra soft plush towel, borderless design, very high absorbency, dimensions 40 x 80 cm, weight 1200 g/m².
Carbon Collective Ultra Plush Drying Towel - simply the best you can buy in this category. Dimensions 50 x 80 cm, weight 1200 g/m².
