Microfibres are all over detailing stores! There are thick ones, thin ones, single ones, double layered ones.. the list is endless. So how do you know what one you need, and what they are all for?! We are here to help you in this handy blog, so that you know exactly what you need for which part of your detailing session.
Firstly it's best that we explain the term GSM as this will be seen anywhere there is a picture of a microfibre! GSM simply means gram per square metre in which this refers to the density of the cloth. The higher the GSM, usually means the softer the cloth, so a high GSM cloth is better for absorbing liquids (like a drying towel).
Let's go into the types of microfibres that we use at BecauseRacecarBox in more detail!
These microfibres are general purpose cloths that are an essential part of any detailing kit. They are for things like all-purpose-cleaners, cleaning engine bays, giving the interior a scrub etc. These are usually the cheaper microfibres and on average around 300-400GSM.
Waffle cloths are usually associated with glass. They help with leaving a streak-free finish which is absolutely essential to the purpose of a glass cleaner. You can use these cloths on the inside or the outside of the car. Waffle cloths also look similar to Fishscale cloths which are designed for the same purpose!
Buffing Cloth
The buffing cloth is a slightly more premium microfibre which is softer, often edgeless and has a higher GSM. An edgeless buffing cloth is great as it reduces the chance of any scratches to the car or snags to the cloth (although this is unlikely with most cloths). Buffing cloths are great for applying dressings and quick detailers and product a really smooth finish where they glide easily across the bodywork. 500GSM is a really good place to be hitting with one of these!
Drying towels come in a variety of sizes and thickness. There is the smaller compact towels that will hold a surprising amount of liquid and actually dry a whole car (unless you have a lorry then you might need to up-size)! Then there are the larger drying towels like the ultimate, which will hold more water and will take slightly less time. These style towels are usually dual layered and double looped for the most absorbency.
Next up we have the single layered drying towels. These are fibres only on the one side but are huge! They cover most of the bonnet on an average car and with one drag they have dried it!
Finally there is a hybrid towel. These are a luxury, dual layered and edgeless drying towel made from alternating stripes of twist loop and ultra plush microfibre. Comprising of a combination between a super absorbent micro twist pile and an ultra plush microfibre, they ensure a huge amount of water can be retained with no streaks or smears, each time you use it.
That is microfibre 101 completed! Remember the GSM usually helps in telling you what the cloth is for, and of course never be afraid to ask! Another tip - always use a clean microfibre for each stage of your detailing so you don't add dirt back to the surfaces! For advice on cleaning your microfibres check product descriptions or ask the supplier!
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