The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Chamois vs. Microfiber Towel for Your Car

Written on the 31 May 2023

At BumperTech, we know that keeping your car looking clean and shiny is a priority. It&'s not just about aesthetics - it's also necessary to keep dirt, dust, and other debris from building up on the paintwork of your vehicle. That's why we have put together this ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision on which type of towel - chamois or microfiber - is the best choice for your car.

When it comes to washing and drying your car, two types of towels are often used: a chamois and a microfiber cloth. Each has its own advantages, so let's take a closer look at the differences.

A chamois is a leather-like cloth that absorbs water like a sponge, making it great for drying your car quickly and efficiently. However, because of its natural material, a chamois must be treated with special care and cannot be machine washed.

A microfiber cloth, on the other hand, is an artificial fibre that is lightweight and thin yet highly durable. Its fibres are designed to attract and trap dust particles, making it perfect for wiping down surfaces such as the dashboard or interior trim. Microfiber towels are also machine washable, so you don't have to worry about special care and maintenance.

What are the differences between a chamois and microfiber towel?

Chamois Pros:

  • Absorbs water quickly and efficiently.
  • Soft and gentle on paintwork

Chamois Cons:

  • Requires special care and cannot be machine washed.
  • More expensive than microfiber towels

Microfiber Pros: 

  • Lightweight and thin yet highly durable
  • Attracts and traps dust particles.
  • Machine washable
  • More affordable than chamois towels

Microfiber Cons: 

  • Does not absorb water quickly, making it better for wiping down surfaces than drying your car.
  • Can scratch delicate paint finishes if not handled properly.

How to care for and maintain both types of towels

Chamois: For best results, you should use a chamois damp – not wet – with just a small amount of water added. When finished using it, you should rinse it out in clean water and then dry it with a soft cloth.

Microfiber: Microfiber towels can be machine washed, but they should be washed separately from other materials to prevent lint. Make sure to also wash them using the recommended detergent or soap and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach as these can damage the microfiber fibres.

Finding the right size, type, colour etc., for your needs.

Chamois: When choosing a chamois towel, look for one that is made from natural sheepskin, as this is the best quality material in terms of absorbency and softness. The right size will depend on the type of car you have – smaller cars may require a smaller chamois while larger vehicles need a larger one.

Microfiber: Generally, microfiber towels come in a range of sizes and colours, so you should be able to find one that fits your car perfectly. The most important thing is to make sure that the towel is made from 100% microfiber material and has a high GSM (grams per square meter) rating – the higher the GSM rating, the better-quality microfiber it will have.

Ultimately, which type of towel you choose – chamois or microfiber – depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a quick way to dry your car, then a chamois is the best choice. However, if you want something more durable and machine washable, then a microfiber cloth is the way to go.