The cloth you use matters as much as the shampoo. A rough cloth leaves swirl marks, while good car microfiber cloths do not. In this guide you learn a safe method. First, we list what you need. Then we go step by step.

Car microfiber cloths – JuteiQue 500 GSM microfiber

What you need to wash your car

  • 2 to 3 microfiber cloths, ideally 500 GSM
  • Two buckets, one soapy and one plain
  • Mild car shampoo

Rinse first, then wash gently

Rinse the car with plain water to remove loose dust. Never wipe a dusty car dry. Then dip the cloth in the soapy bucket and wipe in straight lines from the roof to the wheels. Also, rinse the cloth often in the plain bucket.

Dry with clean car microfiber cloths

Use a fresh, dry cloth for drying. Blot or glide it across the surface. Do not rub hard. As a result, you avoid swirl marks, and the paint stays glossy. Use a separate cloth for windows to prevent streaks.

Care for your microfiber cloths

Wash microfiber separately with mild detergent and no fabric softener. Then air dry it. However, keep car cloths away from kitchen and floor cloths, because grease and grit can scratch paint later.

How many car microfiber cloths do you need?

Three cloths cover most cars. One washes, one dries and one polishes glass. In addition, bike owners can use a smaller cloth for chrome parts.

See our microfiber cloths and read about microfibre on Wikipedia.

Extra tips for a better finish

Wash your car in the shade, because sun dries soap too fast. Also, work on one panel at a time, so the soap does not dry on the paint. Then dry each panel at once. Finally, shake out the cloth often, since trapped grit can scratch. With these habits, your paint stays bright for years.

In short, a gentle cloth, clean water and a patient hand protect your paint. Also, replace any cloth that has picked up hard grit. Then wash and dry the new one carefully. As a result, your car shines after every wash.