The GSM or grams per square meter of a cloth affects it in multiple ways. A cloth’s absorbency, softness, and weight all depend on its GSM. Understanding the impact of a cloth’s GSM on its cleaning ability can help protect your vehicle and ensure better results.
However, with such a wide variety of microfiber cloths available today, choosing the right one to clean your car can be a bit overwhelming. In fact, their different properties can leave you with more questions than answers. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what GSM means and which GSM microfiber cloth is best for car detailing.
What Does Higher GSM Mean for Microfiber Towels?
GSM (grams per square meter) refers to the density and thickness of a microfiber cloth. Since microfiber cloths are made of a polyester and fiber blend, a higher GSM means a higher number of fibers. This improves the cloth’s absorbency, allowing it to absorb water multiple times its weight.
Higher GSM cloths are usually softer and more plush as well. This is because there are more fibers packed into one meter of cloth. However, it’s important to note that higher GSM won’t necessarily mean higher quality. The quality of a microfiber cloth mostly depends on the type of weave and the yarn used.
Higher GSM also won’t equal higher durability. These factors mostly depend on the quality of the cloth itself. Higher quality cloths, like those created by Manywell, will last longer even at lower GSM values.
Cleaning Cases for Microfiber Cloth and Their GSM
It’s important to note that not all microfiber cloths are created equal. Each towel has a different GSM range that makes it suitable for specific tasks in car care. Here’s a table that details the right cloth for different car cleaning tasks and their GSM ranges:
| GSM Ranges and Car Tasks | ||
|---|---|---|
| GSM Range | Best Microfiber cloth for | Benefits |
| 200-300 GSM | Light dusting & interior | Great for dashboards & glass, gentle feel |
| 300-500 GSM | Washing & general cleaning | Balanced absorbency & durability |
| 500-700 GSM | Drying & detailing | Excellent water pickup, soft on paint |
| 700+ GSM | Ultra plush drying/polish | High absorbency & safety on delicate surfaces |
Proper Car Care Routine with a Microfiber Cloth
Each towel has its specific uses due to its GSM value. Whether you’re cleaning glass, wiping down interiors, or polishing paint, the right microfiber cloth can yield better results. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the different types and their specific use cases:
For Cleaning your Car’s Interior
300-400 GSM microfiber cloths are good for cleaning every square inch of your car. This is because they are light, easy to move around, and remove dust and dirt well from various surfaces.
Their flexible nature also makes them good for cleaning awkward-to-reach areas such as under and around your car seats or behind your door handles. The weave pattern also makes a difference. Coral fleece cleaning cloths, like those offered by Manywell, are perfect for all your interior surface cleaning needs.
For Drying your Car
When it comes to cloths for drying, medium GSM, or more accurately, 500-700 GSM, is the sweet spot. This comes from the fact that the absorbency of microfiber cloths depends on their weight. These cloths are super absorbent while not feeling bulky or a chore to use.
Their performance is also affected by weave patterns. For efficient water removal, it’s best to choose a high GSM Manywell waffle weave drying towel. They help in drying your car in the quickest way possible and ensure that no water spots or scratches appear on your car.
For a Spotless Finish
If you’re a professional detailer or somebody who likes to go the extra mile with your car, then microfiber cloths with 600-800+ GSM are the ones you want to use. These cloths have enough force to provide a spotless finish, but don’t leave any scratches.
For Cleaning Glass
It’s important to be delicate and tough when cleaning the glass surfaces on your cars. To achieve this, it’s best to have a microfiber cloth with a low GSM. Low GSM microfiber cloths put just enough force on the glass to ensure a streak-free surface finish.
Best Microfiber Towel Cleaning Tips
All these different cloths can cost a pretty penny, so it’s important to give them proper care. Luckily, there are a few cleaning tips you can follow to improve their durability:
- Use only cold or warm water when washing microfiber cloths. Remember that hand washing microfiber cloths is also the optimal way to clean them.
- Avoid hot water as it can damage the fibers.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can get stuck between the microscopic fibers. These solutions can damage and permanently impact the cleaning ability of the cloth.
- You can use mild detergent, but it should be scent and dye-free. Avoid dryer sheets as their residue can clog the fibers.
- Try to wash microfiber towels separately so they don’t pick up lint from other products. This prevents streaking when cleaning your car.
- Air-dry microfiber cloths to keep the fibers intact for as long as possible. You can also tumble dry them on low heat.
- Store your microfiber cloth by folding it twice into a square. For a long-term storage solution, fold them in half before rolling them up tightly.
- If you own multiple microfiber cloths, color-code them according to their GSM and their specific tasks. This will keep them organized and avoid cross-contamination.
- Make sure to store your microfiber cloths in a dry and moisture-free area. Don’t put them in bathrooms to avoid mold and mildew growth.
FAQs
Can I use low GSM cloth for drying?
You can use a low GSM cloth for drying, but you won’t have the same success as with a high GSM microfiber towel. These cloths are not made for drying entire cars, but more for smaller areas.
This means that you won’t be able to dry the car without wringing out the towel. The low GSM count also means that they’re not plush enough to avoid scratches.
Is higher GSM always better?
Higher GSM is not a symbol of quality but a measurement of grams per square meter. This mostly tells you about the weight of a microfiber cloth. However, GSM does still affect the absorbency and softness of microfiber cleaning products.
Higher GSM cloths are usually able to absorb more water. They’re also softer due to the higher number of fibers. The quality of these cloths mostly depends on the yarn and the types of weaves used. Low GSM but high-quality cloths can and will outperform poor-quality microfiber cloths.
How many microfiber cloths should I own for cars?
Ideally, you’d want around 12 microfiber cleaning cloths for a full detail. These are split up into different types of weaves and different GSMs for your specific cleaning tasks:
- It’s best to have 3-4 200-300 GSM microfiber cloths for the interior. This is so you can clean your car in one go while removing dirt, dust, and bacteria.
- 300-500 GSM microfiber cloths are perfect for washing the exterior of your car without worrying about any scratches. To ensure you don’t have to reuse a dirty cloth, you’d want 3-4 of these as well.
- 500-700 GSM microfiber towels are ideal for drying. They cover a large surface area, which makes them effective cleaning products. Their close-knit fibers also don’t shed easily, so lint scratches are minimal or nonexistent.
- Polishing and buffing require more grit for removing wax. 600-800 GSM cloths boast a cleaning power that’s enough to clean your car without damaging your car’s paint or your car’s finish.
- The most delicate task is cleaning the mirrors of your car. To ensure scratch free windows, you should use a low GSM cloth. These are best for light cleaning tasks. Just remember to wash them all separately to avoid lint.
Key Factors to Remember
There are numerous benefits to using the right towel for the right task. To maximize your cloths lifespan, you should use the right microfiber cloth for the proper car surface. 300-400 GSM are the best car wash cloths, while 500-700 GSM are ideal for drying. Use a 600-800 GSM towel for polishing. And lastly, use a lower GSM cloth for glass surfaces for a streak-free finish.
Find the Right Microfiber Cloth for Your Car at Manywell!
We are one of the leading manufacturers of cleaning supplies in the world. Manywell specializes in high-quality microfiber cloths and other cleaning products, such as mops, mop accessories, and sponges and mitts.
All products boast a satisfaction guarantee and are even completely customizable. Get a free quote by contacting us today!
