Not all microfiber cloths are created equal. If you've ever wiped down your car with a cheap cloth and ended up with swirl marks, lint, or a streaky finish. The problem wasn't your technique. It was your towel.
At Shineworks, we believe the tools you use matter as much as the products you apply. That's why we engineered our microfiber range around one non negotiable standard: premium GSM construction that protects your paint and delivers a flawless result every time.
What Is GSM — and Why Should You Care?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's the measure of how dense and thick a microfiber cloth is. The higher the GSM, the more fibres packed into each square centimetre — and the more absorbent, soft, and effective the cloth.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Under 300 GSM — Thin, low-quality cloths. Fine for dusting furniture, not your paintwork.
- 300–400 GSM — General purpose. Good for interior wipe-downs and glass.
- 600–800 GSM — Detailing grade. Suitable for applying and removing products.
- 1000 GSM+ — Professional drying towels. Maximum absorption, zero scratching.
Cheap cloths skip the fibre density. That's what causes swirl marks, low density fibres dragging microscopic dirt particles across your clear coat.
Twist Loop vs. Flat Weave: What's the Difference?
GSM is only half the story. The weave construction determines how the cloth interacts with your paint surface.
Flat weave cloths sit flush against the surface great for glass and smooth interior panels where you want direct contact and streak free results.
Twist loop construction lifts the fibres into a looped pile, similar to a plush carpet. This does two things: it increases the surface area for absorption, and it lifts dirt away from the paint rather than dragging it across. For drying and buffing, twist loop is the professional's choice.
Our Shineworks drying towels use twist loop construction at 1000 GSM and 1200 GSM engineered specifically for safe, scratch free contact with all paint types including ceramic coated finishes.
The Shineworks Microfiber Range
We built our microfiber range to cover every stage of a proper detail:
Large Car Drying Towel — 1000 GSM | Twist Loop | 130cm x 75cm
Massive coverage for drying a full vehicle in one pass. The oversized format means less dragging, less risk, and a faster dry time.
Small Detailing Towel — 1200 GSM | Twist Loop | 30cm x 30cm
Our densest cloth. Designed for applying and removing coatings, waxes, and sealants with precision. The high GSM ensures product is lifted cleanly without residue.
Premium Microfibre Cloths — 350 GSM | 30cm x 30cm (5-Pack)
The everyday workhorse. Perfect for interior surfaces, glass, trim, and quick exterior touch ups. Soft enough for daily use, durable enough to last hundreds of washes. Also Perfect of the home and office.
How to Care for Your Microfiber Cloths
Premium microfiber is an investment, treat it right and it'll last for years.
- Wash separately from other laundry (cotton lint will clog the fibres)
- Use a dedicated microfiber detergent or a small amount of plain liquid detergent
- Wash at 40°C or below — high heat damages the fibres
- Never use fabric softener — it coats the fibres and kills absorbency
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat only
The Bottom Line
If you're serious about your car's finish, your microfiber cloths deserve the same attention as your coatings and polishes. The wrong cloth undoes everything else you've done.
Shineworks microfiber is built to the standard that professional detailers demand high GSM, twist loop construction, and safe on all paint types including ceramic coated surfaces.
Stop settling for cloths that scratch. Upgrade your detail kit.