Accessories

Can a microfiber cloth scratch your car?

A microfiber cloth does not prevent scratches on its own. Scratches happen when a dirty or saturated cloth is wiped across unwashed paintwork, dragging grit across the surface. Always rinse the surface first, and use a fresh cloth for each section of the car.

Used correctly, microfiber is safe for standard paint, matte paint, ceramic coatings, and piano-black trim, provided the surface is pre-rinsed, the cloth is clean, and you apply light pressure. For infotainment screens and soft-touch interior plastics, a clean, soft microfiber cloth is the right choice; hard brushes or rough fabrics are not suitable for those surfaces.

Microfiber does not fix existing scratches or protect paint by itself. It simply helps you clean more safely.

For everyday cleaning of paint and interior surfaces, the Velorest Daily Microfiber Cloth is the general-purpose choice.

Do:

• Use a clean cloth for each section of the car.
• Rinse loose dirt off the surface before wiping.
• Use soft microfiber on matte paint, piano-black trim, and infotainment screens.
• Match the cloth to the right cleaner: glass cleaner on glass, interior cleaner inside.

Don't:

• Wipe dry dust or sand off paint with any cloth.
• Reuse a dirty cloth on sensitive surfaces.
• Use hard brushes or rough fabrics on screens or piano-black trim.
• Expect microfiber to remove existing scratches or repair coating damage.

Which accessory do you need for which surface?

Each surface and task calls for a specific tool. Using the wrong one, or skipping a rinse, is where most avoidable damage happens.

One rule applies to all of the options below: drying towels and brushes must only be used on washed or thoroughly rinsed surfaces. Drying a car that has not been rinsed first drags loose grit across the paint. Do not use the same cloth on painted bodywork and glass in the same session; a cloth used on paint carries wax residue and product that will cause streaks on glass.

• Washing bodywork, wheels, tyres, and bike parts with shampoo on a pre-rinsed surface: Velorest Soft Washing Brush. Suitable for car exteriors, wheels, tyres, and bicycle components. Only use it wet, on a surface that has already been rinsed. Never use a brush dry or on a surface with loose grit; bristles will drag particles across the finish.

• Drying large exterior panels (roof, bonnet, doors) after washing: a car drying towel with high water absorption. For larger cars, or if you want to cover more area per pass, the Velorest Premium Drying Towel XXL | 1100 GSM | 90x70cm holds significantly more water per pass. A smaller XL towel works for compact cars or if you prefer a more manageable size.

• Cleaning or drying glass without streaks or lint: Velorest Glass Towel. The waffle structure lifts moisture from glass without leaving lint or fine fibers behind. A regular microfiber cloth can leave traces on glass, particularly when used with glass cleaner, which is why a glass-specific towel gives more reliable results on windscreens and windows.

• General interior wiping (dashboard, plastics, trim) and light exterior tasks: a microfiber cloth. Keep separate cloths for glass and for paint or interior surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

What does GSM mean, and does it matter?

GSM stands for grams per square metre and describes how much fiber is packed into the cloth. A higher GSM means the cloth is thicker, absorbs more water per pass, and traps dirt particles further from the surface. GSM does not make a cloth universally better; it determines which task the cloth is suited for.

Higher GSM helps with faster, safer drying because the towel holds more water and keeps trapped dirt away from the paint surface. It does not compensate for skipping a rinse or using too much pressure.

How to wash and care for microfiber cloths

1. Sort your cloths by use before washing: keep glass cloths, paint cloths, and interior cloths separate. Wash them separately from regular laundry so they do not pick up lint from cotton towels or fleece.
2. Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener coats the fibers and reduces their ability to absorb water and trap dirt.
3. Use a gentle spin cycle and let the cloths dry hanging or in a low-heat dryer if the care label allows. High heat can damage the fiber structure.
4. Check the cloths after washing. If they feel stiff, lose absorption, or stay dirty-looking, move them to rough tasks or replace them.

Not recommended:

• Fabric softener or dryer sheets.
• Washing microfiber with cotton towels, fleece, or other lint-heavy fabrics.
• High temperatures or aggressive detergents.
• Continuing to use cloths that are visibly worn or stiff on sensitive paint or glass.

Microfiber cloths and towels do wear out over time. How many wash cycles they last depends on how heavily and how often you use them.

When accessories are not enough

Cloths, towels, and brushes help you apply and remove cleaning products more safely, and reduce the risk of adding micro-scratches or streaks. They do not repair existing scratches, remove etching from bird droppings or tree sap, fix dull or oxidised paint, or undo damage from previous poor washing technique. If you see visible paint damage, deep scratches, coating failure, or glass defects, a detailer or body shop is the right next step. For more detailed guidance on washing technique, care for matte paint or ceramic coatings, and bike-specific cleaning, the Knowledge Center has dedicated guides.

If you are choosing between the XL and XXL drying towel and are unsure which size suits your car, the product pages include dimensions and absorption details. If you have a question about compatibility with a specific surface or coating, our customer service team can help you decide before you buy.