Best Towels for CAR DETAILING | Kirkland Microfiber Towels BEST VALUE!

Costco Microfiber Towels... Should you use them when detailing your car? Now although there are a few drawbacks, I think these are some of the best value towels available for your. car detailing needs. Now if you dive deep in to the online car detailing forums rabbit hole, you will find many purists that strongly recommend against the use of these... And to be honest Im really not sure why. I understand they have a few negatives which I cover in the video, but for the majority of tasks, these things are perfect and you can't beat the price... ENJOY!!!
How to clean your car windows - • Best Way to get STREAK...
See the items I use and join the mailing list at: DTLRsupply.com
Costco Kirkland Microfiber Towels on Amazon (0.80 per towel)
amzn.to/3j7sV41
300GSM Edgeless on my site:
Red - dtlrsupply.com/products/300-g...
Blue - dtlrsupply.com/products/300-g...
Grey - dtlrsupply.com/products/300-g...
200GSM Edgeless Black Towels (My choice for windows)
dtlrsupply.com/products/200-g...
The Rag Company 300gsm edgeless - amzn.to/3Ly3HrK
The Rag Company 365gsm edgeless - amzn.to/3LEzcjY
The Rag Company 300gsm Serged Edge - amzn.to/3iZwIAr
AutoFiber MicroFiber Towels - amzn.to/3LA58Gg
Drying Towels:
The Rag Company Liquid8or (Twist Loop) - amzn.to/3qL0dKZ
Griots Garage Twist Loop Towel (Twist Loop) - amzn.to/3rDgPUe
Maxshine Purple Twist Loop (Twist Loop) - amzn.to/3FP30Hr
The Rag Company Gauntlet (Plush Twist Loop Combo) - amzn.to/358FUPr
**These are affiliate links to the products. We make a small commission on anything purchased from our links.
TIME CODES:
0:00 - Best Towels for Car Detailing
0:15 - Costco Microfiber Towels (Kirkland)
0:59 - Types of Microfiber Towels
2:21 - Kirkland Microfiber Towel Features
3:10 - Kirkland compared to the big name brands
6:57 - Negatives of the Costco Car Detailing Towels
11:05 - Positives of Kirkland Microfiber Towels
12:46 - The Towels I Use in my business
15:01 - Final Thoughts
#BestTowelsForCarDetailing #Costco #MicroFiber #CarDetailing #Kirkland
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).

[@datguy4104]

I'd bet money that anyone freaking out about using these on paint couldn't point out a single scratch or swirl after using them for a year. It's just people taking the "every time you touch the paint you're scratching it" and way over dramatizing it. Yeah, you're technically doing something to the paint's surface on some microscopic level, but can we stop acting like we're dealing with some precious material that disintegrates if you look at it wrong? It's clear coat. It's hard stuff. Even soft clear is still hard. It's literally there to protect the paint. Unless you're using something like a terrycloth towel or something you have nothing to worry about.

[@ln4393]

Josh, your videos are wonderfully informative and I have learned so much from you. I am not a professional and just want to learn how to take the best care of my car. Passing on your knowledge to all of us has been VERY helpful and I'd like to thank you for taking the time.

[@David-Godin]

Your videos are getting better and better. I loved that you gave the verdict up front. I only use the Kirkland, Member's Mark and Viking for a plush drying towel but 90% of the time it's Kirkland. Keep up the good work

[@DeeJayDoesPhotos]

Ive been stuck watching your videos for the past 2 weeks. I just want to say thank you! I normally deeply research anything i buy, and your videos have been my go to

[@MrGregpayne99]

Another great video. Ive been using these for years, no issues. Great to hear a professional detailed saying the same thing. Keep up the great video making man.

[@etmobiledetailing6058]

You’re GOATed! Love that you give the verdict up front. I still watch the whole video because your reviews are phenomenal. Keep coming with the awesome content!!

[@imjoshv]

Thanks! Yea I try to put myself in the position of the viewer and sometimes you just need the answer haha

[@ztar837]

Great video as usual, thank you! I have a pack of these in my garage that I bought on sale for $13.99. I was not sure if I was going to use them on cars or not. You just answered my question. 👍

[@themartinikid20]

i bought these towels from Costco around 15 years ago. still have some that are brand new. they work great! never scratched any of my surfaces. just have to dampen them a little before you wipe. thanks J you’re spot on as usual! 👍

[@dtna]

Me too. When they get worn, I use them on wheels, then toss them.

[@themartinikid20]

@@dtna exactly!

[@pedrogriffin1934]

@@dtna same exact here

[@mykolashatkovskyi576]

Great video, as usual. Nice bottles rack on the background - need to DIY myself smth similar.

[@davestewart9146]

I almost picked these up the other day, these would be great for what I need, thanks Josh 👍😁

[@big-redsdetailingcliffords2379]

Present brother. Another informative video 💪🏼

[@CaliforniaCasey]

congratulations on breaking 40k subs IMJOSHV! The Kirkland Towels are incredible for their price. Nice size pack for use on vehicles and my wife steals part of the pack for household use! They wash and last longer than expected for the price.

[@imjoshv]

Thanks Casey!

[@williampinchbeck4321]

Great video as always!! I appreciate your hard work!!

[@imjoshv]

Thanks William!

[@Sebasr151]

Subscribed 🙂 Thanks for the info!

[@ddautodetailing]

I use these as well. They work really well and I'll grab a couple packs when they're on sale!

[@JFomo]

The Kirkland towels are great. I use them around the house and kitchen. I've had my bag for years. We don't get the sticker or massive tag here in Australia. I will say the towels may very very very slightly swirl your paint. But great around the house. A bag will last you for years!!!

[@nopiatl]

Great video I've been using his Kirkland towels for a long time I remember when I thought they were completely different because the packaging changed and I think the towels that they first had out or a lot better quality but they still work and my business I use tons of them I'm finally starting to weed out my old towels by washing them and just giving them away to people for old rags

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

One thing I do is recycle them for cleaning inside the house or for some mechanical repairs are awesome too. One of my friends who is a mechanic i have always given them to him and in exchange he has helped me out whenever I have had issues with my car for free and I wasn't expecting it. Well, some people are really appreciative.

[@rudychavez7934]

Always use this towel for my classic cars love the product can't beat the price You will always have Haters with negative opinions they probably never used the product FYI it you don't like the product after you use it Take it back to COSTCO for 100%money back

[@rudychavez7934]

I use the old towels for cleaning the undercarriage, engine bayetc.

[@RentableSocks]

man I have been buying SO many towels lately. The last time I washed my car (maintenance wash) I used exactly 1 towel. The "Sucker" towel. It's insane. I used to use three separate drying towels, having to wring them out constantly to prevent streaking. This towel dried my entire car (435i) and half of a 328i before it even started to leave a tiny bit of water behind. rinse, wash with mitt, rinse, dry with sucker (and the turtle wax wet wax). That's it.

[@Kenchinito2207]

I feel like most naysayers of these towels are the kind of people that think that being cheap equals bad. Which in most cases, it is. But the hidden between the crap, there are gems to be found and these towels are a testament to that.

[@johnbrewer171]

I really liked the older version with the smaller tag on them from about a year or 16 months ago. I bought a new pack hated the tags went back to the store and bought the last 3 packs of old stock that I still have two unopened packs of! Love them! Another great video, keep up the content.

[@Jeeper1378]

Quality changes depending on the batch. Ive had great large tag towels and crappy towels with the large tag.

[@whiteglovedetailing1]

Had gotten a pack 2 weeks ago before this video. Personally have been happy with them. They wipe well on many surfaces. This video did help me out to assure me it was a good buy. Will get some more next time.

[@1powerequalsgod]

I hear you on the bulky tags that’s sewed into these microfiber towels but with some extra time and due diligence with some tweezers per say the tag can be removed from stitched sidewall. I pulled them all out of two fresh bags so it’s problem solvable. Plus, it’s smart to properly clean these towels with a microfiber specific cleaner a few times an give a manual rinsing with water in the sink an dried in a dryer on low heat. For myself, I’m fearing scratches the most on soft dark paints the most so this is mainly about taking precautions. For the most part, these microfibers are some of the safest and economical to use.

[@migmogg8087]

Dope vid ,saludos desde Chicago

[@erikalvarado1432]

The interior towels that I have been using since I started about a year and a half ago are the AMMO NYC red towels, very great quality!!

[@williamclick9771]

Josh, I use the Platinum Series from Walmart. Platinum has different type towels. There all microfiber. Different thicknesses. These towels also have a sewn edge. As a beginner detailer this is what I bought at Walmart. The car I'm learning on is my own car a 2000 Toyota Camry LE. The Camry was given to me by my cousin it was his father's Camry. I'm very much a Meguiar's fan. But just lately I bought a product from Chemical Guys. It was to clean my engine bay. It worked. But as far as the microfiber towels I'll stay with Platinum Series from Walmart. Peace.

[@adrianmonk68]

I use them and love them!

[@wilsonquinonez5995]

thanks for the info Josh!!

[@imjoshv]

You bet!!

[@JoseVera20]

They’re definitely the most popular car towel on the market overall mainly because of the average diy car enthusiast and dads across America using them for cleaning their own cars. I’ve seen these in so many peoples garages when I’m on location doing detailing jobs! I use them too 👍

[@imjoshv]

Agreed! The price and ease to get is very hard to beat

[@jandelahoussaye9834]

Which ones?

[@elvispjetrovic]

Amazing video ! Sounds crazy but before I use these I cut every edge off every towel to get my own edge-less and wash them in warm water to get all the lint off. Been using these for about ten years now no complaints best part is I never have to reuse them. Just downgrade them to a wheels and tire or engine bay towel. Highly recommended. !

[@kiking9260]

How u cut them bro?

[@elvispjetrovic]

@@kiking9260 sharpest razor blade I could find.

[@nathanmendez3878]

Great video! Do a video on how to wash your microfiber towels.

[@RedTheDeadMusic]

I like these towels. I've been using them for years now.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

I use them too, it's just a matter of inspecting them thoroughly and are superb for doing interiors or wheels and tires. Depending on clear painted vehicles no problem using them too and depending on dark colored vehicles, if they are soft clear coat then I don't use them.😄 Phil Miranda Detailing also uses them and like us is just a matter of inspecting them because of the bulk manufacturing.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@juan muza Wepa otro boricua 👋👍🇵🇷

[@TransformationDetail]

Ah! Your the reason I can't find them at Costco lol. I personally love these towels. I start off using them for windows then in the same job I'll use that same towel for interior work. These are also my throw away towels for general work. I'll typically throw these out after one use or if I do happen to wash them, they get used around the house. Amazon has been my go to spot to pick these up now. I think a 2 pack is $26

[@richsmith3120]

They're good for interiors and I like the HD HDX yellow towels for interiors.

[@dannygasca6898]

Awesome channel! Always great info on your review. 👍 Love your setup in your shop. Where did you get those bottle holders on the wall?

[@josephonofrio7243]

I think from Maxshine

[@dannygasca6898]

@@josephonofrio7243 cool! I'll check it out. Thanks!🤜

[@HantsLeo]

They're OK if you get the thicker ones, but they do seem thin these days. Good and informative video, thankyou.

[@dtna]

I buy the light blue waffle weave towels from The Rag Company for glass. Works well.

[@TheGameBoy56]

I love these I bough the once’s from Sam’s club I hated them they streak like crazy These are great

[@Brockthedog315]

These work great for me. I also wash them Frequently so I don’t need to buy new ones for quite awhile

[@xwave2]

You sir are underrated.

[@jezlucas3878]

Iam a hobbyist, Kirkland seem to be perfectly good for what I need. Nice to know you think they are OK

[@ryankozak99]

Kirkland GSM is 362 g/m² (calculation below) Bought in Canada April 2024. Identical packaging. No tags on rags. 59.75g ÷ 40.6cm ÷ 40.6cm x 100cm x 100cm = 362.48g/m² Towel=59.75g (average of 2: 59.5, 60.0) Actual size=38.5 to 39cm in each dimension, but used rated 40.6cm because this accounts for hemmed edge)

[@callmefrog76]

Just picked up a pack last night. Love them they get the job done just make sure to take the tags off. Great bang for the buck

[@imjoshv]

Awesome! Yea the larger tag is real actively new. They use to have smaller tag. But you’d have to remove those too so the size doesn’t really matter!

[@kodai_fa5]

@@imjoshv I disagree. The new larger Costco tag is MUCH worse. The old small tags tore off wayyy easier with hardly any damage to the towel edge. These new larger tags pull on the sewn stitching A LOT more and thus damage the towel edge worse than before. Super annoying! I wish Costco would stop with this nonsense. Idk why they changed it. Surely many people have complained about those pesky tags!

[@iconz116]

Great video, I love the honesty... Would you say its safe to use these through the winter for rinseless washes? Plan to go to coin pressure washer station to do a presoak/rinse prior to contact wash with rinseless using these towels. Or I will just buy some of yours or rag company if you don't recommend for this use.

[@tylerbergman4453]

I also I have a secret microfiber for the really dirty situations I get them at Walmart for $15 they come in a paper towel roll of 75 towels

[@SwankyDetailer]

Most important part is make sure to wash in cold water and tumble dry before using. A lot of the times factory oils and just transportation can contaminate towels

[@junballs6576]

Warm wouldn't hurt. It breaks down the dirt & oil better.

[@tonyj9502]

I remember buying the Kirkland towels for $11.99 .

[@derekbittle7114]

Great for interior

[@Paul-sb2fm]

Hi Josh, great info. I am new to your site as well as the detailing world, I just bought a case of these Kirkland towels for a different type of work application but wanted to use them to do some things in the auto detail side of things, a lot of people say they are good for general purpose detailing, what exactly would you say is general purpose? Leveling and removing ceramic coatings, applying a topper, applying spray detailers, spray waxes, etc.., or only use on wheels , trim, interior, engine bay, etc?

[@inkgenie9760]

great video!

[@davidboyce6427]

I use them👍

[@tolsab]

Good afternoon sir. I have 2 questions: 1. What microfiber towels do you recommend to remove spray, etc. of car interior. 2. Do you have a video on how to take care of the windows of the car and keep them clean in climates with -30 degrees below zero and how to take care of, clean the bodywork at that temperature. Thank you.

[@The_Cyberz]

I bought a huge pack of Member’s Mark 80/20 blend from Sam’s Club. Perfect for interior, engine bay, wheels, etc. I reserve my high quality towels for paint work.

[@David-Godin]

I have bought these too. They come in multiple colors too. I use them now as my wash media and to remove compound and polish. But the Kirkland for everything else. Even to dry using a drying aid

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@David-Godin get yourself a proper drying towel

[@CarlGerlach]

Hi Josh, do you ever wash and reuse your microfiber towels?

[@LKN4WAR]

I had a wide assortment of towels but the Costco ones I take scissors to the sewn edge to make them edgeless. Just need to shake them out well after, it’s a bit messy.

[@Etienne-]

My interior towels. It gets the job done and interior jobs can get dirty sometimes, so you won’t feel too bad for throwing away a cheap towel

[@AndresCalv]

Can you make a video on how to clean your micro fiber towels

[@blahijani]

I trim the borders of the microfiber towels and it works just fine. ✂️

[@luke9822]

Is it okay to use the Costco microfiber towels right out of the package? It's a pain in the ass to wash them all first, so it would be nice to get a use right out the package if there's not a big tradeoff.

[@juanprenteria5077]

I used as a detailer and this towel. It’s amazing I don’t know a lot of detailer. Hate it so much I haven’t see any scratches

[@TheBudgetTechnician]

What do you think about the Platinum Series XL microfibers from Walmart? $14.88 for 30 towels, no tags, 300 GSM. Only downside is that they're all blue, but have different colored bands. The bands feel super soft and they're 14x16, so slightly smaller than the Kirkland's, but fold up into an almost perfect square. I've been enjoying them, but I'm also just now starting out trying to get my detailing business off the ground.

[@ronnyhigginbotham1252]

Sir, do you reuse your towel like washing and use again

[@tylerbergman4453]

I get very similar towels in a 30 pack from Walmart for $9.98

[@boskosdoghouse]

They now have a roll of 75 for like $15...can't beat it

[@shlidgn90]

I purchased some from Wal-Mart. They left colored lint all on my car. They’re cheap for a reason. The Costco towels are sturdy.

[@tylerbergman4453]

@@shlidgn90 after the first wash I didn’t notice any shedding

[@nightshadow76]

Not the same

[@stephenlouden480]

they're decent and affordable. in the end you'll be soon throwing it in the garbage so as long as it does the job and doesn't cause damage I'll use them. walmart has a deal on a 36pck of 3 different color ones like these the pack cost 14.98 for 36 so I just get those.

[@Samuelfish2k]

The Walmart towels aren’t in the same league as the Kirklands.

[@stephenlouden480]

@@Samuelfish2k not the vWalmart brand bro. they sell a pack called Platinum Series they're pretty much these ones but 40 pack is $16.97 and they come in yellow . I know the sh1t ones you're talking about tho 😆

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@stephenlouden480 So you’re telling me I can buy Kirkland equivalents at Walmart?🤔 So why did you mention a 36pk. with 3 different colors and say they’re just like the Kirklands?

[@stephenlouden480]

@@Samuelfish2kyes. that's what I'm saying. the same Platinum brand makes a 36 pack for a few dollars less and the microfiber in that pack come 12 blue 12 yellow 12 grey. I mentioned those 40 pck in b yellow because it's the most economical option. bottom line is they are extremely similar quality and slightly cheaper at Walmart so that's what I buy

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@stephenlouden480 And what’s the #1 purpose you use them for?

[@AT99_TKT]

I bought a couple bags of these Kirkland microfiber towels before. Good deals for heavy lifting jobs. BTW, I can’t find the 200 gsm microfiber towel that you recommended for window cleaning in Amazon Canada. 😅

[@saul731]

I just picked up some of those from my Costco...

[@Jeeper1378]

I have a lot of quality towels but i use the kirks for all the dirty work. Lets say im doing a waterless wash. First wipe is with a Kirkland.. finish with a qaulity towel. Towel hack.. dampen Kirk towel. Cut off the stitching. A damp towel keeps the lose fibers from flying everywhere. I do it on my carpet and vacuum up after. The stitching on the kirks will Marr the paint … the stitching used on lets say TRC company towels is actual microfiber and wont scratch the paint. Only issue with Kirks is some batches are better than others. A crappy quality batch wont touch my paint. With that said the carwash towel from TRC is a great cheap towel. Or you can but a box of I believe the 320’s for .75 or so a towel.

[@MrApaHotel]

What towel should I use for washing my car using the multi towel method?

[@mattwerling4611]

Do you know if you'll be getting any more MJJC foam cannons in?

[@wruiz1716]

Hey Josh im starting to details. Can i use a MAKITA 9565 CV for car polishing.

[@barrycook8116]

All I have researched is that Kirkland towels are between 245 and 265 GSM. Def tell a difference between the rag Company 300 GSM and the Kirkland towel, but that’s just me. I only use them for nastily jobs and they are trashed right after.

[@darrellwalthall7802]

I like the sams club member Mark they are more dense and cheaper

[@vincentmurphy9252]

awesome

[@vincentmurphy9252]

did you do a quick video where you weighed the towels? If so you should link it

[@danielm.9818]

Can you please test the ryobi 2300 with the 5 in 1 nozzle and report back what psi it is getting?

[@phf1179]

I know a detailer who cuts the edges of the Costco towels, (with very sharp scissors) washes them twice and claims they become an edgeless towel. I tried it with one towel and it did work with little to no shedding of fibers from the cut edge. If you have extra time and patience and dislike seams, give it a try.

[@Jeeper1378]

I do ….if you dampen the towel first the fibers fall to the floor easily vacuumed up.

[@muchachogrande2019]

Costco has changed them twice in the last year or so, likely because of the pandemic and supply issues and all that so you're dead on about making sure to feel the towel through the little hole and check to see if it's a good batch. I genuinely don't think it's them trying to be cheap or anything like that because they've changed twice and almost every industry is suffering from supply shortages right now. With that said Costco actually has some blue ones in stock right now which is new to me as I've always seen the yellows. At any rate though the blues are solid so far from my experience and I feel like it's worth picking up a pack or two since it's nice to be able to color coat the rags and just know immediately what they've been used on and can be used on. Also worth noting that if you look into the wholesale stuff from the rag company you can get some stuff from them for close to if not the same cost, just have to be willing to buy a shit ton at once. All in all though I'm with you that the Costco towels can't be beat on price/performance/convenience. Seriously go grab some blues while they got em, they're great.

[@fireball7671]

I haven't seen blue ones. What area are you in? Thanks

[@muchachogrande2019]

@@fireball7671 Hey there! I'm actually in Utah. I got em specifically at the Saratoga Springs Costco.

[@nascardonjuan708]

How about a review on the members mark Sam's club version at Sam's? Thanks.

[@Damone7653]

Definitely a good choice... remove the tags and wash them with a very small amount of detergent.

[@imjoshv]

👍👍👍

[@mshawnlane]

Where is the best place to get the bottle holders that mounts to the wall?

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Have you looked at the members mark towels from Sam's?

[@gregsullivan7408]

My expenses Gtechniq MF1 towels lint on glass after a while too. I suspect they gradually collect lint in the wash.

[@TechGorilla.]

home depot are freaking awesome! they are HDX 16 in. x 16 in. Multi-Purpose Microfiber dude the Costco towels lint super bad home Depot HDX is awesome only 10.98 for 24!!!!!

[@billbuss7542]

Josh, have you ever used the microfiber towels from Home Depot?

[@jasonn8598]

April 2024 update. I just bought these from Costco. The current version does not have the white paper tags or QC sticker anymore.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

How long do these things last if you take care of them?

[@ImranAli-rp4kd]

According apex detail, Kirkland towels only good for inner door sills or engine bay and maybe ok on harder clear coats

[@lucstonge4334]

could i use this for ceramic coating leveling

[@TechGorilla.]

Costco Kirkland Microfiber Towels I used then and leave little dust micros everywhere 100% junk I hate them I did find a really nice towel just look at the 1,000s of reviews on HDX HOME DEPOT ONES!! I like the home depot ones in the summer of 2022 they changed them are freaking awesome! they are HDX 16 in. x 16 in. Multi-Purpose Microfiber Cloth does not leave tiny microfibers everywhere they are $10.98 a bag for 24 of them!!!!

[@new.generation.car.cleaning]

Can the kirkland ones be used to dry a whole car without streaks?

[@shaunreiterman9364]

What do you do with all the foam cannons and pressure washers you review?

[@imjoshv]

I do a lot of giveaways!

[@freddyvasquez7603]

What are the towels you use for a single bucket wash?

[@Jeeper1378]

16x24 fold it again … fits hand perfectly.’

[@adamlara5037]

Do you use terry cloth towels for anything in your detail business? Costco has the terry cloth towels right next to these. I’m not a pro detailer, just a regular guy that likes to keep his own cars clean.

[@pmr413]

Great info. Do you toss the towels out after using them or wash and reuse them?

[@josephonofrio7243]

Generally you wash them. Depending on what you used them for and how dirty they get.

[@pedrogriffin1934]

@@josephonofrio7243 I follow the same, if too soiled, I’ll use them one more time for wheels/tires and then toss them. If not too soiled and they look good after a wash, I save them for longer use. Only use new or used/washed in almost new-like condition on the paint. Never use softener when washing them.

[@alias8088]

Home Depot has their HDX 48-pack of 16x16 microfibers for $18

[@imjoshv]

I’ll check them out thanks

[@linavu5834]

You can pull out the rest of the tag on top sideway

[@scottward1073]

Sam's club has similar towels in a 36ct for $15.

[@Ymh69969]

The rag company and the Kirkland even though theyre the same blend they are completely different in my opinion the Kirkland feel higher quality

[@phat_gunpla_etc]

only after a few washes they have lint all over my car windows...how to avoid that or maybe the costco towels are so cheap?

[@pedrogriffin1934]

Same here…hate that. Seems to happened when towel is a bit moist, so I grab a dry towel to go over the car one last time and that seems to do it.