Microfibre cloths for your car: which to use where
Not every microfibre cloth does the same job. A cloth that is great for buffing wax off paintwork can leave marks on glass; a fine glass cloth won't stand up to scrubbing heavy grime out of a car mat. This guide shows what each of the 8 microfibre cloths in our catalogue does, with real prices and direct links.
Glass: precision, no lint
For glass and mirrors, the cloth has to be fine with no loose pile, so it leaves no lint or fine streaks on dry glass. The Redex Special Glass Microfibre Cloth 40x40 cm (€2.49) is made for exactly this: it removes dust and grease without marking. A box of 6 costs €12.30, which works out at €2.05 each.
The Max Set of 3 Glass Cloths (€3.49) has the same purpose: glass and mirrors. Max describes it as having "anti-scratch technology"; we haven't lab-tested that description, but the job is the same: glass and mirrors, not general use. A box of 12 costs €32.40.
If you need a small cloth for finer detail, such as the inside of the glass or awkward corners, the Max Small Cloth 3 pcs 30x25 cm (€2.25) is compact and suits detailed cleaning of glass and interiors. Box of 12 at €23.40.
Paintwork and fine finishing: removing product without scratching
After applying wax or polish, you need a cloth that removes the excess without marking or scratching the paint underneath. The Redex 3 Detailing Cloths (€4.79) are for exactly that: the final finish, removing wax or polish without leaving marks. Suitable for paintwork, glass, plastics and interior. Box of 6 at €25.20.
This is the cloth you keep for finishing. It is not the one you use to wash the wheels or clean the mats.
Everyday use: quantity and value
For general jobs (drying, dusting, quick cleans) you don't need the most specialised cloth on the list; you need quantity at a good price. The Max Microfibre Cloths 5 pcs (€4.25) are all-purpose: cars, glass, delicate surfaces, the home. Good absorbency and reusable. Box of 12 at €46.80.
The Max Medium Cloth 5 pcs 35x30 cm (€3.49) is a medium size for general use, and the Max Set of 10 Cloths (€5.99) is the cheapest option per cloth when you need several at once for everyday jobs. Boxes of 12 at €37.20 and €60.00 respectively.
If the dirt is harder to shift (very dirty interiors, tougher cleaning jobs), the Max Set of 3 Super Absorbent Cloths (€4.49) offers high absorbency designed for that. Box of 12 at €34.80.
Don't use the same cloth for everything
The same rule that applies to the wheel sponge applies to microfibre cloths. A cloth that has been on the wheels carries brake dust, which is abrasive. If you then wipe that cloth over the glass or paintwork, the dust scratches the paint or glass on the next pass. Your glass cloth should not be the one that applies wax or removes heavy grime from a mat.
In practice: one cloth per area. Glass, paintwork and interior/mats each get their own cloth, even if they all come from the same box.
Comparison table
| Cloth | Main use | Price | Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Microfibre Cloths 5 pcs | All-purpose: cars, glass, delicate surfaces, home | €4.25 | €46.80 (12 pcs) |
| Max Medium Cloth 5 pcs 35x30 cm | Medium size, general use | €3.49 | €37.20 (12 pcs) |
| Max Small Cloth 3 pcs 30x25 cm | Compact, detailed cleaning (glass, interiors) | €2.25 | €23.40 (12 pcs) |
| Max Set of 3 Super Absorbent Cloths | High absorbency, tough cleaning | €4.49 | €34.80 (12 pcs) |
| Max Set of 3 Glass Cloths | Glass and mirrors | €3.49 | €32.40 (12 pcs) |
| Redex Special Glass Microfibre Cloth 40x40 cm | Glass: removes dust and grease without marking | €2.49 | €12.30 (6 pcs) |
| Redex 3 Detailing Cloths | Final finish: removes wax/polish without scratching | €4.79 | €25.20 (6 pcs) |
| Max Set of 10 Cloths | Economical, everyday use, multiple applications | €5.99 | €60.00 (12 pcs) |
Prices checked on the site on 29 July 2026. Always confirm the price on the product page before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How many microfibre cloths do I need at home?
At least 3: one for glass, one for paintwork/finishing and one for the interior or mats. If you wash your car regularly, the sets of 3 or 5 cloths let you rotate without washing between every use.
How do I wash microfibre cloths without ruining them?
Wash them separately from other laundry, without fabric softener (softener clogs the fibres that do the cleaning) and without bleach. Machine wash at a low temperature or by hand, and leave to air dry. Do not iron.
Can I use the same cloth on glass and paintwork?
No. A cloth that has already wiped paintwork or wheels carries particles that scratch glass. Keep your glass cloth for glass only.
What is the difference between the sizes and the multi-packs?
The small cloths (30x25 cm, 40x40 cm) are for precision jobs: glass, corners, finishing. The medium one (35x30 cm) and the sets of 5 or 10 are for bigger jobs, or for always having a clean cloth to hand without washing between uses. The larger the set, the lower the price per cloth.
The Redex cloths (Special Glass and 3 Detailing Cloths) are made by Plurifil in Rio de Mouro, Sintra. Max is an accessories brand we distribute alongside Redex; its cloths are not made by us.