Chemical Guys Microfiber Towel Wash Detergent Review (2026)

By Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

If you own microfiber towels for car detailing, household cleaning or even swimming and beach use, you already know they lose their edge fast when washed with ordinary laundry soap. The Chemical Guys Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and Towel Detergent is a concentrated cleaner sold specifically to strip out wax, grease and road grime while keeping fibers soft and absorbent. It suits detailers, car enthusiasts and anyone with a growing stack of towels who wants a dedicated product. It is a weaker fit for people who only wash a few towels a month with regular laundry, or for anyone who wants a fragrance-free formula, since this one carries an orange scent.

Chemical Guys Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and Towel Detergent – Concentrated Cleaner Removes Wax, Grease and Dirt – Restores Absorbency and Softness, Safe for Towels and Wash Mitts, 16 oz Orange Scent

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Product Overview

The Chemical Guys Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and Towel Detergent is a 16 oz bottle of concentrated liquid cleaner designed for microfiber cleaning cloths, towels and wash mitts. The product name describes its core job: removing wax, grease and dirt that build up in the fibers and cause towels to feel stiff, lose their pickup power and smear rather than absorb. The formula is marketed to restore absorbency and softness, which are the two properties most detailers care about when a towel starts to underperform.

The bottle is labeled with an orange scent. That matters if you wash towels in the same machine as clothing or in a home laundry room, since the fragrance will be present on the fabric after rinsing. For most car care users this is a minor point, but it is worth knowing before you add the product to a household load.

Because this is a concentrate, the bottle is meant to be diluted rather than poured straight onto towels. A small measured amount goes a long way, which is part of the appeal for people who wash towels in batches every week. The product is positioned as a dedicated microfiber wash rather than a general-purpose laundry detergent, and that distinction shapes how it should be used.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists only the specifications stated in the product name and listing title. Exact dosing, dilution ratios and pH are not confirmed here, so check the bottle label before use.

Feature	Detail
Product type	Microfiber cleaning cloth and towel detergent
Form	Concentrated liquid
Container size	16 oz
Scent	Orange
Intended items	Microfiber cloths, towels and wash mitts
Stated function	Removes wax, grease and dirt
Stated benefit	Restores absorbency and softness
Stated safety note	Safe for towels and wash mitts

Manufacturers generally specify a dosage per load and a recommended water temperature on the label. Follow those directions rather than estimating, because overuse of any concentrated cleaner can leave residue that reduces absorbency, which defeats the purpose of the product.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Designed specifically for microfiber, so it targets wax and grease buildup that standard laundry soap often leaves behind.
Concentrated formula means a 16 oz bottle can last through many wash cycles when dosed according to the label.
Stated goal of restoring absorbency and softness addresses the most common complaint about aging towels.
Listed as safe for both towels and wash mitts, so one product covers multiple detailing tools.
Orange scent is a pleasant option for users who want a noticeable fragrance on freshly washed towels.

Cons

The orange scent will transfer to towels, which may be unwelcome if you prefer fragrance-free products or wash towels with food-contact items.
A 16 oz bottle is a small size for heavy users, who may need to buy larger volumes to keep up with wash frequency.
Concentrated formulas require careful measuring, and over-dosing can cause residue buildup.
Not intended as a replacement for general laundry detergent, so households will still need a second product for everyday clothing.

Performance Analysis

Because this review is based on product specifications and general owner feedback patterns rather than hands-on testing, it is best to read the performance section as a set of expectations rather than measured results. Detailing forums and product reviews tend to describe dedicated microfiber detergents in a consistent way: they improve how towels pick up water and wax residue compared with towels washed in ordinary detergent, especially after repeated use on heavily soiled jobs.

Owners often report that the most noticeable difference appears on towels that have already been damaged by fabric softener or by washing with cotton and dirty rags. Fabric softener in particular coats microfiber fibers and reduces their ability to trap dirt, so a dedicated cleaner is often recommended as a reset. A concentrated product like this one is generally expected to strip that coating when used at the labeled dose.

Results depend heavily on how towels are handled between washes. Towels that are dried at high heat, washed with lint or cotton, or left damp for long periods will not recover fully regardless of which detergent is used. Pairing this product with correct washing and drying habits matters more than the formula alone.

The orange scent is typically described as light and noticeable rather than overpowering. Owners who use towels in cars or garages often do not mind it, while those who work with food or sensitive skin may prefer an unscented alternative. This is a matter of personal preference and use case, not a performance issue.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This product is a good fit for car detailers, weekend washers and small shop owners who use microfiber towels regularly and notice them losing absorbency over time. It is also suitable for households that keep a dedicated stack of microfiber cleaning cloths for glass, kitchens and bathrooms and want to keep them performing well.

It is a weaker match for people who wash just a handful of towels a month, since a dedicated detergent may be more than they need. Anyone who wants a fragrance-free product, or who washes towels alongside food-contact items, should look for an unscented formula instead. Users who need one detergent for everything should also consider a general-purpose laundry product for clothing and keep this one for microfiber only.

Buying Guide

When choosing a microfiber towel detergent, start with how often you wash and how heavily the towels are soiled. A light user with a few clean-up cloths has very different needs from a detailer washing dozens of towels after each job. Next, decide whether scent matters. Orange, citrus and unscented options all exist, and the right choice depends on where the towels will be used.

Check the label for recommended dosing per load, water temperature and drying instructions. Concentrated products are efficient but easy to overuse, so measure carefully. Avoid fabric softeners entirely when washing microfiber, since they coat fibers and reduce absorbency.

Several well-known options are worth comparing alongside this product:

Chemical Guys, Microfiber Wash & Towel Detergent, Concentrated, 1 Gallon: A larger-volume version of the same concentrated formula, aimed at users who wash towels frequently and want to buy less often. Product page:

Chemical Guys, Microfiber Wash & Towel Detergent, Concentrated, 1 Gallon | Concentrated detergent deep-cleans microfiber towels, mitts and pads, lifting wax, grease and grime, orange scent

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P & S Professional Detail Products Rags to Riches Microfiber Detergent: A non-toxic, biodegradable option in a 32 fl oz size, positioned for users who want a gentler formula that still restores absorbency and softness. Product page:

P & S PROFESSIONAL DETAIL PRODUCTS Rags to Riches Microfiber Detergent | Non-Toxic Biodegradable Microfiber Cleaning Wash, Concentrated, Restores Absorbency and Softness, 32 fl oz

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View on Amazon

For broader context on how microfiber behaves in different situations, see Microfiber Towel Car Wash: 5 Best Picks for Safe Washing (2026) and Microfiber vs Cotton Hair Towel: Which Dries Hair Faster Without Frizz?. If you use towels around the pool or beach, Top 5 Microfiber Towels for Swimming Picks for Pool and Open Water covers drying-focused options, and Microfiber Cloth vs Towel (2026): Which Is Better for Swimmers? explains how the two fabrics differ in use.

FAQ

Can I use this detergent in a regular washing machine?

Yes, microfiber towels are generally washed in standard machines. Use warm or cool water as the label directs, select a gentle cycle, and avoid overloading the drum so towels can rinse fully.

Will the orange scent stay on my towels after washing?

Some fragrance will remain on the fabric after rinsing, which is part of the product’s design. If you want a neutral finish, consider an unscented alternative or run an extra rinse cycle.

Can I wash towels with fabric softener to make them feel softer?

Fabric softener is generally not recommended for microfiber because it coats the fibers and reduces absorbency. Use this detergent to restore softness instead of relying on softener.

How often should I wash microfiber towels with a dedicated detergent?

Wash frequency depends on use. Towels used for heavy detailing may need washing after every job, while lightly used cleaning cloths can go longer between washes. Clean towels also hold up better when washed separately from heavily soiled ones.

Can I use this on microfiber wash mitts as well as towels?

The product name states it is safe for towels and wash mitts, so it can be used on both. Check that the mitt material is microfiber before washing with it.

Should I dry microfiber towels on high heat?

Most manufacturers recommend low heat or air drying because high heat can damage fibers and reduce their performance. Avoid dryer sheets for the same reason.

Is this product safe for everyone?

Concentrated cleaners can irritate skin or eyes, so wear gloves when handling the bottle and keep it away from children and pets. If you have a skin condition or sensitivity, consult a healthcare professional before regular use.

Final Verdict

Is the Chemical Guys Microfiber Towel Detergent worth it?

For detailers and regular microfiber users, this is a reasonable choice. Its concentrated formula is designed specifically to remove wax, grease and dirt from microfiber and to restore absorbency and softness, which addresses the main reasons towels lose performance. The orange scent and the small 16 oz size are the trade-offs to consider, along with the need to dose carefully. If you prefer a fragrance-free product or wash towels in very large volumes, one of the alternatives above may suit you better. Those who keep towels only for occasional cleaning may find a smaller or unscented option more practical.