PublishedJun 21, 2022 3:09 PM EDT
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Reading Domino’s shopping guides is like having a very opinionated friend who already did all the boring research for you. We test, we poke, we ask experts awkward questions—so you can just click ‘add to cart.’ We call these Simply the Best, mostly because saying ‘Moderately Better Than the Other Stuff’ didn’t fit on the label.
Microfiber cloths are the quiet overachievers of cleaning. They dry dishes, dust shelves, polish car wheels, and occasionally remove evidence of your midnight snack—all while being more eco-friendly than paper towels and more effective than that old T-shirt you’ve been using since college. The best ones cut bacteria, use less water, and lift more grime than regular rags. We tested a pile of them by wiping grease, mopping spills, drying glasses, and generally making a mess in a house with two adults, a toddler, and a dog. In other words: prime chaos laboratory.
We believe the best tools should work hard and look decent doing it. Our favorites come in colors and textures that might actually make you excited to clean. (We said might.) We tested several options and consulted Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama, to figure out what you actually need. If you’re ready to break up with paper towels, here are the winners.
Single or pack: Pack of 5 | Best for: Everything | Size: 12-by-12 inches
Why we chose it:A pack of cloths that can do it all, so you don’t have to think too hard.
The microfiber cloth you’d use on a greasy stove is not the same one you’d use on your grandmother’s crystal. Full Circle solves the identity crisis by labeling each of the five cloths with a handy tag. The ‘stainless steel’ cloth, for instance, had our tester gleefully attacking fridge fingerprints with just water. Each cloth is ultrasoft and textured for its job—the grease cloth has ridges to grab messes, while the duster is so plush it looks like it belongs on a teddy bear. These are basically training wheels for microfiber newbies, but even cleaning veterans will love how foolproof they are.
Single or pack: Pack of 10 | Best for: Less intense cleaning projects | Size: 9-by-10 inches
Why we chose it:Tiny cloths, mighty results, tiny price.
These cloths prove that good things come in small, stain-prone packages. At $8 for 10, you can stash them everywhere like secret cleaning agents. They’re small, so don’t expect them to scrub an entire barbecue, and the white color means they’ll look like a crime scene after one use. But they’re perfect for countertop drips, finishing the dishwasher’s lazy drying job, and wiping smudges off your laptop. Toss one in the car and boom—instant dashboard detailer. The brand says they last about 20 washes, which is shorter than some, but they dry fast and cost less than a fancy coffee.
Single or pack: Pack of 2 | Best for: Wiping down counters, drying dishes | Size: 18-by-30 inches
Why we chose it:Pretty enough to leave on the counter.
If microfiber cloths had a prom queen, Geometry would win the crown. Made from recycled material, these thin-but-soft tea towels come in vibrant colors and bold patterns that our tester happily left on display. They’re particularly great in the kitchen, cleaning up spills and drying dishes (or hands) without complaining. After heavy dish duty, they hung up and dried surprisingly fast. Our tester also put them to the ultimate test: a watercolor spill in a toddler’s play zone. The cloth absorbed the mess and washed clean like it was showing off.
Single or pack: Single | Best for: Cleaning dirt off your shoes | Size: 12-by-12 inches
Why we chose it:Because your sneakers deserve a spa day too.
Jason Markk knows shoes, so it’s no surprise its microfiber cloth is basically a sneaker facial. Keeping one by the door turned out to be genius when our tester came in from the rain; it wiped water off sneakers and faux leather like a dream. It’s nonabrasive, so it’s safe on suede and leather too, though our tester mostly owns shoes that can survive a puddle. You could technically use it on other things, but with only one per pack, don’t waste it on your kitchen counters.
Single or pack: Pack of 2 | Best for: Drying | Size: Approx. 12-by-12 inches
Why we chose it:Drying fancy glassware without wanting to cry.
The packaging promises an ‘indulgent waffle texture,’ and honestly, they’re not wrong. These cloths are incredibly soft and luxe, and they’re made from 80 percent recycled polyester. The brand also claims antibacterial silver ion technology, which sounds like something from a sci-fi movie. They’re great on counters—pair with an all-purpose cleaner or just water—and absolutely shine when drying glassware. We tested them on delicate coupes and champagne flutes, and one swipe left them bone-dry and streak-free. They’re pricier, but they feel fancy and last at least 100 washes.
Single or pack: Pack of 6, 3 different types | Best for: Multipurpose | Size: 11-by-8 inches
Why we chose it:A sampler platter for the commitment-phobic.
If you can’t pick just one cloth type, Everspring has you covered. The six-pack includes two each of waffle, loop weave, and plain textured cloths in earthy colors that won’t assault your eyes. Each one handles its assigned job well, but the green loop-weave towel was the breakout star—a little water and it took a marble cutting board from grimy to glowing, while the waffle weave finished the drying job.
Single or pack: Pack of 2 | Best for: Heavy-duty cleaning, car detailing | Size: 16-by-24 inches
Why we chose it:For when you need to clean ALL the things.
These Crate & Barrel cloths would look right at home in any kitchen. The rich gray color is neutral enough to blend in, and they wipe counters efficiently. But their real superpower is size and softness, which made them our favorite for car cleaning. When you’re tackling wheels, softness and absorbency matter, and these deliver. Pro tip: keep one in the kitchen and one in the garage, and you’ll feel like you have your life together.
Microfiber cloths are often saddled with ugly colors and patterns. Why? Great question. No one knows. We picked cloths that clean like champs and won’t make you hide them when company comes over. Sustainability mattered too—recycled materials and longevity scored big points. We also wanted variety in weave and texture, because not all messes are created equal. Finally, we bugged Rapinchuk for expert advice and then really put these cloths through their paces around the house.
Sure, you can find microfiber cloths in every color under the sun, but finding ones that don’t look like they time-traveled from 1987 takes effort. We hunted down options in white, soft blue, dark gray, green, and even some chic patterns. For construction, Rapinchuk likes a stitched edge for durability and says a cloth should be about 80 percent polyester so it’s dense and soft. Different textures aren’t just for show—they tell you what the cloth is best at. Most of the cloths we tried were waffle, loop weave, or dimple weave.
Most cloths can multitask, but some chores bring out their best. Waffle textures are Rapinchuk’s pick for glass and mirrors, while loop weaves handle all-purpose cleaning like pros. We found waffle cloths insanely absorbent and streak-free on glassware. Smooth, plain cloths are best for polishing shiny surfaces and screens. You can use an all-purpose cleaner with microfiber, but honestly, water usually does the trick.
Microfiber cloths are delightfully low-maintenance. Rapinchuk recommends rinsing after each use and air-drying, then machine washing on cold or warm and drying on low.
Rapinchuk says microfiber beats paper towels almost every time: no lint, super absorbent, better at lifting dirt, and easier on the planet. Cotton rags just don’t attract dust and grime the same way.
Most packages estimate how many washes a cloth can handle, but Rapinchuk has her own system. ‘I wash mine weekly,’ she says. ‘That’s about 150 washes a year, and they easily last three years.’
Rapinchuk likes to dampen her cloths even before dusting. During testing, the best glass-cleaning cloths worked even better slightly moist.
Grade depends on quality and purpose, says Rapinchuk. Plusher usually means higher grade, but purpose matters too. Thin, shinier cloths work best on windows and hard surfaces, while softer cloths are gentler on car paint. Most packages don’t list grams per square meter, so trust your fingers.
Microfiber won’t murder germs, but it will evict them. Some cloths include antimicrobial silver, though the jury is still out on how well that works. Warm water kills germs; hot water sanitizes if you’re serious.
The best microfiber cleaning cloths are tiny workhorses—they dry, polish, dust, and sop up spills better than paper towels or old T-shirts. And modern ones can look as nice as your favorite dish towel. Our top pick, the Full Circle Recycled Microfiber Essential Cloths, nails both style and function, offers variety in one pack, and holds up under real-life messes.
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