Will Using a Regular Towel to Wash a Car Cause Scratches?
2 Answers
Using a regular towel to wash a car will not cause scratches. Master the correct way to wipe the car: As long as you ensure the cloth is clean and soft, and there are no hard dust particles on the car body, wiping the car generally will not cause scratches. However, if the cloth used is made of hard material or is dirty, containing other impurities, it can easily scratch the car paint. Additionally, if the car surface is very dirty, wiping it directly with a cloth can also cause scratches. Therefore, mastering the correct way to wipe the car and paying attention to precautions can better clean the car body and avoid scratching the paint. Do not wash the car too frequently: Washing the car too frequently can easily accelerate paint oxidation. However, not washing the car for a long time is also not good, as acidic components in rainwater and air, as well as harmful substances like bird droppings and dust, can erode and accelerate the aging and damage of the paint.
As a car owner who frequently washes my own car, I can definitively say that regular towels are really prone to scratching the paint. The fibers of those towels are rough, or if they pick up some sand or dust and aren’t cleaned properly, applying a bit of force while wiping can leave tiny scratches. Over time, the car ends up covered in small marks. I tried it once before and regretted it deeply when I noticed fine scratches all over the car under sunlight after washing. Now, I only use specially purchased microfiber car wash towels—they’re soft, highly absorbent, and won’t damage the paint. I suggest you don’t skimp on this small expense. Before washing, rinse off the dust with water, use gentle motions, and regularly wax to protect the paint. This way, your car stays shiny and new, saving you repair costs. Developing good car-washing habits can prevent a lot of trouble.
