5 Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, According to Cleaning Experts
These top-tested towels clean efficiently and leave no streaks behind.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Microfiber cloths may not seem like much more than your average rag, but they're incredibly efficient cleaning tools that can pick up dirt, dust and moisture more effectively than traditional cleaning cloths and paper towels. And since these highly absorbent towels leave surfaces streak-free, they're particularly helpful for cleaning surfaces like glass, stainless steel and electronics.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we test hundreds of products every year, including dishwashing gloves and electric spin scrubbers. When we test microfiber cloths, we assess the size and absorbency, and we check for any streaks, residue or lint left behind. We also evaluate how quickly they work, how much rubbing or buffing they require to get surfaces clean and how well they launder. Based on our testing, these are the top microfiber cloths we recommend.
Pros
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Manufacturer claims it can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria from surfaces
- Very absorbent
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Size: 13.78" × 13.78" | Material: Polyester and polyamide
At just over 13 inches all around, this cloth — which earned a Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Award — is sizable enough for most household cleaning tasks, from wiping down soiled countertops to scrubbing soap scum from shower glass doors and getting streak-free windows. It can also be used for dry-dusting electronics, screens and even the interior of your car.
What separates it from other microfiber cloths is a special coating called BacLock, which is an anti-microbial agent that helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and odors in the cloth itself, so the cloth stays fresher. It's also highly absorbent: It's capable of holding up to seven times its weight in water.
In tests, we found this OEKO-TEX–certified cloth particularly effective, especially when combined with Norwex's cleaning paste. The duo was able to eradicate scuffs from paint that even an eraser sponge couldn’t budge. It is, however, on the more expensive side, especially considering each package contains only one cloth.
Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Pros
- Comes in 8 colors, including a variety pack of 4 different colors
- Affordable pricing for pack of 12
Cons
- Not dryer-safe
Size: 12.6" x 12.6" | Material: Polyester and nylon
With a cleaning product this versatile, it's helpful to have a stack on hand. We like that this 12-pack of towels comes in four hues, so you can color-code cleaning tasks, which is a helpful way to avoid cross-contamination. For example, assign a different color to the kitchen, the bathroom, the windows and any dusting.
The cloths are a bit smaller than our top overall pick, but only by about an inch, leaving you with plenty of surface area for effective cleaning. Clean with or without water, then toss the cloths in the washing machine. Unfortunately, the brand says they shouldn't take a tumble in the dryer.
Pros
- Eliminates the need to use cleaning spray
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
Cons
- May fray after repeated washes
Size: 15.5" x 15.5" (window cloth); 16" x 20" (glass and polishing cloth) | Material: Polyester and polyamide
Another pick that earned a Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Award, E-cloth's window cleaner kit made the laborious — and often messy — task of washing windows much easier. The kit cleans solely with water, eliminating the need to use dripping sprays and paper towels that leave behind lint and streaks. Simply dampen the waffle-weave Window Cloth to remove dirt and grime, then use the smooth Polishing Cloth to zap streaks.
In tests, we appreciated the straightforward process. The kit not only worked quickly, but it showed superior results on household and car windows, glass patio tables and more. The cloths are machine-washable and dryer-safe, though some reviewers do note fraying issues after repeated washes.
Weiman Microfiber Cloth for Stainless Steel
Pros
- 2-in-1 design is ribbed on one side and smooth on the other
- Large surface area is suitable for bigger appliances
- Washer- and dryer-safe
Cons
- Need to use with a spray cleaner for best results
Size: 13.8" x 13.8" | Material: Polyester and polyamide
Pair this microfiber cloth with your favorite stainless steel spray cleaner, and the appliances in your home will be sparkling. The Good Housekeeping Seal holder is ribbed on one side of the cloth to remove dirt and residue from surfaces and smooth on the other to buff the surface, leaving behind a streak-free shine. In Lab tests, we were impressed by how spotless the cloth left dishwashers, fridges and sinks.
It's exceptionally easy to use, thanks to clear package directions. And the nearly 14-inch surface area allowed us to clean large appliances. The cloth itself was easy to clean too: Simply toss it in the washing machine, then dry it on low heat.
Toddy Gear Cable Knit Pocket Toddy
Pros
- Folds into a built-in pouch for portability
- Available in several patterns
Cons
- May be too small for large screens and TVs
Size: 5" x 7" | Material: Not listed
The Cleaning Lab pros like this cloth, which is a bit more stylish than your average microfiber towel, because it's hefty and durable. The dual-sided construction is designed to help trap dirt on electronics and to polish screens. In our performance tests, the Pocket Toddy wiped away smears and dust in seconds, though it may be on the small side to effectively tackle larger screens and TVs.
The 5-by-7-inch cloth is, however, perfectly sized for small jobs. It also folds down into its own little pouch for stashing in a purse, briefcase or glove compartment. (The pouch also helps the cloth stay cleaner between uses.) It's machine-washable and dryable and comes in a few different patterns.
How we test microfiber cloths
When we test microfiber cloths, we first evaluate attributes like size, material and construction. Then, we use each one to clean a variety of surfaces: stainless steel, windows, glass shower doors, screens, electronics and more. We assess how quickly each cloth cleaned and how much rubbing or buffing was required to get surfaces clean. After cleaning, we check for any streaks, residue or lint left behind.
We also soak and then weigh each towel to find out how much water it is capable of absorbing. Finally, we wash and dry each cleaning cloth five times, measuring the size after washing to help determine how well it maintains its original texture, appearance and performance after washing.
What to look for when shopping for microfiber cloths
✔️ Quality construction: Microfibers cloths are made from synthetic fibers — typically a blend of polyester and nylon. The loops, or piles, of fabric that make a cloth absorbent, should be secure and not pull or snag easily. Finished edges can also help prevent fraying, extending the usable lifespan of the cloth.
✔️ Size: Microfiber cloths come in various sizes. Look for one that's large enough to handle easily. Generally speaking, smaller cloths are ideal for cleaning glasses or wiping electronics, and larger ones are better for cleaning household surfaces, windows and even cars.
✔️ Care: For convenience, choose microfiber cloths that are machine-washable and safe to tumble dry.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience writing about products in the home, including cleaning products like microfiber cloths. She worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, including the product reviews analysts in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, to distill testing data for the cleaning cloths recommended in this story.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She oversees all of the testing conducted in the Lab, including all the microfiber cloths in this story, plus leads our annual Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
The 7 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Pet Stains
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
Should You Trim Your Broom?
How to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Machine
