5 Best Microfiber Cleaning Cloths for Every Surface, Tested by Cleaning Experts
These top-tested towels clean efficiently and leave no streaks behind.
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Because of their fine, densely woven fibers, microfiber cloths pick up dirt, dust, and moisture more effectively than traditional cleaning cloths and paper towels. They also leave surfaces streak-free and lint-free, making them especially useful for cleaning glass, stainless steel, and electronics.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we test microfiber cloths for size, absorbency, cleaning speed, and even how much rubbing or buffing it takes to clean surfaces. We also check for streaks, residue, and lint and evaluate how well they hold up to laundering. Based on our testing, the extra absorbent Norwex EnviroCloth came out on top.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Norwex EnviroCloth
- Best value: Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
- Best for windows: E-Cloth Window Cleaner Kit
Pros
- Proved to be extremely effective in Cleaning Lab tests
- Manufacturer claims it can remove up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces with water
- Very absorbent
Cons
- Only one cloth in the package
At just over 13 inches, this cloth—a past Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Award winner—is large enough for most household cleaning tasks, from wiping countertops and scrubbing soap scum from shower doors to cleaning windows. It can also be used for dry-dusting electronics, screens, and car interiors.
What sets it apart is BacLock, a proprietary antimicrobial coating that helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors in the cloth, so it stays fresher. The manufacturer claims the cloth can remove up to 99% of bacteria from surfaces with water. It's also highly absorbent, holding up to seven times its weight in water.
In tests, we found this OEKO-TEX–certified cloth particularly effective, especially when paired with Norwex's cleaning paste. The duo removed scuffs from paint that even an eraser sponge couldn't budge. On the downside, each package contains just one cloth.
| Size | 13.78" × 13.78" |
| Material | Polyester and polyamide |
Pros
- Comes in 7 colors, including a variety pack of 4 different colors
- Versatile size
- Can be used wet or dry
Cons
- Not dryer-safe
This 12-pack gives you plenty of cloths to keep throughout the house, and you can choose a single color or a variety pack of four colors for designating different cleaning tasks. Use one for the kitchen, another for the bathroom, and others for windows or dusting to help prevent cross-contamination. At 12.6 inches square, they're a good size for everything from wiping countertops to polishing glass, and they can be used wet or dry.
The cloths are machine-washable and reusable, making them a practical choice for everyday cleaning. The one drawback is that the brand recommends air-drying them rather than putting them in the dryer.
| Size | 12.6" x 12.6" |
| Material | Polyester and nylon |
Pros
- Eliminates the need to use cleaning spray
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Quick two-step process
Cons
- May fray after repeated washes
Another past Good Housekeeping Cleaning & Organizing Award winner, E-Cloth's window cleaner kit makes washing windows easier and less messy. It cleans with just water, eliminating sprays and paper towels that can leave behind lint and streaks. Dampen the waffle-weave window cloth to remove dirt and grime, then use the smooth polishing cloth to buff away streaks.
In our tests, we liked the simple two-step process and quick results. The kit performed especially well on household and car windows, glass patio tables, and more. The cloths are machine-washable and dryer-safe, though some online reviewers reported fraying after repeated washing.
| Size | 15.5" x 15.5" (window cloth); 16" x 20" (glass and polishing cloth) |
| Material | Polyester and polyamide |
Pros
- Two-in-one 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
Pair this microfiber cloth with your favorite stainless steel spray cleaner, and your appliances will be sparkling. The Good Housekeeping Seal holder has a ribbed side that removes dirt and residue and a smooth side for buffing, leaving behind a streak-free shine. In Lab tests, we were impressed by how spotless it left dishwashers, refrigerators, and sinks.
It's also exceptionally easy to use, thanks to the clear directions on the package. The nearly 14-inch surface area gives you plenty of cloth to tackle large appliances, while the machine-washable fabric makes cleanup a breeze. Simply toss it in the washing machine, then dry it on low heat.
| Size | 13.8" x 13.8" |
| Material | Polyester and polyamide |
Pros
- Folds into a built-in pouch for portability
- Very durable
- Dual-sided construction for better cleaning power
Cons
- May be too small for large screens and TVs
Our Cleaning Lab pros like this cloth, because it's heftier and more durable than your average microfiber towel, plus it has a more polished look. Its dual-sided construction is designed to trap dirt from electronics and polish screens. In our performance tests, the 5-x-7-inch cloth wiped away smears and dust in seconds, making it a handy choice for phones, tablets, and other small screens, though it's too small for larger screens and TVs.
It folds into its own pouch for easy storage in a purse, briefcase, or glove compartment. The pouch also helps keep the cloth clean between uses. It's machine-washable and dryer-safe.
| Size | 5" x 7" |
| Material | Not listed |
How we test microfiber cloths
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab tested a total of 13 microfiber cleaning 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.
Noah Pinsonnault is the product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab. In the Cleaning Lab, he puts his environmental research background to good use by developing protocols and refining tests for a wide range of cleaning products. In addition to testing these microfiber cloths in the Lab, he uses them at home regularly.
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