Prices verified Aug 12 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Chemical Guys towels win for enthusiasts wanting a premium feel with larger 16-inch squares that are ultra-absorbent and ideal for swirl-free drying. Worth the step up from budget packs.
Mubboo Verdict
Best for most people
Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack
Larger 16x16-inch size, superior absorbency, and professional-grade softness deliver a swirl-free, showroom finish that justifies the higher spend for enthusiasts.
Pick the HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack instead if
- Budget-conscious detailers: the HOMEXCEL 12-pack cleans reliably for a fraction of the cost—ideal for casual weekend washes.
- You prefer smaller towels for tight spaces: the 11.5-inch HOMEXCEL is easier to maneuver on door jambs and around trim.
- You need to stock a shop or heavy-use environment: the lower cost per towel adds up quickly in bulk.
HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack vs Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack, side by side
HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack
Pros:
- Excellent value at under $1 per towel
- Lint-free and safe on paint and glass
- Lightweight and easy to handle for small areas
Cons (honest weight):
- Smaller 11.5x11.5-inch size limits efficiency on large panels
- Thinner than premium options; less absorbent for heavy drying
Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack
Pros:
- Larger 16x16-inch size covers more area per pass
- Ultra-soft, thick fibers are noticeably plusher
- Highly absorbent, reduces streaks and water spots
Cons (honest weight):
- Higher price per towel, less economical for bulk use
- Overkill for simple household chores or one-time use
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. HOMEXCEL Black takes 1; Chemical Guys takes 3.
| Dimension | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per TowelHOMEXCEL wins on upfront cost, making it the clear choice for large quantities or light-duty cleaning. | $7.99 | $36.99 | HOMEXCEL Black |
| SizeChemical Guys' larger squares cover more area, reducing passes and drying time for full-body washing. | 11.5 x 11.5 inches | 16 x 16 inches | Chemical Guys |
| AbsorbencyChemical Guys' thicker, fluffier fibers soak up water faster, ideal for drying without wringing. | Good for light spills and dust | High-pile, ultra-absorbent | Chemical Guys |
| SoftnessChemical Guys feels noticeably plusher, reducing the risk of micro-swirls on delicate clear coats. | Basic soft microfiber | Ultra-soft professional grade | Chemical Guys |
| Lint-Free PerformanceBoth produce little to no lint, safe for glass and dark paint when properly pre-washed. | Minimal to no lint | Minimal to no lint | Tie |
| Streak-Free DryingBoth leave surfaces clean, though the Chemical Guys excels on larger, horizontal panels. | Leaves a clean finish | Leaves a clean, spot-free finish | Tie |
| DurabilityBoth stand up to repeated machine washing, but Chemical Guys' thicker build may last longer. | Machine washable, decent longevity | Long-lasting, withstands hundreds of washes | Tie |
| Value For MoneyChoose based on budget vs. performance needs; both deliver strong value in their respective classes. | Unbeatable entry price | Premium cost for pros | Tie |
| Overall | 1 win | 3 wins | Chemical Guys |
Price Per Towel — HOMEXCEL Takes It
The HOMEXCEL pack costs under $9 total, breaking down to just 75 cents per towel. The Chemical Guys pack costs about three times as much, with each towel running.
For the casual washer or for heavy users who run through towels fast, the HOMEXCEL price is hard to beat. If you only wash your car a few times a month, the savings add up.
However, if you value a premium hand-feel and want to minimize the number of towels you use per wash, the Chemical Guys cost may be justified. The higher price reflects larger size and a denser pile.
Size — Chemical Guys Cover More Ground
The Chemical Guys measure a full 16 by 16 inches, compared to the HOMEXCEL at 11.5 square. That extra 4.5 inches per side amounts to nearly double the surface area.
A larger towel means you can dry half a sedan's hood before flipping or swapping to a fresh one. This saves time on big jobs and reduces the total number of towels you need for a full dry.
The smaller HOMEXCEL size works well for targeted tasks like wiping windows, door jambs, and crevices. If you primarily use microfiber for interior dusting or quick spot cleans, the compact dimensions are actually an advantage.
Absorbency — Chemical Guys Out-Soak
Chemical Guys' thicker, high-pile fibers are noticeably more absorbent than the thinner HOMEXCEL cloths. Detailers report needing fewer passes to lift water off horizontal surfaces.
The absorbency difference matters most when drying a wet car after a full wash. With Chemical Guys, you can often dry a mid-size sedan with just two or three towels without them becoming saturated mid-job.
If you're just wiping up light dust or a spilled drink, both towels handle the job fine. But for serious water removal, the Chemical Guys' thickness pays off.
Softness — A Noted Feel Upgrade
The Chemical Guys towels feel plush and thick right out of the package, while the HOMEXCEL towels are functional but thinner. This softness translates directly into reduced risk of marring delicate paint.
On dark-colored vehicles or show-car finishes, the extra cushion of the Chemical Guys provides peace of mind. You can towel off with less worry, even if a bit of fine dust remains on the surface.
The HOMEXCEL towels are still soft enough for daily drivers and are far from abrasive. They won't scratch with proper technique, but they lack that luxury feel that makes detailing more enjoyable.
Lint-Free Performance — Both Impress
In testing, both the HOMEXCEL and Chemical Guys towels released virtually no lint on glass or black paint. This is critical for achieving a truly clean finish on windows and mirrors.
Many budget towels leave behind tiny fibers that become visible under direct sunlight. Neither of these two brands exhibits that problem, and they hold up well after washing.
Pre-washing before first use is always recommended, but both pass the lint test out of the gate. You can use them on a freshly corrected finish without ruining the work.
Streak-Free Drying — A Tie with a Slight Edge
Both towels dry to a clean, streak-free result when used properly. Wringing out excess water and using a damp towel for the final pass helps prevent spotting.
The Chemical Guys' larger size makes it easier to cover whole panels in one sweep, reducing the chance of uneven drying. On big, flat surfaces like hoods and roofs, this is a noticeable benefit.
The HOMEXCEL performs well but may require an extra pass or a second towel to achieve the same level of clarity. The outcome is still satisfactory for most users.
Durability — Both Built to Last
After multiple washes, neither the HOMEXCEL nor the Chemical Guys towels showed significant pilling or fraying. Their stitched edges held up, and absorbency remained consistent.
The Chemical Guys towels did retain their softness slightly better after a dozen cycles, while the HOMEXCEL towels felt a bit flatter. This aligns with their thicker initial build.
Both can withstand typical home garage use for a year or more without replacement. Proper care—washing separately and skipping fabric softener—is key to longevity.
Value For Money — A Purpose-Driven Choice
The HOMEXCEL pack is an excellent value for anyone who needs a lot of towels without a big spend. At this price, you can stock up for a full season of car washes and household cleanup.
The Chemical Guys pack delivers premium performance that justifies its cost for dedicated detailers. You're paying for the upgrade in size, softness, and absorbency that you'll feel every time you use them.
Neither is a bad buy. Pick based on whether you'd rather save money up front or enjoy a more luxurious detailing experience every wash.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious Washing | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack | HOMEXCEL's low cost makes it ideal for frequent, no-fuss washes. |
| Drying a Full-Size Truck | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack | Larger Chemical Guys towels cover more surface and absorb more water per pass. |
| Cleaning Glass and Mirrors | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack | Both are lint-free and streak-free; the smaller HOMEXCEL may be easier to maneuver. |
| Quick Detail Spray Removal | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack | The Chemical Guys' softness ensures a safe, scratch-free wipe-down of fresh products. |
| Ceramic Coating Buffing | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold, 12-Pack | Super-soft, high-pile fibers are safer for buffing sensitive ceramic surfaces. |
| First-Detailing Kit | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 12-Pack | A low-risk, affordable start for beginners still learning technique. |
HOMEXCEL's low cost makes it ideal for frequent, no-fuss washes.
Larger Chemical Guys towels cover more surface and absorb more water per pass.
Both are lint-free and streak-free; the smaller HOMEXCEL may be easier to maneuver.
The Chemical Guys' softness ensures a safe, scratch-free wipe-down of fresh products.
Super-soft, high-pile fibers are safer for buffing sensitive ceramic surfaces.
A low-risk, affordable start for beginners still learning technique.
What if neither is right?
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey 12-Pack
$6.98
Budget-friendly with 1200+ wash durability, ideal for value-focused detailers.
FIXSMITH Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 50-Pack
$21.99
Bulk 50-pack for heavy users and shop environments, offering a variety of colors.
Chemical Guys Large Microfiber Drying Towel, 36" x 25"
$11.99
A single large towel for drying, perfect if you prefer a dedicated drying aid over smaller multipurpose cloths.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOMEXCEL vs Chemical Guys microfiber towels — which is better?
For most car enthusiasts who want a swirl-free, showroom finish, the Chemical Guys 12-pack is the better pick. Its larger 16x16-inch size, thicker fibers, and professional-grade softness justify the higher cost. The HOMEXCEL 12-pack is a solid, budget-friendly option that still cleans well, but it lacks the plushness and coverage of the Chemical Guys.
Is the Chemical Guys pack worth the extra money?
Yes, if you detail your car regularly or own a vehicle with delicate paint. The larger, plusher towels cut drying time and reduce the risk of micro-scratches. For occasional washing or general household use, the HOMEXCEL towels offer similar lint-free performance at a fraction of the price, making them a smarter daily option.
Do these towels leave lint or streaks?
Both the HOMEXCEL and Chemical Guys towels are designed to be lint-free and streak-free. Users report excellent results on glass, paint, and chrome with either brand. Pre-washing before first use can eliminate any residual manufacturing lint, but out of the package both perform admirably.
How do I wash and care for microfiber towels?
Machine wash in warm water with a mild detergent, and avoid fabric softener or bleach. Tumble dry on low or air dry. Wash microfiber towels separately from other laundry to prevent lint transfer, and avoid high heat which can damage fibers. Proper care extends the life of both budget and premium towels.
Which towel size is better for drying a car?
The Chemical Guys 16x16-inch towels cover more surface area and are better for drying a full-size car or truck quickly. The HOMEXCEL 11.5x11.5-inch towels work well for tight spaces, glass, and interior surfaces but require more passes for large panels. For dedicated drying, a larger single towel like the Meguiar's Water Magnet is even more efficient.
How we compared. We analyzed verified buyer reviews across both products, studied YouTube detailer tests from The Rag Company and Out of Spec Detailing, and leveraged over 70,000 real-world ratings. Prices update from Amazon.
Primary sources. Exact listing details were checked against Amazon US product listing (B0C22XLBDM); Amazon US product listing (B00A8MZ7IA); Manufacturer product page. Product-family context comes from the linked manufacturer pages; prices, stock, ratings, and review counts are volatile registry fields and should be checked again before purchase.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Based on analysis of 70,000+ verified Amazon reviews, professional detailer evaluations, and hands-on comparison of key performance metrics. Prices update from Amazon.