Prices verified May 28 ยท Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The HOMEXCEL 12-pack wins for most car owners โ unbeatable value at $0.57 per towel with proven absorbency across 46,000+ reviews.
The Verdict
Winner
HOMEXCEL 12-Pack
HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack vs Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, 12 Pack, side by side

Pros:
- $0.57 per towel โ unbeatable value for a 12-pack
- Super absorbent microfiber soaks up spills quickly
- Scratch-free on all car surfaces, including paint and glass
- Machine washable and reusable hundreds of times
Cons (honest weight):
- Smaller 11.5" size may require more passes on large panels
- Not as plush as premium towels for delicate paint

Pros:
- Large 16" size covers more surface area for faster drying
- Ultra-soft 480 GSM fabric protects delicate paint
- Highly absorbent โ picks up water and detail sprays efficiently
- Machine washable and durable through hundreds of cycles
Cons (honest weight):
- $3.08 per towel โ more expensive than budget alternatives
- May leave lint if not washed before first use
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. HOMEXCEL Black takes 2; Chemical Guys takes 3.
| Dimension | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, 12 Pack | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per TowelHOMEXCEL is 82% cheaper per towel. | $0.57 | $3.08 | HOMEXCEL Black |
| AbsorbencyChemical Guys soaks up more liquid per pass. | Good absorbency for everyday messes | Ultra-absorbent, wrings dry quickly | Chemical Guys |
| SizeChemical Guys covers 93% more area per towel. | 11.5" x 11.5" | 16" x 16" | Chemical Guys |
| SoftnessChemical Guys offers premium softness for delicate paint. | Soft and gentle | Ultra-soft 480 GSM plush feel | Chemical Guys |
| Lint-Free PerformanceBoth require an initial wash to minimize lint. | Lint-free after initial wash | Lint-free when washed first | Tie |
| DurabilityBoth are reusable and hold up well over time. | Machine washable, hundreds of washes | Machine washable, hundreds of washes | Tie |
| Best ForBest choice depends on your budget and detailing demands. | Budget buyers, household use, general car care | Professional detailing, wax removal, show-car prep | Tie |
| Value for MoneyHOMEXCEL delivers 5 times the towels for the same price as one Chemical Guys pack. | Exceptional value at $0.57 per towel | Good value for premium quality at $3.08 per towel | HOMEXCEL Black |
| Overall | 2 wins | 3 wins | Chemical Guys |
Price per Towel โ HOMEXCEL takes it
HOMEXCEL costs $0.57 per towel versus $3.08 for Chemical Guys. That's an 82% savings per towel. For the price of one Chemical Guys pack, you can buy over five HOMEXCEL packs โ 60 towels total.
For budget-conscious buyers, this is the deciding factor. If you need a large stash for household cleaning and occasional car washes, HOMEXCEL lets you stock up without guilt.
Professional detailers may still prefer Chemical Guys. The premium per towel buys you larger size and softer material that reduces swirl marks on show cars.
Absorbency โ Chemical Guys wins
Chemical Guys towels use a 480 GSM ultra-absorbent weave. The high-pile fibers trap water and detail sprays effectively, reducing passes and leaving surfaces streak-free.
HOMEXCEL is no slouch. At 300 GSM (estimated), it handles normal spills and drying fine. For heavy drying after a wash, you'll need more towels or wring them more often.
If you detail cars weekly, Chemical Guys saves time. One pass covers more area and absorbs more water, cutting drying time in half.
Size โ Chemical Guys wins
Chemical Guys measures 16" x 16" versus 11.5" x 11.5" for HOMEXCEL. That's 93% more surface area per towel โ nearly double.
Larger towels are faster for drying hoods, roofs, and large panels. With HOMEXCEL, you'll use multiple towels or fold and refold more often.
For compact cars and interior detailing, the smaller size is fine. But for SUVs and trucks, big towels speed up the job.
Softness โ Chemical Guys wins
Chemical Guys advertises "ultra-soft" 480 GSM microfiber. The deep, plush pile lifts dirt away from paint, reducing the risk of swirls during buffing and drying.
HOMEXCEL is soft enough for normal cleaning. It won't scratch typical car surfaces, but it's not as plush as premium towels. For a daily driver, it's adequate.
Show-car owners and paint perfectionists should choose Chemical Guys. The extra softness gives peace of mind on delicate clear coats.
Lint-Free Performance โ Tie
Both towels are lint-free after an initial wash. First use may shed some fibers, but subsequent washes eliminate this.
HOMEXCEL's tighter weave may produce slightly more lint initially. Washing with a lint trap or shaking before first use solves it.
Chemical Guys users report minimal lint after the first wash. Both are suitable for glass and mirrors.
Durability โ Tie
Both are machine washable and withstand hundreds of cycles. HOMEXCEL's reinforced edges prevent fraying; Chemical Guys' overlock stitching is similarly robust.
Avoid fabric softener and bleach with both. Air drying or low heat preserves the microfiber.
Given the price difference, HOMEXCEL's durability is impressive. You can replace them several times for the cost of one Chemical Guys set.
Best For โ Tie
HOMEXCEL is best for budget buyers, households, and casual car care. Great for dusting, windows, kitchen counters, and general automotive wipe-downs.
Chemical Guys is best for professional detailers, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the softest, largest towels for serious car care. Ideal for wax removal, polish buffing, and final drying.
Choose based on your use case. Neither is universally better โ they serve different users.
Value for Money โ HOMEXCEL wins
HOMEXCEL offers unbeatable value at $0.57 per towel. For $6.79, you get a 12-pack that handles most cleaning tasks. It's a no-brainer for anyone on a budget.
Chemical Guys costs 5.4 times more per towel. You pay for the name, the larger size, and the ultra-soft feel. If you detail high-end cars, the investment pays off in results.
For the average driver, HOMEXCEL is the smarter buy. You can buy 5 packs for the same money and have towels everywhere.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget buyer looking for value | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack | HOMEXCEL delivers great performance at a fraction of the cost. |
| Professional detailer | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, 12 Pack | Chemical Guys' large, ultra-soft towels prevent swirls on premium paint. |
| Drying a large SUV or truck | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, 12 Pack | 16" towels cover more surface, speeding up drying. |
| Multi-purpose household cleaning | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack | Cheap enough to use everywhere without worry. |
| First-time car owner | HOMEXCEL Black Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack | Affordable and effective for basic car care. |
| Swirl-free finish priority | Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, 12 Pack | Plush 480 GSM fabric lifts dirt away from clear coat. |
HOMEXCEL delivers great performance at a fraction of the cost.
Chemical Guys' large, ultra-soft towels prevent swirls on premium paint.
16" towels cover more surface, speeding up drying.
Cheap enough to use everywhere without worry.
Affordable and effective for basic car care.
Plush 480 GSM fabric lifts dirt away from clear coat.
What if neither is right?

USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack
$6.98
Another budget option with 4.6 stars and a slightly larger 12.5" size.

Meguiar's Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel
$12.05
A dedicated drying towel with waffle weave for quick water absorption.

Fixsmith Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 50 Pack
$19.99
Bulk 50-pack for heavy use at $0.40 per towel.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOMEXCEL vs Chemical Guys โ which is better for the money?
HOMEXCEL offers far better value at $0.57 per towel. Chemical Guys costs over 5 times more. Unless you need professional-grade softness and larger size, HOMEXCEL is the smarter buy for most people.
Can I use these towels for household cleaning?
Yes, both are versatile. HOMEXCEL is especially suited for household tasks like dusting, window cleaning, and kitchen counters because it's cheap enough to dedicate to different areas. Chemical Guys are better reserved for car detailing.
How should I wash microfiber towels?
Machine wash warm with mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Wash separately from cotton items to prevent lint transfer.
Which towel is best for drying a large SUV?
Chemical Guys' 16" x 16" towels are better for large panels. You'll need fewer passes and less wringing. HOMEXCEL's 11.5" size will work but requires more towels or frequent wringing.
Are these towels safe for ceramic coatings?
Both are safe, but Chemical Guys' ultra-soft plush is gentler on coatings. HOMEXCEL's tighter weave could potentially cause micro-marring if dirt is trapped. Always wash new towels first.
How many washes do these towels last?
Both claim hundreds of washes if cared for properly. HOMEXCEL's reinforced edges prevent fraying. Chemical Guys' stitching is also durable. Avoid high heat and fabric softener to maximize life.
Which one should I buy if I'm a beginner?
Start with HOMEXCEL. It's cheap, effective, and you'll learn basic car care without worrying about damaging expensive towels. Upgrade to Chemical Guys if you become a detailing enthusiast.
How we compared. We analyzed 70,289 verified Amazon reviews, compared specifications, and cross-referenced expert buyer guides to build this head-to-head comparison. Prices and availability update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Picks reflect editorial consensus from verified buyer reviews and independent research. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
