This gets incredibly complicated, but the bottom line is there is an allowable variance(and no one knows who owns the real standard) in the 76%/24% combination. So it could be that they are now weaving the towels with a 76/24 combo, but in the final product you lose a percentage of the 24% portion which is what really helps reduce the scratching.
Simply put, test your towels on a CD before using them.

 

Thanks Steve.

The CD/DVD test I did with these towels failed (very well defined scratch on the surface), so I did not use them on the paint.

They did work great cleaning the windows.

 

FYI - For those that do have swirls, you can have them removed, but you need a strong polish to "cut" into the clear to remove the swirl. Best product I've used is Menzerna Intensive Polish followed by Mezerna's Final Polish. Apply both using the Porter Cable 7424 orbital buffer/sander. It's the best to buff without fear of "burning through" paint. Follow-up with Zaino for long lasting shine. This process worked great on my previously swirled black 2001 Trans Am.

 

I was seeing the dreaded swirls in our sport red HHR after using the yellow towels that Costco sells and tried them on a CD and guess what--SWIRLS. We also had a couple of their carwash mit kits, big brightly colored nubby mits with microfiber towels. The towels feel softer than the yellow ones and do Not scratch a cd.

 

Spring time bump everyone, Let the detailing begin!!!

 

I bought a pack of 6 microfiber 80/20 towels at Wal*Mart for $5. It is the only towel I will used to remove wax and when using a clay bar. I use an old cotton sock, wearing it like a mitt, to apply wax. I throw it away after one use, a sock might cost 25 cents, not worth washing.

 

I know this is an old post but I took my Costco yellow microfiber towels and did the CD test. I pressed as hard as I could and didn't get a single mark. They are marked 80/20.

Soooooo, this tells me nothing dang it!

 

Bumping this to answer that question terryk. If you did the CD test with those MF towels and saw no scratches then they're fine to use on the car.


Later
Allex