How Do Costco Microfiber Towels Compare To Their Major Competitor?

Cleaning is no longer just a chore — it's a total phenomenon, thanks to #CleanTok. #CleanTok is a trend on TikTok fueled by influencers who love to show people their creative ways to clean and keep tidy. One of the must-have essentials that cleanfluencers always have on hand is microfiber towels. Praised for their ability to absorb spills and dust, they're crucial for that streak-free clean everyone craves.  These handy soft plush cloths are seriously versatile, and that's why they're a go-to cleaning supply for not only cleaning items in the house but also for car detailing. Things you should be cleaning with a microfiber cloth also include electronic screens, eyeglasses, and stainless steel appliances. Just remember to properly disinfect microfiber towels after each use to maintain good hygiene.

One of the most popular microfiber towels on the market just might be Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels. Not only are they sold in bulk at a very affordable price, but they seem to be a go-to recommendation by many cleaners and autodetailers. How do Costco's microfiber towels stack up to those of a higher-end brand, like The Rag Company? We take a closer look at how the Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels compare in terms of price, quality, and performance. 

The biggest draw of Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels is that they are one of the most budget-friendly options available. At just $19.99, you can score a 36-pack, which comes out to about 56 cents per towel. These towels are 16" squares made of 80% polyester and 20% polymide. Some of the key features include their ability to clean without chemicals and not leave scratches as they remove wax and dust. 

Costco's microfiber towels boast a 4.8-star rating from more than a thousand reviews. One reviewer said, via the Costco website, "Extremely durable, lint-free, and perfect for numerous applications from cleaning to drying... Very economical, so if one gets super dirty or is used with chemical cleaners or petroleum products, I just toss it... I have allergies, so it is great to be able to clean woodwork and walls with just a damp one, and when dry, these really grab dust. No chemicals needed." Some downsides reported were that there was initial fiber shedding and large, scratchy tags. However, frequent users of the towels explained the quick fix for these issues would be to remove the tag and wash the towels before use. Another common complaint about these towels is that they are quite thin and not very absorbent. 

The Rag Company provides numerous premium microfiber towels and car detailing products, but for a fair comparison, we'll compare the Costo towels to The Rag Company All-Purpose Terry Microfiber Towel. This towel is offered in three different sizes, 10 different colors, and comes in a pack of 12 at $18.00, equating to $1.50 per towel. This makes them almost double the price per towel to those from Costco.

In terms of composition, The Rag Company's All-Purpose Terry Towel is made of 20% polyamide, while Costco's Ultra Plush Microfiber Towel uses 20% polymide. Although they sound so similar and are both synthetic fabrics, polyamide is used in higher-quality microfiber towels. As for performance, The Rag Company's All-Purpose Terry Towel is often reviewed as a durable and high-quality towel. One reviewer, via Amazon, said, "I have bought countless rags. Some were OK. I swore by cotton. Up until these miracles came into my life... Holy smokes!...Nothing beats them in absorbency and streak-free polishing." Like Costco's microfiber towels, reviewers noted some downsides. The most frequently mentioned ones were that the towels shed a lot, lost their shape, and the colored ones bleed dye when washed. However, with a 4.7-star overall review from over 4,000 customers, the consensus is that these are excellent towels.

Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towel and The Rag Company's All-Purpose Terry Towel may seem similar at first glance. But differences in factors like composition, price, and performance set them apart. Ultimately, when choosing the better buy for you, it'll all come down to considering what your microfiber towel needs are. 

The thick weave of The Rag Company's microfiber towels ensures they pick up dirt and debris effectively and absorb moisture up to 10 times their weight, making them professional-grade microfiber towels. In contrast, Costco's microfiber towels are perfect for everyday household cleaning, which makes them a great value buy for common tasks. Many users recommend The Rag Company's microfiber towels when needing better absorbency, while Costco's microfiber towels are ideal for regular day-to-day use. 

Overall, if you're seeking an affordable, everyday microfiber towel, Costco's Ultra Plush Microfiber Towel will give you the best bang for your buck. On the other hand, if durability, strong absorbency, and the ability to color-code your microfiber towels to maintain hygiene standards are crucial for you, looking into The Rag Company's All-Purpose Terry Towel might be a good idea.