Cleaning rags, towels, and dry wipes clean off grime, wipe away dust, and soak up spills. They can be used alone or along with chemicals and cleaners for specialized cleaning jobs. Cloth rags are used to clean up spills and polish and dust surfaces. Shop towels are used in garages and maintenance shops to clean up oil, engine fluids, and grease. Microfiber cloths have fibers that trap more dirt and are more absorbent than standard cotton cloths.