Using Sponges?

[hokie822]

Just curious what you guys are using to hand wash with. Using a special sponge, towel? I usually use a 99 cent sponge and throw it away after a couple washes. I am the type that usually takes cars to a detailer...but now I have a black SS...I wouldn't be able to afford detailer every couple weeks. I am planning on buying the Zaino kit and doing all my own stuff. Appreciate any input. Thanks

[ieatglue]

For my black TB i just use a fluffy sponge i bought at a dollar store. It's got an 8 figure. It doesn't scratch the paint at all :D
http://www.e-carsolutions.com/data/images/sponge.jpg

[ecniv]

I use the same sponge as above, and I use Eagle One bucket free car wash soap.

[deathbynosleep]

i use one spong for the car and then after that i use another(an older one) for the wheel wells and running boards(places with the most dirt)

[Envoy Fan]

Check out www.detailcity.org and www.autopia.org for car wash tips, especially with black.

Best to use two buckets :yes:

[fife2001]

I use one like on the bottom left of this pic. It has one side soft and the other is for removing tar/ bugs. Works very well.


http://img.ebigchina.com/cdimg/359012/1538215/0/1127275404.jpg

[jon3sgte]

i dont recommend wool mits especially on dark colored cars. they will leave scratches and swirls in the paint. i use a microfiber sponge and it works great. it has the same grabbing ability as a wool mit. most detailers will tell you not to use wool or cotton on your car.

[Fleet]

I don't think the sponge / mitt type matter so much. I think technique is more important. If you go over to detailcity or autopia, they all recommend the "2 bucket" car wash approach. Once I started this, the swirls stopped appearing. Basically, you have one bucket with soap and another bucket with water. You rinse out your sponge/mitt in the water before dipping in the soap.

On my old black Envoy, I used to use a sheepskin type mitt with no issues. I'd use a wool mitt on the wheel wells though.

[Steve02SLT]

I have no idea what the mitt I use is made of, I got it from the parts store. Its one of the ones with the pole, and 2 different detachable 'mitt' styles, ones extremely soft and has never left a scratch anywhere, and the other one seems kinda rough so I use it for the wheels/tires. I've never used the 2 bucket method, but I like to rinse the wash mitts often anyways.

[Hollyce]

yeah i use just a regular ol' sponge just to wash my car with and then a separate one for my rims. I would rather detail it myself then have it professionally done, that way you know everything's done right. :cool:

[HOTRODSURFER]

yeah i use just a regular ol' sponge just to wash my car with and then a separate one for my rims. I would rather detail it myself then have it professionally done, that way you know everything's done right. :cool:
:iagree: if you want it done right you have to do it your self

[EnvoyXL]

I use blue microfiber towels to wash with. I got a bag with 15 or 20 for about $8 at Wal Mart. I wash and reuse them, but always use a brand new one to dry since my girlfriend does the laundry and she uses fabric softener on everything. I suppose I could get a 5 gallon bucket for storing the dirty ones and wash them myself, but that would be too much work. They work really good, super absorbant, and I personally havent found anything softer. Just make sure you pull the tags off if they have any because they can leave fine scratches. The microfiber clothes also get into nooks and crannies that a sponge cant fit into. I also keep one in my side door panel that I use to clean my dash with. After a few times using with your favorite dash cleaner the microfiber will become saturated. Just throw it in a ziplock and keep it in your truck and anytime it if dusty you can just whip it out and wipe down the dash. I use to clean my dash about 3 or 4 times a year when I do a really thorough cleaning, but now it gets wiped down at least once a week. I also keep a small kitchen spong soaked in tire shine in a ziplock so I can wipe my tires down without getting overspray everywhere. Anybody else have any tips like this?

[ghoster]

I use microfiber towels. They seem to work really really well. I use them to wash, dry, wheels, interior, everything. I think I paid $15 for a 12 pack the first time. I have bought 2 more packs since then. They wash fine and I have been using the same ones for at least a year. :cool:

[EnvoyXL]

I use microfiber towels. They seem to work really really well. I use them to wash, dry, wheels, interior, everything. I think I paid $15 for a 12 pack the first time. I have bought 2 more packs since then. They wash fine and I have been using the same ones for at least a year. :cool:

I dont know if you saw my post about using microfiber or not, but Do you use fabric softener on yours? I get streaks when drying if mine have fabric softener. Make sure you pull the tags off because they can scratch.

[ghoster]

I dont know if you saw my post about using microfiber or not, but Do you use fabric softener on yours? I get streaks when drying if mine have fabric softener. Make sure you pull the tags off because they can scratch.

No, no fabric softner. In fact I use as little detergent as possible. Mine didn't come with tags though. I like using them on the glass too. No streaks at all with them.

[deathbynosleep]

I use microfiber towels to dry. I keep trying different brands because i get hairline scratches. I use lint free towels for my windows...they work great.

[EnvoyXL]

You may want to try cutting the hem off the edges. That could be causing your scratches

[deathbynosleep]

You may want to try cutting the hem off the edges. That could be causing your scratches

Thanks...i'll try that this weekend.

[Envoy Fan]

I use microfiber towels to dry. I keep trying different brands because i get hairline scratches. I use lint free towels for my windows...they work great.

Do you wash your microfiber towels once before the first use?

Also, not all microfiber towels are the same. Some are better quality.

[CopyGuard]

I like a high quality cotton towel. Keep it clean and no hard pressure.

[BLK60SS]

I use a micro fiber sponge. It kinda looks like some sort of deep sea creature, lol. It has all these little tentacles on it. Got it at walmart, works great.

[02redhawk]

High quality, thick nap 100% cotton towel, with frequent turnings to different (unused) sections of the towel. Its the only thing that won't scratch your paint during washing.

[Steve02SLT]

Do you wash your microfiber towels once before the first use?

Also, not all microfiber towels are the same. Some are better quality.

I never wash mine before the first use....should I start washing them before use???

[Envoy Fan]

I never wash mine before the first use....should I start washing them before use???

I like to wash them first, seem a little softer (don't use fabric softener though, a no no) for the first use.

[thaar]

I prefer using a sheepskin wash mitt. If you are going to use a sponge, I would recommend using a sea sponge.

[TexasTB]

yeah i use just a regular ol' sponge just to wash my car with and then a separate one for my rims. I would rather detail it myself then have it professionally done, that way you know everything's done right. :cool:

I agree and disagree.:D If you know what you are doing, yea, do it yourself. If not, well, let someone with experiance do it. The average Joe does not know how to remove micro marring, swirls, and paint defects. Most people just wash and dry their car, throw some trim and tire dressing on, and call it a detail.. WRONG....that is a car wash. Detailing is an art that takes time to learn, IMHO.

But yea, I let noone touch my truck but myself

[jauto98]

For washing, I use a sheep skin wash mitt and a foam gun. Solution I use is Poorboys Super Slick Suds. Works great for me.

[Silver_06]

I only use really thick white terry cloth towels for washing. Really nice and soft microfiber for drying.

[TexasTB]

For washing, I use a sheep skin wash mitt and a foam gun. Solution I use is Poorboys Super Slick Suds. Works great for me.

You make me happy!...LOL:D :hail:

[Slow_Esuvee]

sheepskin mit and poor boys soap here also ... i like both products

[jauto98]

You make me happy!...LOL:D :hail:

Hahaha :laugh:

If don't have a foam gun, I'd get one (pretty sure you know where to get one :thumbsup: )... works well. Lots of foam and helps me prevent marring with all the foam suspending dirt particles. For a little boost for dirty vehicles, add a little of Poorboys Bug Squash and it foams better and cleans great.

[TexasTB]

Did you see the post from AG about the new soap for the foam gun?

[jauto98]

Hahahhahaha :laugh: :rotfl: :laugh: :rotfl:

Thats what I am talking about. Foam is my friend... for washing... hehe

http://backup.cellar.org/cellar/2006/foamtest4.jpg

[ghoster]

Hahahhahaha :laugh: :rotfl: :laugh: :rotfl:

Thats what I am talking about. Foam is my friend... for washing... hehe

http://backup.cellar.org/cellar/2006/foamtest4.jpg

:eek: :eek: Thats one helluva car wash!:rotfl:

[APDMC6008]

Haha I remember that USAF pic. The AFFF system activated in a hangar.

Personally, I wash my truck with a mitt. I wash it maybe once or twice a month.