Wash mitts, Viking vs. detailers choice-->

DETAILKING · 08-24-01, 01:39

I recently purchased a wash mitt from TARGET. It was white, claimed to be 100% cotton (chenelle), and looked exactly like the Viking ones that I have used in the past. People have said that the ones in target ARE, in fact the viking ones.

Well, I was very dissappointed with this mitt. It was very thin, and had a foam backing. When it was wet, the cotton did not even cover all the backing material and I was afraid of scratching. Also the seams were exposed on one side and were very rough. I ended up tossing it in the garbage and buying a wool one from TARGET that has been ok so far.

I was so upset I emailed Viking and asked them why they changed their design. Here is the reply I got-------->
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It's not easy to tell our mitts from the competition, but we do have some
>important differences. The mitts at Target are made by the same company as
>Detailer's Choice - just under Target's Baja Sol private label.
> Viking mitts never have an exposed seam; we sew our mitts inside out, then
>turn them so the stitching will not be able to scratch your car. It's an
>extra labor step, but we think it's worth it. We also do not use a foam
>backing. Some people prefer the feel of the foam, but we use a much
>thicker
>and more durable liner than the foam. Also, we use 3 rows of chenille
>stitching for every 2 of the Detailer's Choice mitts.
> Detailer's Choice / Baja Sol does not offer a 100% cotton mitt. Theirs is
>a blend of polyester and rayon. We offer both a 100% cotton version and a
>blended product; most of our retail partners sell the blended because it is
>cheaper than the cotton version. Our 100% cotton mitt has been approved by
>Cotton Inc and bears the seal of cotton logo, so you can be sure of what
>you
>are getting. If it does not have the seal of cotton, then it's a blended
>mitt.
>Both the blended product and the 100% cotton products are very soft and
>safe
>for your clear coat. Some people just prefer the extra security of knowing
>their mitt is 100% cotton. I've used both dry across the surface of a
>blank
>CD as advocated by some on Autopia and found the blended product to leave
>slightly more light scratches. Used wet and rinsed frequently, neither
>product will harm your clear coat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I guess that one at target is not the quality viking one that I was used to using. I will be getting some of the REAL cotton ones very soon and will post a full review after a few washes....

DETAILKING

Don2000g · 08-25-01, 12:10

Where are you going to get a 100% cotton Viking chenille mitt at? Just curious as I might be interested in trying one myself. Thanks and laters.

YoSteve · 08-25-01, 02:42

Don I saw the viking cheneille mitts at AutoZone.

DETAILKING · 08-25-01, 09:10

Don2000g · 08-25-01, 02:07

I'm somewhat surprised that Autozone carries 100% cotton chenille mitss. I just assumed that they would only carry a cotton/polyester blend.

DETAILKING · 09-04-01, 01:55

I tried out the 100% cotton (look for the stamp) wash mit by viking. All I can say is WHAT A MIT compared to the one I purchased from target and was very disappointed with. The viking mitt has much denser cotton strands, no exposed stitching, and a very durable backing material (not cheap foam).

I washed my BMW with it this weekend, and was very happy with the results. The mit holds plenty of water and suds and does not "thin" out when wet. I was highly confident the mit was catching all the dirt and not grinding it into my paint. Thumbs up on this mit. Look for it at autozone.

crv · 09-05-01, 08:34

O'Reilly auto parts also carries the 100% cotton Viking mits. Something like $2 and change. They are a nice mit.

rad21 · 10-29-01, 06:59

Well, I went to Autozone and found the mitt marked Viking. It had the cheap foam inside and looked no better than the Detailers Choice Mitt I currently use. Must have been the blended version, it's all they had

PrinzII · 11-06-01, 03:32

I just bought a Viking Chenille Mitt and mine did not have a foam backing but it did have a nice rubber liner on the inside and was soft as the dickens. In short, I love it!

bigboyhf · 11-09-01, 01:10

Has anyone tried the Chenille Mitt's from CMA? They are a little bit pricey, but are supposed to be 100% cotton. I have the Detailer's choice one and it's "OK" but I was looking for a better one....

H

jazzyjack · 12-12-01, 04:52

can you please provide a URL link to the Autozone website? I've looked at it and can't find the mitts...

Must be brain farting again

puterbum · 12-12-01, 08:41

Jazzy: Autozone on the west coast doesn't have them. Look for them at Kragens.