Which Wash Mitt/Pad/Sponge/Brush?

[PhaRO]

Before I die I must try a giant sea sponge and a hand set boar hair brush.

 

[JaredPointer]

We will just have to agree to disagree.

Not a problem, as I didn't think I was trying to sway or change your opinion in the first place.

IMO this "migration" is only a theory which has been perpetuated on the detailing forums. It is (again IMO) a theory based on wishes and not fact. Once the chenille mitt or sheepskin mitt "grabs" a contaminant, I don't find that it moves up the fiber at all. But, if you choose to subscribe to this theory, then why not a sea sponge?

Because I have used a sponge and have seen the dirt & grime that accumulates on the surface for one. It has nowhere to go but the surface of the sponge. I don't see contaminants on the surface of the sheepskin mitt, so I am assuming that it goes "into" the nap. No scientific proof or anything, but I can see results and infer.

I'm assuming you didn't mean "rubbing". No matter the wash tool, I don't "rub" at all.

Rubbing in a general sense, yes. I prefer to softly "drag" my mitt in straight lines over the surface, but I guess any type of washing we do is actually rubbing the surface. No matter what you want to label what you do, you are moving something across the surface, therefore causing friction.

But speaking of rubbing. I have always found it ironic that some people love the sheepskin (wool) washing mitt and disparage the sponge (foam or sea), yet prefer a foam polishing pad and shy away from the wool pads while machine polishing, an activity which provides far more opportunity for surface marring if “grit” is introduced between the pad and the surface.

Because that's like comparing apples to oranges. You are washing to remove dirt & grit. You shouldn't be polishing a dirty vehicle. There is always a chance of getting grit on a polish pad, especially if you are careless with the polisher.

If you are flushing your surface well with a pre-rinse, using an appropriate amount of a quality car wash, and using good common sense (rinsing your wash tool often, keeping the rinse water clean etc. etc. ) I see only a small opportunity for marring your paint’s surface no matter the tool you choose.

I agree - unless you're using a Brillo pad. :lol

Unlike some, when it comes to detailing, I have no agenda, no need to sway anyone to my way of thinking. I have no desire to change anyone's mind about which car wash, polish, sealant, wax, drying tool, wash tool, etc. etc. etc. they choose to use. Frankly, I don't care what you use. A poll was formed and I offered my opinion. If you don't agree with me, I won't accuse you of being "condescending"

I am not trying to sway anyone either. I just felt like sharing my opinion. That's what the boards are for.

I can only suggest that if any reader has been scared off from using a sponge by the doomsayers, then try one on your lower panels and be your own judge.

Again, I agree with you. It's up to each individual to find what works for them. No one can tell them what's correct - they need to find it out for themselves. That's exactly why I choose not to use a sponge, dishrag, or brush on my finish.

Again, I'm not trying to change your mind or state that I think you are wrong. I just felt like I needed to address your questions. No need to think I am trying to argue with you or anything.

 

[DetailQueen]

Love the sea sponge if it is a high quality one, I have had mine for sometime and I have a black vehicle. Sheepskin rocks too! :mohawk

 

[matthiasj]

I'd like to try the seasponge, and sheepskin sometime too. I really dont like mits though, i hate having that damn thing over my hand.

 

[Bill D]

I have alternated by having it over my hand as intended and holding it like a pad. I don't do the later any more. I don't want it slipping out of my hand.

 

[JeffM]

I would pay big money, hahaha, for a sheepskin wash PAD. The wrist band has come un-tucked and left marring, so i either have to wear the stupid thing, or hold onto the end area so it never touches the paint.

 

[Bill D]

That would be interesting. I never had that problem.I never let the cuff contact the paint. Would be nice to a sheepskin padded cuff though.

 

[Jinba ittai]

I use the sheepskin, but i dont like the wrist band. I am looking for just a sheepskin pad, that elastic stuff scratches....

I had the same problem. The mitt would slide around on my hand and that wristband could potentiallly scratch the paint! :wall

However it's easily fixed. If you look at the elastic wristband and peel the sheepskin back from it you'll see that only some threads hold the wristband onto the mitt. You can cut it off from the sheepskin itself with a razor blade or X-acto knife. Gently and carefully cut the threads. The wristband is totally separate from the wristand and won't unravel. It'll just detach itself from the mitt. Just be sure to only cut the threads that hold the wristband onto the mitt itself.

Then you can use it either as a mitt or just as a pad. :bigups I've done this with 3 mitts and used them many times without any problems.

 

[Scorpion]

I've tried the brush and the sponges and the terry cloth covered sponges. Meh. I recently sprung for a sheepskin mitt. I used it the last time I washed with NXT and my impression was "OMG!". I'll never use anything but a sheepskin with NXT to wash a vehicle again. Remember, top to bottom.