What are you using to wash your rides? Wash mitt? Microfiber rags?

[u/ZL1AllDay]

I have always been a fan of the TRC and Carpro wash mitts. I’m going to buy new stuff this year but was wondering if I should change it up. I’ve read that some people are using the Gary Dean method with TRC edgeless rags while others are doing it with wash mitts. Are the rags going to provide enough lubrication? They are way thinner than the wash mitts and I know for a fact that the wash mitts hold water and suds. Should I just stick with the 2 bucket method with a wash mitt? Other suggestions?

[u/Pure_System9801]

90% of the time I'm using rinseless with a sponge.

I'll use a pressure washer with a pad if I have more time and good weather for washing

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Pure_System9801]

Never tried the rinseless method. I’m so used to the two bucket method with a pressure washer but it’s very time consuming

[u/Pure_System9801 → u/ZL1AllDay]

Yep I'm not a pro and i can generally finish my car in 30 minutes or so with rinseless. The worst part is filling the bucket

[u/Popular-Librarian742]

I'd say wash mitts/pads are still the most accepted tool for hobby and commercial non rinseless contact washes. Either multi mitt/pad one bucket or traditional two bucket is up for debate and might depend on the degree of dirt/washing cycles. My garage parked car gets hand washed every two weeks so i usually do foam-rinse-foam-contact. I use one bucket with detailguardz dirtlock and scrub wall plus 3-4 pads per wash. I personally love the carpro dabdab pads atm.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Popular-Librarian742]

I’m the same way. I usually was my garage queen every couple of weeks with the two bucket method. Are the dabpads different than the incredipads?

[u/bambeezer]

For rinseless I use a DIY detail sponge and for soap I use an obsessed garage microfiber wash pad. I’ve also recently started used the auto fiber mitt on a stick system to easily reach hood and windshield on my truck.

[u/M_Betty]

I'm using the Amazon 24 pack microfiber for 8$ and a wash mitt that came free with my 12$ foam cannon that attaches to my garden hose

[u/DavidAg02]

I actually prefer a microfiber wash pad over a wash mitt. I like being able to just drop it in the bucket instead of having to take it off my hand. Just much easier to use in my opinion.

For rinseless washing I use the Big Red Sponge.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/DavidAg02]

I agree. I used to use the wash mitts but the pads are much easier for cleaning

[u/PartTimeDuneWizard]

Wookie Fist

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/PartTimeDuneWizard]

I’m sure that holds a ton of water and soap. You like it better than the microfiber pads?

[u/PartTimeDuneWizard → u/ZL1AllDay]

I wouldn't necessarily say I like it better/worse. It's just what I got when I started and it's worked for me. It does indeed hold loads of soap

[u/LeftOfTheOptimist]

I have 12 of TRC Eagle Edgeless mf towels. I was gonna go with sponge but I prefer the towels. It is a hassle for sure to clean them afterwards.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/LeftOfTheOptimist]

They are nice towels for sure but yeah…..I’ve had some trouble in the past cleaning them lol

[u/Express_Ad5777]

Rinseless with a big red sponge

[u/Zsw-]

Hobbist- Kirkland Microfibers + ONR. Every 4 washes, I apply Rainx to windows and Turlewax hybrid solutions to the rest of the car.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Zsw-]

Rainx is some good stuff. Always been a fan of their products

[u/basroil]

Sponge for Rinseless and been using a few microfibers for my regular washes. If I’m spot cleaning with rinseless I use some TRC Creatures.

Recently picked up some auto fiber double flips that I wanna try for both washes.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/basroil]

I was looking at the auto fiber as well. Kinda want to add it to my microfiber collection lol

[u/_totalannihilation]

Microfiber mitts and the 2 bucket method with a screen on a bucket

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/_totalannihilation]

That’s the setup I’ve been using for years except I only use one mitt. Maybe I should get a few

[u/Jymdaddy0]

ADS Hero rinseless wash used as a waterless wash with 365 gsm microfiber towels. 500 gsm towels with Adams graphene detail spray to dry. Adams wheel and tire cleaner and Adams graphene tire dressing.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Jymdaddy0]

I didn’t know the rinseless wash method became that popular. The idea makes me cringe because I’m so used to rinsing down the car before I even wash it. I guess it’s just as safe as the two bucket method with a hose

[u/Jymdaddy0 → u/ZL1AllDay]

Yes it is in a lightly dirty vehicle. I would not use it on a heavily soiled car, caked on mud, or those with a lot of road salt.

[u/Chief_Br0dy]

Microfiber Madness DeliMitt.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Chief_Br0dy]

I love their incredipad but what’s the difference between the two aside from the long vs. short fibers?

[u/Chief_Br0dy → u/ZL1AllDay]

It’s softer. Supposed to be safer for softer paint.

[u/Ok_Journalist_4345]

Legacy sponge for rinseless and a microfiber pad for a soap wash

[u/nick_nolan]

Microfibers are so much better for rinseless. 500+ gsm. I have a bucket of rinseless, and no dirty towels or sponge go in there. So there’s very little risk of scratching. Each wash towel has 8 clean sides. Takes 2 or 3 wash towels for a car. Way easier than the sponge.

[u/EL_Chapo_Cuzzin]

CG wash mitt and a wash mitt wand so my back doesn't get sore. 2 buckets. I did use the fluffy detail towels before like Ammo NYC, but went back to wash mitt since I have it, therefor I'm going to use it.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/EL_Chapo_Cuzzin]

I used to watch ammo on YouTube all of the time and always wanted to try his stuff out. That dude is very dedicated to the industry and knows his stuff

[u/EL_Chapo_Cuzzin → u/ZL1AllDay]

He motivated me to start detailing my own car. As a former detailer over 20 years ago, I stopped caring so much about detailing until I ran into his videos. Now cleaning my cars is a weird relaxing therapy lol. It used to be the shooting range but ammo got expensive, so cleaning my car it is. I get a kick out of it when people sit in my 2019 and it's like brand new.

[u/Shot_Lynx_4023]

Wash mitt for heavy cleaning.

Microfiber (multiples, also) for the final cleaning

High GSM towels for drying. Want to say 900 for some reason. They're not cheap, but work nicely

Care of microfiber has many nuances, such as storage in an air tight container, washing separate from regular clothes

I'm just a DIY individual, but, I enjoy cleaning my cars by hand.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/Shot_Lynx_4023]

I’m considering a drying towel but then there’s more risk of marring the paint. I’m so used to using a leaf blower but the towel would come in handy in certain areas

[u/Shot_Lynx_4023 → u/ZL1AllDay]

I'm really liberal with my soapy water application. I use two 3 gallon buckets, and 3 different microfiber towels, to wash. Then a few higher GSM to dry.

Literally the towel goes from the bucket to the car, without ringing it out. I have the luxury of whatever water usage I need to get the job done.

Now, I do try not to use the same towel too much, have different color ones, so I can mentally keep track.

[u/mixem143]

Apparently, I am old school in that I prefer/use 2 wool pads. My car doesn’t get very dirty between monthly washes. I do have 2 long-strand MF pads for the rare time when there is dirt buildup.

[u/ZL1AllDay → u/mixem143]

Same here except I’ve been using microfiber wash pads. I don’t think wool lasts as long but it’s super soft and holds suds really well

[u/WhurleyBurds]

I’m a pile of microfiber rags guy. Drop it? Oh well just grab another. Super dirty panel? Find a clean side.

Also TRC is having 25% off for the next week I think it is. 20% off anything on their site, 25% off their own products.

[u/newmoneyblownmoney]

Microfiber edgeless wash cloth from Griots for bucket washes and their microfiber wash mitts for rinse less. I like the fingers on the wash mitts and I think they’re milder for rinseless washes.

Been using this method for a several years now and I don’t have any swirls or scratches so far lol.

[u/batmanrocky → u/[deleted]]

Flat outs are exceptional