Grout Sponge

[c5rick]

Does anyone have an opinion on Grout Sponges
Thanks

[ColonelCash]

Re: Grout Sponge

Try the ProLine version from Lowe's. They run about $1.97. Hold suds very well. There is one that is a little smaller and bone shaped, but I'd try to get the "Tile & Grout Sponge" if you can find them. Usually stocked on the aisle with brooms and mops.

[RGP]

Re: Grout Sponge

I'm guessing they're great for grout since they're designed to swipe away as much product as possible in one pass.

I suspect they're way too aggressive for your beloved paint. I'm a car washing beginner here, but I'm getting the idea that your washing medium is hopefully supposed to have some sort of recessed nooks and crannies for trapping the dreaded grit which you remove in your clear rinse water pail before going on to another panel.

I'll watch with interest as others far better informed than I reply.

[Heatgain]

Re: Grout Sponge

Get the one at Lowe's from Proline. It's actually in the cleaning aisle, not the tile aisle.
I used to use that but now I use a very soft Grecian Wonder Sponge. Got it on clearance sale at Advance Auto for .25 each. I bought about 30 of them.
If you can't find that, the Proline sponge is used by a ton of detailers with no ill effects.

[ColonelCash]

Re: Grout Sponge

Just for the record, there are sponges with a rough scrubber side on them and you DO NOT want those. The grout sponges I speak of are just a big sponge...similar to what Megs used to sell in the Gold Class line. These are really good for ONR washings because they soak up a lot of water and are easy to use.

[BlueZero]

Re: Grout Sponge

I've used the Home Depot ones a few times. They really seem to bite, it scared me. However it didn't seem to leave any marring. I've been wanting to test them out a bit more. They do a great job at cleaning, bugs too. It also holds a ton of suds and water. I want to like them but need more time with them.

They do have a huge following.

[02zx9r]

Re: Grout Sponge

I like the Proline one from Lowes.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Grout Sponge

There's been a lot said about grout sponges over the years here, but I prefer a wash mitt myself.

I did buy a grout sponge one time, but I decided to cut it into small slices with a sharp knife for applying tire dressings with instead.

[akimel]

Re: Grout Sponge

+1 on the Proline grout sponge from Lowe's. I use one for ONR washes, as it releases the dirt easily. I also use one for the lowest panels where I would prefer not to use my wash mitt. As far as I can determine, it has not marred the paint, though I'm probably not a good judge of this. At $2 each, the sponge is a bargain.

If you do a google search of the Autopia forum, you'll find that a goodly number folks use a grout sponge, especially if they are using ONR. I'm not sure why folks, including me, dare to use it with ONR but not with a regular wash. Hmmm ...

[Bounty]

Re: Grout Sponge

Does anyone have an opinion on Grout Sponges
Thanks

Grout sponges are excellent products for washing your car as long as you utilize the soft surface sponges and not the ones that have dual-sides with a "scrubbing" or "abrasive" side.

I have used the ones from Home Depot for some time and love them. Have also used the Lowe's version and found it comparable. I find them the ideal wash media for the 1-bucket/foam gun method.

The grout sponges don't seem to hold as much suds as a wool mitt or some other wash media but with a foam gun that's not an issue. As mentioned, they "bite" very hard and remove all material in the swipe pattern giving you a good view of the surface being cleaned. I have never experienced marring with grout sponges and they do an excellent job of releasing dirt and grime into the rinse bucket.

I highly recommend them...

[c5rick]

Re: Grout Sponge

I was curious. I have a synthetic wash pad. When washing I notice dirt particles accumulating in it and I can't get them to rinse out. I use the two bucket method so was looking for a different media to use.
Thanks for your opinions.

[imacarnut]

Re: Grout Sponge

Lowes proline tile & grout sponge FTW!

[BlueZero]

Re: Grout Sponge

As mentioned, they "bite" very hard and remove all material in the swipe pattern giving you a good view of the surface being cleaned. I have never experienced marring with grout sponges and they do an excellent job of releasing dirt and grime into the rinse bucket.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I wasn't sure if my grout sponges where different or if I was using them wrong. They sure do bite. It sort of freaks me out. But also as you said, I've never noticed marring. I'll have to give them a try again for sure. They are very cost effective too!

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Grout Sponge

I bought mine at Home Depot and just started using them this year. I believe the name was "Working Hands" but am not sure. In any event, I am very impressed with their cleaning ability and find them to be very safe and durable.

[Caress Detailing]

Re: Grout Sponge

So question for you Grout Sponge users.

Does the dirt and particles that get on the sponge just rinse out?

Back in the old days, I remember using a sponge but the dirt will never rinse out.

I might go to home depot to pick a few up and see how it works.