Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

[mrscratchandswirl]

I try to maintain my car, but a close inspection shows that I've put a lot of swirls and scratches into my ram air. I recently purchased a mustang GT, and despite being careful, I've already seen some scratches and swirls.

I just went nuts at the meguiar's online store and bought a new microfiber mitt, towels, applicators (foam and microfiber). Do I need to wash these before using (or some of them?)

To be blunt, I used a microfiber mitt (not meguiars because they didn't carry it) on my ram air after years of using a regular mitt. I was quite shocked when I saw the car in the sun the next day. Somehow, I'm quite sure that microfiber mitt is what really scratched my other car up. I want to avoid similiar mistakes on the new one as much as possible.

I'm reading the guides and such, but I'm not sure if I have to prewash my stuff before using it. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

[greg0303]

Re: Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.


Do you use a 2-bucket method while washing your car?

Rinsing your wash mitt in plain water bucket before another car soap application helps a lot. Also grit guard(s) will keep dirt on the bottom of your bucket(s) so your mitt won't pick it up and by scrubbing your mitt on grits will remove debris as well.

Good quality wash mitt and drying towel will reduce potential of inflicting swirls/ scratches into your paint. You could definitely wash them before initial use if I'd like to.

[Bunky]

Re: Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

You will have to go review every step of your process.

What is your wash and dry process? Do not forget that you can add swirls when applying waxes, etc.

Things to consider.

• pre-rinsing the car to dislodge as much dirt as possible
• two bucket method (correct soap dilution). your soap bucket should still be clean when done. mix up at least 3 gallons solutions
• wash in small areas between dipping in rinse bucket (like 1/2 hood, 1/2 roof, etc). dip often.
• inspect your wash mitt after rinsing to be sure it is clean
• rubbing too hard while washing (the first wipe should be light). resist urge to continuously wipe areas
• wash from top down, consider two mitts (upper and lower)
• slow rinse water to sheet as much water off prior to drying to reduce drying time
• not getting paint clean so when drying dragging dirt across paint
• wiping too hard when during drying (consider using detail spray as drying aid to add lubricity)
• dirty or scratchy towels (consider a leaf blower). Your drying towel should not be picking up dirt.
• Using detail sprays on dirty cars, wiping too hard

[mrscratchandswirl]

Re: Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

Thanks for your responses. To answer the questions posed:

I am using the two bucket method, and my wash process is as follows: I rinse car. Then wash a section at a time, from the top down. I then use that california blade thing to get the loose water off the roof/hood/trunk. I finish up by using the "absorber" thing to get the rest of the water.

I know the awful scratches I put in my ram air are from the last time I washed because I didn't wax it. The only thing I did differently than normal was use a new, microfiber mitt (unfortunately not meguiars).

I didn't wash it before using, and that's the only thing I can think of since I used the two bucket method.

So, I'm wondering if I should wash the microfiber: mitt, water magnet, and supreme shine towels I bought from the meguiars store.

I also bought some microfiber applicator pads...hoping that helps with the waxing.

[Bunky]

Re: Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

Personally, I would avoid the blade and stick to sheeting and a blower or water magnet to dry.
The absorber should work if the paint and the absorber are absolutely clean. Purists think it can mar since it sticks to paint but it is always about technique in the end. There are just less risky ways to wash and dry (2 BM, clean mf mitt, and mf drying after sheeting water).

[greg0303]

Re: Wash mitts, towels, applicators before using?

I would also recommend to discontinue a water blade usage. It only takes a one small piece trapped between it and paint surface possibly causing a serious problem.