sheepskin mitt ?

[tom]

Hi
I recently purchased megs sheepskin mitt and did a quick CD rub test and was surprised to find that it appeared to induce more marring than cloth or sponge. Mitt was dry so my question is when used properly with shampoo and water can I be sure it wont cause swirls marks in the paint finish.

What do you guys use to try and avoid swirls whilst washing.

Thanks,

Tom R.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Tom,

Welcome to Meguiar’s Online!

Your test is an interesting one. I know a lot of people test microfibers on CD's for abrasiveness, but I never though about testing washing products.

I know a couple of Professional Detailers that only use Grout Sponges they purchase at hardware stores. These guys wash and wax cars 6 days a week.

I like fuzzy wash mitts because the fibers get into all of the cracks and crevices that a flat face sponge cannot get into.

I know a quality car wash like Meguiar's offers contain ingredients that aid in making the washing process slippery to help reduce washing induced scratches.

I don't know what the best washing product is however. Great, something else to do!

Mike

[ebpcivicsi]

Sheepskin used correctly and gently is my prefered tool for washing. I wouldn't worry about marring, just keep the mitt rinsed really, use gentle pressure, and a use a high quality shampoo.

[Duckman]

I've been using a sheepskin mitt for a couple years now... I'm getting fed up with it though, as I always have chunks of the fur left on my car. the mitts don't stand the test of time well at all, so be ready to replace it often. I'm considering going to a chenille sponge.

[scrub]

Funny you mention switching to chenille. I had the problems you mentioned with both types of wash mitts (both from Target). Then I ordered the Meg mitt and shedding is not a problem now. $12.95 seems steep but I think it's worth it for the high quailty long lasting mitt you get.

[fiberrich]

scub,

I've had the same problems listed above. Seems like last year I had one that lasted all summer. This year, I've gone through three of them already and about to start using a fourth one.

Puchased a chenille one, but haven't used it yet.

How long have you had your more $$ one? I'd like to know how long it lasted.

[scrub]

purchased the mitt from Meguiar's in 5/04. No shedding. I didn't like the mitt at first. Seemed to thin and not very plush. The mitt rinses out very easy though and now I don't like to use the target mitt. I did order another as a back up in June. I've used it once. This one's a bit different. It's more plush and thicker. I don't really care for it yet.

[Aurora40]

Shedding

Yeah, I've also had good results with the Meg's mitt in this regard, as well as the Autopia store mitts. My CMA mitt sheds like crazy, though still is quite fur-covered. However, I wonder how long I'd want to keep any mitt regardless of condition. I wash them in the washing machine after each use, but I'm sure they can still start to build up crud in them.

I used chenille sponges before switching to sheepskin, I'd never go back.

[Bill D]

Originally posted by Duckman
I've been using a sheepskin mitt for a couple years now... I'm getting fed up with it though, as I always have chunks of the fur left on my car. the mitts don't stand the test of time well at all, so be ready to replace it often. I'm considering going to a chenille sponge.

I've had sorta the opposite experience, chenille lints so much for me it's highly annoying. My sheepskins endure rather well. If they get less than plush over time, they go to wet and dry wheel duty.

[Duckman]

Well, the mitt i've been using was a Simoniz one, which isn't really a company that I associate with "High Quality" so perhaps I should try something from Meguiars... the problem I have is I can't find anywhere around here with good quality stuff... and I don't want to order it all online...since I'm canadian.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Duckman,

Your local Walmart carries a decent sheepskin mitt. It does not last much beyond 15 washes, but it does not shed. I usually buy 6 at a time.

Tim

[Bill D]

Walmart Eurow sheepskin mitts: I'm very pleased with. DO take your time hand picking them. Inspect every one at the shelf and select only the softest

[vwguy]

I use two mitts when I wash my car, one for soap, then next year it becomes the rinse mitt. Anyway, the mitt I use to rinse (from Target) has been shedding like crazy & it's been driving me nuts!

Brian

[Mike Phillips]

Most of my life I have used the SM Arnold brand Fuzzy Gold Fleece Wash Mitt, mostly because they are widely available and inexpensive, so I don't feel bad about delegating them to wheels, tires, fender lips after using them two or three times on a nice finish. (If they cost more I would tend to try to use them longer and after a while the fibers get kind of matted and tatty which I don't think are as safe to use compared to when they're brand new).

When we bought our 04 Pilot, I purchased Meguiar's top of the line wash mitt, deciding to give it a try on the Pilot. Because it's black, it's important to do everything possible to prevent swirls.

Lambs Wool Wash Mitt



The first time I used it I didn't like it very much. When the fibers were wet, it felt like a wet cat, (don't ask), kind of silky in a slimy way. It worked great however, it is very soft and gentle to the finish. As I continued to use it, I adjusted to the way it felt when it was wet because I felt that it was doing a better job than the type of mitt I have traditionally used.

After using at least a dozen times now, here's what else I have noticed, it doesn't matt-up like the other mitt's I've used, therefore I am able to keep on using it. I don't feel the quality of this mitt has diminished in any way.

A couple of notes however for what it's worth,

First - I never use it for wheels, tires, fender lips or any non-paint surfaces.
Second - I always use it with either NXT Car Wash or Gold Class Car Wash
Third - I always use it with my Grit Guard in a 5-gallon bucket
Fourth - I have never dropped it on the ground
Fifth - I always rinse it out and then gently wring it out and then lay it on top of the Grit Guard to dry in the bucket after use.

Mike

[Bill D]

Eurow from Wal Mart is outstanding. Be sure to wash them first before use, eliminates any potential left over manufacturer /store grim that could've gotten on it before you bought it. Also, pick sheepskin mitts like you would fruit : Selecct only the softest ones the stores has. Take your time doing this, I'm sure the security camera guards get a big charge out of watching me do this