Washing/drying tools

[Devildog]

What do you guys use for washing and drying your car? I am conviced the things I'm using are producing swirl marks, that and the technique I've been using. I did everything wrong when I first got my car, but since then I've learned a lot. I'm looking for a good wash mitt that won't scratch, as well as some good towels. I'm not sure what to go with.

[BANDITCAR]

I use a Chenille wash mitt with Zaino wash and I dry it with a 230mph leaf blower.

[Z06-Goose]

As mentioned above, a good car wash, a quality mitt, and a waffle weave towel to dry

[ProwlerZ]

Maybe I'm just a victim of popular trends, but I use microfiber;
Microfiber wash mitt, microfiber towels for drying body, wheels, and cleaning glass, and the intermittend touch up. Microfiber wax applicator, and guess what I use to pull the wax off.... that's right, microfiber.

As far as chemicals go, I think I've tried everything, but my regulars are Meguires Hi-Tech Wash (comes undiluted in a small tan bottle), Meguires Clay bar, Meguires Cleaner Wax and Turtle Ice Wax, Meguires All wheel cleaner, Stoner Tire shine, Stoner invisible glass, Blue Corral Carpet Cleaner, Black Magic Engine degreaser and shiner, Armor All for hoses, Back to Black for plastic trim, Never Dull wading polish, and I have an obsession with using detail sprays; if you've got a good coat of wax on there, a detail spray can do miracles.

I work at an Advance store, so I basically bring something home every day; I'm basically the store's expert on that whole section, if there's something I haven't used, I'll almost always buy it just to see what it's all about.

[SpeedAddict38]

leaf blower all the way

[LS1SSZ28]

i agree leaf blower is the best best to dry the car

[SpeedAddict38]

i agree leaf blower is the best best to dry the car

so much easier than hand drying ! and gets places dry that a hand cant !

[JonB]

I blow as well. Works great, dying I believe is were most the swirl/scratches come from. Using a leaf blower allows you to not touch the paint as much and the less you have to touch the paint the better in my opinion.

[1MileCrash]

i use a silicone water blade and a shammy to dry the car. used to use the same products when i detailed cars at a dealership and never had any problems with them.

[sped]

I want to use a leaf blower but I'm just too paranoid. I guess I'm afraid there will be a rock stuck in it or something. That'd be my luck.

For now I just use a microfiber sponge for washing, and stolen hotel towels for drying.

[SpeedAddict38]

I want to use a leaf blower but I'm just too paranoid. I guess I'm afraid there will be a rock stuck in it or something. That'd be my luck.

For now I just use a microfiber sponge for washing, and stolen hotel towels for drying.

hotel towels ??? swirl mark heaven

[4get gto]

I want to use a leaf blower but I'm just too paranoid. I guess I'm afraid there will be a rock stuck in it or something.


How do you think the rock would get in the blower?????
Often heard this from people but not quite sure how this could happen......?????

[SpeedAddict38]

How do you think the rock would get in the blower?????
Often heard this from people but not quite sure how this could happen......?????

rock in blower equals no blower anyway

[4get gto]

rock in blower equals no blower anyway

Very true..........

[TheChad1371]

a nice wash, followed by a dry, using a shammy and quick detail spray.

[greatwhiteZ28]

believe or not years ago i bought the CAILFORIANA drying blade on a info mercail that now sells a t autozone and i love it.. only thing that i everbought from TV that works.

but after hearioing you guys im will start using a leaf blower. that is what i use on my motorcycle

[{FzS}BlacKMagicK]

I use one of those California jelly blades for the glass and an electric leaf blower for the body and rims, Black & Decker makes it, it comes with two rechargeable batteries, which give you about ten minutes each, you'll need both of them to dry the car off completely, if you want to get in every nook and cranny. I even take it to the do it yourself car wash with me, I go late at night, so I can hog the bay.
Bring my own bucket and a Shmitt mitt too...shhhhhhhh...don't tell anyone.

[Devildog]

After getting out all the swirls I put in the paint with my own ignorance, I have started using Sonus microfiber drying towels and a chenille wash mitt. I have yet to see a return of the swirls. I'm going to buy a leaf blower next, but I've got about a month till I go out of the country, so I'll wait to get that till I'm back.

[99Sleeper]

Mr. Clean carwash kit. It save me about 30 minutes of drying time everytime I wash. The best investment ive every made. I works by using purified water to rinse the car. When the car drys the water evaporates and since the water is clean there is nothing left to made water spots.

[Mr. Luos]

Mr. Clean carwash kit. It save me about 30 minutes of drying time everytime I wash. The best investment ive every made. I works by using purified water to rinse the car. When the car drys the water evaporates and since the water is clean there is nothing left to made water spots.
We must have some hard water here.
I tried that thing and it left a film on my paint and windows.

I use the Sonis waffle towels to dry.
Washing is subjective. Softest mitt I can find that stays in one piece.

[LETHALxLS1]

LOL I couldnt help but laugh!! Its my 16 year old mentality sorry!


I blow as well.

[LETHALxLS1]

Mr. Clean carwash kit. It save me about 30 minutes of drying time everytime I wash. The best investment ive every made. I works by using purified water to rinse the car. When the car drys the water evaporates and since the water is clean there is nothing left to made water spots.

I used the same thing for about 3 months and it worked great after that it started to leave a film on my car. I replaced the filter and even bought a new bottle of the car wash thinking that was the problem. Nope. I dont get it -unless the drought here is screwing with the water?? I dunno. Been using armorall carwash lately. Works well. Pinnacle car wash will be next with the foam blower nozzel.

[INMY01TA]

Chenille wash pad and Cobra microfiber waffle weave towels to dry. Mr Clean autodry was junk to me too.

[mtb01z28]

I use the two bucket theory and micro fiber mitts. I also use a leaf blower,water blde for glass cotton cloths for the rest

[LETHALxLS1]

2 bucket method made so much sense to me when I saw it. I was like damn why didnt I think of that. LOL

[LS1SSZ28]

2 bucket method made so much sense to me when I saw it. I was like damn why didnt I think of that. LOL

what is the two bucket system?

[Devildog]

One bucket of water to rinse your wash mitt before dipping it back in the bucket of soap. Prevents dirt trapped in the mitt mixing with the soapy water.

[JonD99]

I use meguiars soap w/microfiber mitt to wash the car, and to dry i use a beach towel for the roof(ttops), and all the windows, and a microfiber towel for the rest of the car. Doesn't ever take long and haven't come across any new swirl marks, etc. from the towels.