Ask the Detailer

Do you guys prefer cyclone dirt trap
Chemical Guys Cyclone Dirt Trap Car Wash Bucket Insert Car Wash Filter Removes Dirt and Debris While You Wash (Black)

$11 Chemical Guys DIRTTRAP01 Cyclone Dirt Trap Car Wash Bucket Insert Car Wash Filter Removes Dirt and Debris While You Wash (Black) 12" Diameter Great For Washing Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CJEBHMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bxrWCbGF87YZX

Or grit guard?
Chemical Guys IAI503 Grit Guard Insert, Black

Chemical Guys IAI503 Grit Guard Insert, Black, 10.5"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ABYVTZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ryrWCb2MR7N5N

 

Either one should work. The grit guards look like they will let more dirt pass through easier. You need 2 so maybe grab one of each?

 

To be honest, though I have both types I really don’t use them enough to tell you. I don’t use a two bucket method. I just use a bunch of towels.

 

I live in the PNW and don’t really trust using rinse less products.

 

hes saying even for a full wash, instead of rinsing and reusing mitts on his truck he just throws a bunch of towels in his wash bucket and uses one, then a other and another, never uses the same towel twice on the truck.

 

I have 5 nice wash mits now and may start using them all during each wash, that's 10 sides if clean virgin mitt. Realistically I should be able to wash the whole truck without re-dipping a mitt.

 

I actually don’t have any friends.

 

Most of my friends are employees. My daughter says they only act like they like me because I’m their boss. She’s correct.

 

Head for Lowes......get one bucket and invest in multiple wash mitts....nix the two-bucket method. Depending on the size of the vehicle, I will use as many as six. Once used, dirty wash mitts do not touch the vehicle a second time. the only reason I still use the grit guard is to prevent the mitts from touching any dirt I failed to rinse out of the bucket after the last use.

 

What do you use to then clean your wash mitts?

 

I use castille soap in my washing machine...with nothing but mitts. same thing for microfiber towels as well, wash with castille soap only with microfiber towels. I also have different levels or grades of towels. Meaning the cleaner ones get washed together, and the what I consider a dirtier towel together.
My wife makes castille soap (she has very sensitive skin) which is easy to do and it is safer for your skin, or you can buy Dr. Bronner's at most grocery stores or wally world sometimes.

 

Let me know how that works.

 

Bought some PERL myself. Should be here next week. I plan on using it for the interior.

 

Will do. I imagine it can be done cheaper, but I’m a big fan of the company. The guys at The Rag Company have recommended it several times on their podcast. Since they don’t even sell the product, they must be pretty impressed with it.

 

Mitts get rinsed out thoroughly after use, and then washed with All Free and Clear. Extra rinse and spin, then into the dryer for 30 minutes on air dry. Hang them up after that to completely dry

 

But mitts? Sounds like a product I could get.....behind.

 

gettin old. Faht Nocker needs diapers. but mitts are so nice!

 

Microfiber or wool?

 

Microfiber with the tassels that dangle of course.

 

What's everyone think about the claybar alternatives? I see Chemical Guys is selling a few new things.

 

I like clay mitts, nanoskin is the most popular

 

For whatever it's worth from this noob's recent experience, I used the fine Nanoskin mitt on my truck yesterday. It was way faster than the clay bar and easier on the hands. I could actually feel the contamination being removed. I did use the clay for a couple stubborn spots, but a rougher grit Nanoskin may have worked as well.

 

I use rubbing alcohol (70 or 90%) and distilled water 50/50 ratio. These rag company window towels are the best in my opinion. cross hatch when wiping. Also I use a razorblade (Lisle) for tough areas.

 

Put it on today. Can’t tell a ton of difference visually yet. It may take time to cure. We’ll see how well it protects and for how long. I was thrown off by the instructions saying to spray it directly on there. I’ve never used a ceramic product that didn’t want it put on with an applicator.