[the Sandman]

What do you guys use to wash your cars, a sponge, wash mitt, or brush. I've been tempted to try a Boar's Hair brush like the one that they sell at Griot's Garage. They swear it won't scratch - is this true?

 

[seduxion]

I would never use any brush on my paint job. fine for rims and tires just I wouldn't use it on the paint. That's just me though. I see people all the time using the foamy brush at car washes on their body and I roll my eyes and pray that the person who owned my car prior never did that. I just cringe at the sight of that brush.

 

[Katshot]

I think the mitt is the least likely to scratch the finish.

 

[the Sandman]

From the Griot's Garage Catalog:

100% BOAR'S HAIR CAR WASH BRUSH. A SAFE WAY TO CLEAN
This brush is probably the safest way to clean surface grime from your car's exterior. Boar hair is the only natural hair that can keep its shape without falling limp when soaked with water. Other "horse hair" brushes are stiffened with nylon which, like polyester, can scratch your surface. Manufacturing this brush is very time consuming. First you have to catch and shave a boar! Then each hair is hand collected, lined up with the split ends out and placed by hand into the hard plastic block. The ends are then flagged (splitting the ends again) to make them even softer. Just a quick shake in water will free the dirt, letting it drop to the bottom of your bucket. I use it for windows, trim, and all painted surfaces. 12 inches long and made to last years. Manufactured in the U.S.A.

So you guys are *not* buying into this?

 

[elwesso]

That doesnt look too bad. I would buy one. Personally, i use a sponge. During the summer, i use pressure. I will admit, i use a brush in some areas where you get caked on crap.

 

[kcnewell]

Yeah, You'll use a sponge until you pick up a small piece of grit and scratch the finish then you'll know why a good high quality soft brush is the BEST way to wash a cars finish! I don't ever use a sponge or rag and I don't particularly care for the wash mitt things. I don't have the boars hair brush yet but as of today....It's on it's way!

 

[Dr. Jones]

Yeah, You'll use a sponge until you pick up a small piece of grit and scratch the finish then you'll know why a good high quality soft brush is the BEST way to wash a cars finish! I don't ever use a sponge or rag and I don't particularly care for the wash mitt things. I don't have the boars hair brush yet but as of today....It's on it's way!

personally i use mitts. The only ones i like are the Viking 100% cotton mitts. You can find these at some auto stores, but check and make sure they have the cotton logo on them. If not they are synthetic and not as soft.

 

[Dead Sled]

Ive always used mits but never enjoyed having to wear them when the water gets cold

 

[Devil_concours]

i only use mitts. They are easier to clean with and they clean well without damaging my paint

 

[Dr. Jones]

There is a new product (well new to me... i know a guy whos' been using it for like 9 years and has done 7800+ cars with it) for washing. It's a different way of doing it... because you don't use the hose... that's right.. just a single (unless it's really dirty then you use two) bucket of water and soap. The soap used i guess is suposed to be amazing. Once you dip in and wipe the panel down, you just dry the panel and poof... a perfectly clean, scratch free surface. I guess the water gets really dirty, but still it's safe to use. I am really anxious to try it out. Everyone says they thought it sounded like a bad idea, untill they tried it and fell in love. If anyone is interested it's called Protect-All Quick & Easy Wash (QEW). I have heard of people finding it at camping stores. I know Camping World carries it (one about 5 miles from me that i'm going to next week).

 

[Dead Sled]

interesting, I might give it a try

 

[the Sandman]

OK - so nobody here has ever actually used a boar's hair wash brush?

 

[elwesso]

never tried it. Although, i was using dish soap on my cars before i joined the boards!!!! No wonder my cars didnt run right, they hated me for using dish soap!!!