[31st330i]

it's time to replace a few items in my detail cabinet.

so it seems that the preferred wash mits (in order) are:

1) microfiber
2) sheepskin (good, available at Target & on-line but don't last)
3) chenille (available at Target & on-line )
4) synthetic (available almost anywhere)

can anyone vouch for this? what are you using?


I've been fairly satisfied using The Absorber but am looking to retire it to wiping down the interior and using something new for drying the paint. I already sheet the majority of the water off the car using a hose with low pressure and no nozzle. I won't go to a leaf blower but am seeking a new way to get the remaining water off of the car.

I'll pass on the California Waterblade.

the P21S drying towell seems to be a very popular choice.

what are you using and how do you like it?

 

[jw]

I just use a sponge or microfiber towel for washing (with Zaino wash). Then the drying process is the Water Blade followed up by a microfiber towel or The Absorber to get the spots that were missed.

I wash and dry the car in sections starting with the top and finishing with the wheel. My wheels are a friggin *****!!! Nothing but the remainder of my car wash, a sponge, and a wheel brush by OXO to do the wheels.

Just finished doing it a few minutes ago before heading out on the bimmers first road trip. DC -> NYC -> FL -> DC

 

[awd330]

Chenille mitt and Big Blue towel

I've been using a chenille wash mitt for a couple years with good results. I just changed my drying method two weeks ago. I had been using a California Water Blade followed by an Absorber and a 100% cotton terry towel. I wanted to see if I could find a better drying solution, so I splurged on a variety of microfiber towels as well as a P21S drying towel. I tried various combinations of drying tools and decided that I will continue using the water blade for glass surfaces but replace the Absorber and 100% cotton towel with a Big Blue Drying towel from Classic Motoring Accessories. The Absorber will be relegated to drying my wheels and tires. After hearing so many folks rave about the P21S towel, I found it to be somewhat disappointing (about equal to an Absorber but inferior to the Big Blue). As always, your mileage may vary.

 

[31st330i]

I've read the Classic Motoring Accessories web page and have exchanged a couple of emails with them as well. they do indeed seem to push the microfiber wash mit and the Big Blue towell. using the water blade on the glass is a good idea. I may have to try that.

so is there only one "California Water Blade" or are there several brands that carry the same product with the same name. there's one sold at Target under the "Sol" brand.

 

[GTI]

Viking's 100% Cotton mitts and 100% Cotton white towel to dry

and take off polish.
One bath size towel will dry the whole car (with the no hose final rinse that is; I actually just use a gallon bottle to do final rinse and likes it better than taking off the nozzle each time)
Never used MF mitts so no comments.

 

[31st330i]

according to posts on autopia, the viking 100% cotton mits have been discontinued and replaced with a blended fabric.

 

[awd330]

so is there only one "California Water Blade" or are there several brands that carry the same product with the same name. there's one sold at Target under the "Sol" brand.

My local Target store carries a couple types of car drying blades under the Baja Sol label. The one with the name "The Original California Water Blade" does appear to be a genuine CWB.

 

[GTI]

31st:
I am still able to get Viking's 100% cotton mitts from bay area's Kragen. Stop by your local Kragen.
I know for sure the Viking Wash Pad has changed from cotton to synthetic. But it seems like Viking is still making both the 100% cotton mitts and synthetic mitts. I visit the 2-3 Kragen in Fremont/Newark more often.

FYI the Vikings synthetic mitts is available in bay area Kmart and Walmart. It is better than the Detailer's Choice synthetic mitts and won't scratch. Local Napa and Orchard Supply Hardware has 100% cotton mitts made by SmArnold. But they are low quailty and you can see cottonseeds embedded inside. But at least one who reply to your thread in Autopia finds it ok.

 

[31st330i]

thanks. matter of fact, I ned to drive over that way and stop by the pep boys.

 

[Intermezzo]

Just a quick note about the P21S. It absorbs about as well as the absorber, but the only problem with it is that it's kinda small and the 'skin' is starting to flake on mine.

 

[larhode]

Maybe I'm wierd... but I use my leaf blower for the initial car drying then follow it up with towels to get any leftover water.

 

[Guest84]

3 wash mitts:
1 Chenille less than 2 months old (or 10 washes) for the finish above the rockers.
1 older Chenille for the bumpers, then rockers last.
1 Sheep skin for the wheels, inside wheel wells.

Drying:
Californicate Water blade for 75% of the standing water left, then...
1 Synthetic Chamois (Griots) for the finish above the rockers, pick up any water not wiped off by the water blade.
1 Synthetic Chamois for the bumpers, then rockers last.

Chamois cleaner used every couple months to keep them clean.

 

[Chris330Ci]

For washing:

I use 2 sheepskin mits for the entire car and then a sponge on the wheels.

For drying:

I use a CWB then follow up with 2 synthetic chamois for areas not dryed by the CWB. I use terry cloth towels on the wheels.

 

[Sean]

I just used my P21S drying towel today. While I think it dries a little better than the Absorber (not much) it's too small, way to small. :thumbdwn:

 

[31st330i]

yeah, I see no reason to give up The Absorber. I did switch to Viking 100% cotton chenille wash mits, though. I threw them in the washer for one cycle and they linted badly but I think they seem softer and puffier now compared to unwashed. I'd probably wash the next couple of new mits as well.

 

[Sean]

I usually through the mitts in the washer also. :thumb: