Safe Wash Essentials

Most swirl marks go in during the wash, when a mitt or towel drags grit across the paint. This kit runs in the order you use it: pre-wash and snow foam to loosen dirt before anything touches the paint, then shampoo, mitts, grit guard buckets and drying towels.

How to choose

• Citrus Pre-Wash or Snow Foam: citrus pre-wash goes on from a pump sprayer and is usually the stronger cleaner, for sills and lower doors; snow foam needs a pressure washer and foam lance.
• Car Shampoo: pH-neutral is the everyday choice and will not strip wax or sealant; a ceramic shampoo such as AutoBead Ceramic Shampoo adds some protection as you wash.
• Wash Mitts & Pads: a deep microfibre or wool pile holds grit away from the paint; wool is softest but wears faster.
• Drying Towels: one large towel, laid flat and drawn across the panel, means less rubbing.

Good to know

Use two buckets, shampoo and plain water, each with a guard from Buckets & Grit Guards. Rinse the mitt in the plain water before reloading, so the grit settles under the guard.

What causes scratches while washing a car?

Grit dragged across the paint by a mitt or a towel. A pre-wash takes most of it off before you touch the car, two buckets with grit guards keep it out of the mitt, and a large drying towel drawn across each panel means less rubbing.

Related: Wash & Pre-Wash, Washing, Drying & Microfibres, Snow Foam Lances, Pressure Sprayers. Popular brands here: Autobead, Stjarnagloss, Mammoth Microfibre, Grit Guard.