Having just got my "E" (which I affectionately call the Hellament), I've been pretty insane about washing it. I bought a microfiber hand mitt and the first time it seemed pretty nice, but after the 2nd wash it's already falling apart (the mitt that is) and I think I might see a scratch or two here and there :shock:

What I would like to know is what is the problem with using just a regular wash cloth like you would use on your face ? (100 % cotton of course) It would be much easier to wash these in bulk and they're cheap to replace if they get too funky.

TIA !

I recommend buying a sheepskin mitt for washing. Walmart offers the Euro brand for about $5. Buy a couple of the softest and thickest ones.
These will allow dirt to be forced deeper into the nap of the wool so you don't put swirls into your paint. I am a big fan of Quality microfiber for detailing, but I only use my MF mitts on my slightly dusty garage queen. Sheepskin mitts are much safer for daily drivers.
If you buy one for your wheels, mark it for wheels only and don't use it on your paint.
The two bucket method will also reduce marring your finish. In addition to your bucket of suds, fill another bucket with plain water. Use this bucket to rinse your mitt after washing a section of your car. This will keep the dirt off your mitt and out of your soap so it is not reintroduced to your paint.
A good car shampoo should offer lots of lubrication and be very slippery. NXT is the OTC I can recommend.
I don't recommend a wash cloth for anything but drying your tires or washing your face.

I just use one of those big sponges for the vehicle, a rag for the wheels, and a brush for the tires.

Spot on, Medium-rare!

For several years I've been using 100% cotton Cannon or Fieldcrest hand towels to wash my cars and buff polish. One for the upper regions, one for the lower, grimier sections.

Full-sized bath towels to dry. Takes one to dry the E.

Wash the towels only with liquid detergent. No powders, which if not fully dissolved can remain to scratch the finish.

Spot on, Medium-rare!

For several years I've been using 100% cotton Cannon or Fieldcrest hand towels to wash my cars and buff polish. One for the upper regions, one for the lower, grimier sections.

Full-sized bath towels to dry. Takes one to dry the E.

Wash the towels only with liquid detergent. No powders, which if not fully dissolved can remain to scratch the finish.

Hiker chick is very particular about her towels.

You have one of these don't you?

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/6053/123045737zx.jpg

:-P

Hiker chick is very particular about her towels.

You have one of these don't you?

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/6053/123045737zx.jpg

:-P


Nope. I only use 100% white towels on my cars. The brown & white towel I would use on my dog. :wink:

Glad that towel isn't any smaller, I'm in the middle of dinner.

Having just got my "E" (which I affectionately call the Hellament), I've been pretty insane about washing it. I bought a microfiber hand mitt and the first time it seemed pretty nice, but after the 2nd wash it's already falling apart (the mitt that is) and I think I might see a scratch or two here and there :shock:

What I would like to know is what is the problem with using just a regular wash cloth like you would use on your face ? (100 % cotton of course) It would be much easier to wash these in bulk and they're cheap to replace if they get too funky.

TIA !

Here (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-microfiber.html) is an article on the wide range of qualities and general properties of MF. My old cotton detailing towels are now used to dry tires and spills on the garage floor.