Do I really need to stick my whole arm into a 5 gal bucket to scrape the wash mitt on the Dirt Guard which is all the way at the bottom??? Swishing around at the top would be a way preferable alternative, but I suppose if it's not effective...
I suppose it might be pleasant? in summer, but these days I would want to be wearing long sleeves.

 

I bought some neoprene elbow-length gloves from an outdoor store - I think they were ostensibly for setting duck decoys. They work *great* for washing in the cold.

 

The dirt guard is one of those items that is suppose to do something but really doesn't. Something to think about......the dirt guard is suppose to keep dirt from being picked up by your wash mitt, thus it is only going to work if the dirt is heavier than the water. If it is heavier than water it will sink to the bottom anyway and you won't be picking it up with ypur mitt.

 

I use one bucket. After rubbing the soapy sheep fur mitt over the car I just take the hose and wash it down before dipping into the bucket for more soapy water.
YD

 

I don't scrape the mitt on the bottom. Swish vigorously and squeeze.
This is what is needed to get the grit out of your mitt and this is why you want a Dirt Guard - to keep the solids that have already dropped to the bottom in place and off your mitt as you rinse.
I fill my buckets up with warm water since the hose water temp here is too frosty to do much interaction with besides pointing and shooting at the car.

 

The funny thing about this comment is that if you've washed a dirty car with a Dirt Guard, you will find tons of sediment at the bottom of the bucket. Anything that will reduce the chances of scratching your paint is a positive thing.

Another thing, the wash mitt should be clean each time it enters the soap bucket, assuming the two bucket method. Each time you push the mitt into the rinse water, it churns the water and all the contaminants inside of it, again adding to the possibility of getting them back on your mitt.

Finally, I like to use 3.5 gallon buckets for the MINI. I will push the mitt to the bottom when the mitt is excessively dirty. How much dirt that is on the mitt determines for me whether I will just dunk it in the bucket several times to rinse it out, or push it to the bottom and scrape it. Either way, the particles on the mitt that have the most potential to scratch your paint will settle to the bottom.

Richard

 

YES!! That's what I was hoping to learn. If I'm going to be doing this at self-wash bays I don't think I have the warm water option.

 

And I will say again......if the dirt is heavy it won't magically attach itself to the mitt again unless you really stir up the water, which if you do will still bring up the dirt under the guard. I like the 2 bucket method when the car is rerally dirty, but not necessary if you are just doing a regular maintenance/low dirt wash.

 

or just get one of these and you wont have to dip your hand.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...p+stick+kit.do

 

kenchan, from your link:
This system is perfect for large cars, trucks, SUV's, trailers and motor homes!

 

To each his own.

Personally the two bucket system no matter what degree of dirt. When the rinse starts getting gray change it out. Can't hurt. Ounce of prevention on scratching I say

I don't use the dirt gaurds. I agree that the larger stuff is going to fall to the bottom. For the rest change out rinse often. Smaller particulates are going to stay in solution no matter what is in bottom of bucket

Also I use a seperate wool mitt for the horizonatal and vertical surfaces. Use the newest mitt for the horizontal

Cuts down on how much time I spend on the PC getting the swirls out!

 

and your tiny car. i use in the winter time to wash my cars. can clean the entire car without getting your gloves wet.