It seems my local auto parts stores only carry the wool wash mits. Are these in any way abrasive, or are there better alternatives?

 

There is a synthetic version out there that looks very similar to the natural lambswool mits that you're writing about. I am under the impression that the natural lambswool ones are actually superior--softer, and less likely to scratch, etc. You might want to wait for a few more opinions, though. :smile:

 

Don't use wool. Too harsh and can scratch the paint. Use scraps from soft white terry cloth towels and plenty of water to help float grit away from the area being washed. Don't apply too much pressure. A good car wash solution and very light mecanical force should break dirt free without grinding it into the paint. Have fun.

 

I used one for a short period and hated it. Never really cleaned like I thought it should and the wool would come loose and hang on the trim, plus the dirt seemed to collect within it (scratches seemed eminent). I now use micro fiber towels. They're Grrrrreat!

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-goin440 IB/IB MC

 

A high quality wool mitt is one of the best wash tools you can use, IMHO. I took this segment from my book...

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You should find a wash tool that is comfortable for you to use, but take a few things into consideration. First, your wash tool should hold a lot of soapy water. The more it holds, the more soapy water you can get on your car. This is important for lubrication. The lubrication created by soapy water is what prevents dirt from scratching the paint.

Use a wash tool that cleans easily. If it does not easily release dirt and grit, it's not safe. I like wash tools with a lot of fibers, like a lamb's wool mitt or a cotton-chenille-covered sponge. Contrary to many beliefs, the natural sea sponge and the boar's hair brush are not good wash tools. Modern wash tools make these relics a thing of the past. A safe wash brush can be used on the lower body panels, but should not be used above the bottom-of-the-door line.

The recent popularity of microfiber has created a large number of microfiber products, including microfiber wash mitts. In my own testing I have concluded that many of the microfiber wash mitts are not paint safe. If the fibers have hooked or split ends, designed for dry cleaning and dusting, the cloth will not be free-rinsing. This means that the cloth will retain dirt until it is heavily agitated in a washing machine. The retained dirt particles may scratch your paint.
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Regarding the microfiber mitts, I used one on my black 911 for about a month and my paint kept getting more and more swirls. So, use with caution. Flat materials do not make good wash tools.

db

 

Your words kind of echo what I had been thinking about the flat microfiber mits. Not only do they not seem to hold much suds, but there is less cushion between your pressure and the hard surface with a relatively small volume of space the dirt can actually escape.