thomjack70

While the debate over which product is best to use on your car (i.e., sea sponge, wash mitt, pad) will continue, the idea of not needing a grit guard is a big mistake.  If you are planning on going back into either the rinse or "soap" bucket with your sponge, you are asking for trouble without the guard.  None of these products (yes, including the sea sponge) releases ALL the dirt that is collected after rubbing on the car's finish simply by squeezing it out "a few times".  Guaranteed there are smaller dirt particles embedded that still can create swirls in the paint.  IMHO, having a grit guard (which can be had for $10 with a little internet searching) is an absolute must to prevent damage to your paint while washing.

Yeah, I got a little carried away with that post.  After discovering how well the sea sponge released dirt and grit I stopped using the grit gaurd and even though the results were the same, you're  right, continuing to use the grit guard is another layer of protection and you can never be too safe. 

The conversation evolved into finding the right dog brush to comb the wool mitt used to wash the car…I get it, we are all sick in the head when it comes to maintaining our vehicles.  However, the overall goal is to wash the car, scratch free, in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible, right?  If you agree, please don’t grab your pitch fork when I say that I have been using a natural sea sponge to wash the car and could not be more pleased. 

I admit, even a large sea sponge does not compare in size to the merino wool mitt, which is like stringing 4 cats around your wrist to wash the car.  However, a large sea sponge holds an insane amount of soap and water, is extremely soft once wet and most importantly, releases the dirt picked up off the car seamlessly, making it very safe on my vehicles’ finish.  I don’t need a grit guard, just squeeze the sea sponge out a few times in rinse water and EVERYTHING is released.  I have even washed my nasty, brake dust-ridden rims with the sea sponge and it releases it all, no problem, within seconds.  I’ll get off my soapbox now but am curious, has anyone else tried a sea sponge?

Hey guys, Jack from GA. I have always taken care of my cars and am constantly looking to improve. I feel like I am in the right spot. Thanks!