Washing your vehicle is more than just getting a bucket of water and soap and splashing it around. You have to have the right tools on hand to get the job done to the standard your ride deserves.
Many people use a car wash sponge to clean their vehicle, which isn’t always the best idea. While sponges can (and do) indeed clean, they leave behind dreaded streaks and swirl marks. Over time, these can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s paint, which you’ll be spending hefty repair fees on down the line.
The good news is that this can be avoided by swapping the sponge for a car wash mitt, which is our recommended piece of kit for anyone who wants to get their vehicle all clean and shiny without damaging their paint job in the process.
So, stick around and keep reading our guide to learn about all the benefits car wash mitts have to offer you and your vehicle, the different types available for you to choose from, and what to look for in these products when buying.
We also review some of the best car wash mitts on the market today to help make your choice easier.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Car Wash Mitt
- Mary Moppins Pure 100% Lambswool Wash Mitt
- Super soft, relatively durable, and our top pick for car enthusiasts or owners who want the shiniest shine.
- Chemical Guys MIC_493 Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt
- The best microfiber product we tested. Cleans even stubborn dirt efficiently and boasts a design that all but ensures you won’t damage your paintwork in the process.
- Meguiar’s X3002 Microfiber Reusable Wash Mitt
- A high-quality, versatile, and fairly priced product that’s machine washable to boot.
- AmazonBasics Deluxe Microfiber Car Wash Mitt
- Two mitts for the price of one! Ideal if you want to use one mitt for washing and the other for drying, or one for the wheels and one for your paintwork.
- THE RAG COMPANY Premium CYCLONE Korean Microfiber Wash Mitts
- While pricey, you get two to a pack and they’re of a far higher quality than many other microfiber competitors.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Best Car Wash Mitts: Our Top Recommendations
It’s time to take a look at some of the best car wash mitts out there on the market today. Hopefully there’s one that you like and decide to purchase for your vehicle!
Mary Moppins Pure 100% Lambs Wool Wash Mitt
Beyond its catchy name, this is a serious contender for one of the best car wash mitts on the market today, and deserves a place on our list.
It’s made from 100% pure lambswool, making it super soft, yet still very effective at trapping grime particles and cleaning your vehicle. It’s even got a leather backing for durability.
Swirl marks will be a worry of the past with this product. The lambswool makes the chances of creating scratches and swirls almost impossible – but you still have to be careful, nonetheless.
With this mitt, the dirt moves deep into the lambswool, away from the paint job.
We really like the size of this one, too. It’s larger than most car wash mitts and is going to cover a good amount of surface area, but it’s also very absorbent (which is great for spreading suds quickly).
You could use this product to clean any type of vehicle, from small hatchbacks to larger trucks.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Feature List
- Constructed from 100% pure lambswool with leather backing.
- Elasticated cuff for good fit.
- Hand-wash only.
What We Like
- Effective at capturing dirt and grime.
- Super soft for minimal risk of scratching.
- Very absorbent for spreading suds.
- Fits like a glove.
- Large size makes for efficient washing.
What We Don’t Like
- Might be a bit big for some people, so be sure to carefully check sizing first.
Summary
There’s no doubt that lambswool is one of the best materials for cleaning your ride. Its softness and effectiveness at capturing dirt make this one a good investment, and being exceptionally absorbent also means you can clean your vehicle faster.
Lambswool is too delicate to wash in the machine, though, which means you’ve got to clean it by hand, which isn’t the case with most synthetic mitts. It also has to be air dried as it’s not suitable for the dryer. Obviously enough, this isn’t going to be ideal for everyone.
Want to find out more about this product? Follow this link here.
Chemical Guys MIC_493 Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch Free Wash Mitt
If you’re looking for the best microfiber wash mitt, check out this mitt from Chemical Guys. We particularly like the noodle design and caterpillar strands.
This is going to wipe away dirt and debris without harming your paintwork, and of course, microfiber is known for being soft and non-abrasive – which means no swirl marks.
The good thing about this microfiber product is that it’s lint-free. This means you won’t find any small strands or dust on your paintwork after cleaning. Plus, the bright lime green color is pretty cool too – you’ll never lose it in an ocean of other items!
The microfiber in this product is an absorbent material, which means it can hold water and shampoo pretty effectively. This will allow you to clean larger areas without having to go back to your wash bucket.
It’s also machine washable, which makes it reusable and easy to clean for your next car wash.
As for how it fits, the elastic cuff allows for a comfortable and snug fit around your hand and fingers. You won’t have to worry about it falling off while you’re in the middle of cleaning your vehicle.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Feature List
- Measures 12 x 8 inches.
- Double-stitched elastic cuff.
- Machinable washable.
- 70/30 blended microfiber material.
What We Like
- Soft microfiber for cleaning with no scratches.
- Good size for all types of vehicles.
- Easy to clean and dry in washing machine and dryer.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Good control because of proper fit.
What We Don’t Like
- Might start to fall apart after limited use if not taken care of properly.
Summary
Overall, we’re pretty impressed with this product. It’s going to effectively clean your vehicle and it’s constructed from 70/30 blended microfiber, which should help avoid dealing any damage to the body of your vehicle when cleaning.
It’s also great that it’s machine washable. Just be sure to have it on a gentle cycle to make sure the microfiber doesn’t prematurely wear out. You should also use a low heat on your dryer so it’s ready to use next time.
For more information about this product and to see how much it costs, click this link.
Meguiar’s X3002 Microfiber Super-Thick Reusable Wash Mitt
If you’ve ever bought any products for your vehicle, you’ll most likely have heard of the Meguiar’s brand. Like all things Meguiar’s, this microfiber wash mitt is a high-quality product.
The great thing about this product is that it’s versatile – you can use it for washing your car as well as detailing. This is a possibility because it can be used either dry or wet.
This material is also relatively absorbent, which means fewer trips over to the bucket, and it can easily spread suds around the body of your vehicle.
You can wear it like a glove and the elastic cuff will make sure it doesn’t fall off.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Feature List
- Measures 8 x 10 inches.
- Made from microfiber material.
- Machine washable.
- Elasticated cuff.
What We Like
- Microfiber material is safe for your paint job.
- Machine washable.
- Durable material.
- Absorbent for more suds.
- More versatile than many wash mitts.
What We Don’t Like
- May be too big to fit small hands.
- Might need to be wrung out often during use.
Summary
Altogether, this is a good car wash mitt for the price – it’ll do a good enough job at getting rid of the grime particles, and will help leave your vehicle looking all shiny.
Being machine washable also makes it easy to care for, and you can reuse it many times.
The one possible downside is that this wash glove can be quite big for some hands. If you have especially small hands, it might slide off and not fit comfortably.
It’s also so good at absorbing water that it can feel quite heavy at times. Because of this, it will need to be wrung out frequently.
If you’re interested in this product, click here to find out more about it.
AmazonBasics Deluxe Microfiber Car Wash Mitt
Why have a single mitt when you can have two? With this 2 pack, you can polish and shine up your vehicle without scratching the body and save a handful of cash.
These are designed from soft microfiber and they’re lint-free – so you can look forward to seeing no dust-like strands on your vehicle after cleaning.
Of course, the noodle design captures the dirty particles that you don’t want. This can help bring out your car’s true paint color and make it look as good as new.
Also, this mitt can absorb up to an impressive seven times its weight in water. Because of this, you’ll be able to spread around your suds and clean faster.
Since you get two mitts in a pack, you can use them for different parts of your vehicle. For example, you can dedicate one to use for your paintwork and dedicate the other to use for your wheels. You could also use one of them for cleaning your car and the other for drying.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Feature List
- Measures 12 x 8 inches.
- Two mitts in a pack.
- Machine washable.
- Noodle microfiber design.
What We Like
- Easy to wash in the machine.
- Long microfiber strands for capturing dirt particles.
- Shouldn’t cause any scratches or swirls.
What We Don’t Like
- Absorbency may make this product heavier.
Summary
If you’re worried about swirl marks on your ride, check out this product. Microfiber is soft and non-abrasive, and the noodles will take away the grime. All that’s left is to buff and shine.
Afterwards, you can just chuck this mitt into the washing machine and call it a day.
While this car wash mitt is very absorbent, this is sometimes a double-edged sword, as it might also make it heavy. This means you’ll have to wring it out often.
The elasticated cuff should help keep it on your hand in the meantime.
If you think this product is for you, you can follow the link here to learn more about it.
The Rag Company Premium Cyclone Korean Microfiber Wash Mitts
This is a fantastic product to get your vehicle clean and bring out its glossy color.
It has luxurious long microfiber strands that easily trap the dirt and take it away from your paintwork, and it’s made from a 70/30 blend of microfibers, which is perfect for avoiding scratches.
This is also a product that you can expect to last. The manufacturer says that it should last through different seasons and for years to come, but be sure to do your part and take care of them properly to ensure they last as long as possible.
You can reuse this product by simply throwing it in the washing machine, just be sure to put it on a gentle cycle. If you prefer to, then toss it into a cloth dryer – just be sure to keep it on a low setting.
Manufacturer’s Specs and Feature List
- 70/30 blend of micro fibers.
- Elasticated cuff.
- Wash on a gentle cycle or hand-wash.
What We Like
- Caterpillar strands to trap dirt and grime.
- Gentle microfiber material to prevent swirling.
- Machine washable.
- Two to a pack.
- Long-lasting.
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most budget-friendly and affordable option.
- Might be a bit too thick for some people’s liking.
Summary
The Rag Company has done very well with this product. Since microfiber is absorbent for fast cleaning, it’s going to get all that dirt off pretty quickly, and you can expect it to last a long time before you have to buy a replacement.
The 70/30 blend of microfibers means this product shouldn’t scratch the paint job with any grime particles, which is definitely something you want in any mitt you use, to keep your car’s surface in the best condition possible.
To see if this is the right product for you, follow this link here.
What Exactly Is a Car Wash Mitt?
A car wash mitt does exactly what the name implies – it’s a mitten-like product that vehicle owners use to clean and dry their vehicle’s surface.
The materials they’re made from help to protect the paint job by capturing and removing dirt and grime particles. In turn, this stops them from harming your paint job, and leaves your vehicle with a shiny body.
In other words, a car wash mitt can be an effective way to wash your car without leaving behind any scratches. For those of you who have ever tried using a sponge for this job, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
So, using one every time you clean your vehicle, paired with the right technique, can help you avoid those nasty swirl marks that can ultimately damage your paint job, and be pleased you can avoid having to read our guide on how to remove swirl marks from your car.
Benefits of Using a Car Wash Mitt
Chances are you’ll have a standard, yellow sponge lying around somewhere. If you’re anything like I was back when I first heard about car wash mitts, you may be thinking to yourself, “why can’t I just use a sponge”?
Well, there are some very good reasons.
Many people assume it’s the cleaning products that are the most important – such as the car wash soap or waterless car wash, and so on. In reality, the accessories you use are equally if not even more important in certain situations.
So, let’s talk about why car washing mitts are superior to sponges and what benefits they can offer both you and your vehicle.
Captures Dirt and Grime
Everyone wants to drive a glossy and sparkling clean car on the road, and using a car wash mitt will help you achieve that.
Made from quality materials, a mitt is able to buff the paintwork of your vehicle. It captures and lifts away dirt and grime from the road, and helps bring out the colors of your ride.
Sponges, on the other hand, don’t actually attract dirt. Rather than absorbing it, they tend to just move it around. If you’re going to spend all that time cleaning your car, wouldn’t you rather use a tool that will actually help you do the most effective job?
Protects Your Paint Job
When it comes to protecting your paint job, there’s no question which accessory is better.
First, let’s think about how sponges work: They have a flat surface that you run over your paintwork, picking up dirt and grime along the way.
In theory, this sounds fine, but the particles being picked up are actually sticking to the face of the sponge. These are then dragged along the surface of your vehicle. This is how damage occurs, including those unsightly swirls.
In many cases, using the right type of mitten can be even safer than taking your ride to a professional or automatic car wash. Many car wash techniques include abrasive cleaning appliances that can damage your paint job.
Quality cleaning mittens, on the other hand, are the safest bet. They often have deep pile, which captures the dirt and grit particles and takes them away from your vehicle.
Since they’re absorbed into the mitt, they don’t come in contact with your paintwork again. This means there’s less chance of any damage occurring.
Watch this video to see how common car wash mistakes can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s paint job.
What Are Car Wash Mitts Made From?
Different car wash mitts are made from different materials – they’re not all manufactured equally. This will affect their durability and performance at effectively cleaning your ride.
The most common options include:
- Microfiber.
- Lambswool.
- Synthetic wool.
Let’s take a close look at each one, and see what distinguishes each from the rest.
Chenille Microfiber
The most common option when it comes to these products is chenille microfiber. There’s no question that a chenille microfiber wash mitt is usually a very good choice. It’s versatile and can be used for cleaning, drying and detailing.
The material is soft, pretty durable, and very easy to clean. In fact, most microfiber mitts are machine washable.
Oftentimes, this type of wash mitt has a noodle design with long caterpillar strands. This is excellent for capturing dirt and grime and drawing it away from your paintwork.
Compared to wool, microfiber is better for getting rid of tougher dirt. It’s also fairly absorbent, meaning you can spread suds over your vehicle easily.
Lambswool
Lambswool cleaning products are the preferred choice of many automobile enthusiasts, with good reason. They’re made from real and natural wool, which is extremely soft, plush, and safe for your vehicle’s exterior surface.
In fact, many users prefer them despite their higher price tag.
The wool can lift away all that dirt and grime on your ride in a gentle manner. Once you give it a try for the first time, it’s actually surprising how well it works. This means you won’t have to worry about micro scratches or any kinds of swirl marks.
In addition, a lambswool car wash mitt can help buff and bring out the natural color of your paint for everyone to see. It’s also a very absorbent material.
Higher absorbency means it can gather a lot of suds at once and get the job done faster.
Despite their effectiveness, there are a few downsides to using a lambswool cleaning glove you need to know about.
Firstly, it can be costlier than the other types. It also isn’t as durable as synthetic wash mitts. Finally, lambswool can also be more of a hassle to clean, as you’ll have to wash it by hand – unlike microfiber car wash mitts which can be popped into the dishwasher.
Synthetic Wool
The last material we’ll look at is synthetic wool.
Products made from synthetic wool are very popular in auto stores, and for good reason. They’re very soft – but don’t underestimate how well they can clean your vehicle.
This material can capture contaminants, salts and other dirt without rubbing it into your car’s paint. Say goodbye to swirl marks!
With that being said, since it’s a synthetic wash mitt, it’s not as absorbent as real wool.
In terms of lifespan, synthetic wool products fall somewhere between the other two materials discussed above. On one hand, they have a longer lifespan than ones made from lambswool, but they’re still not going to last as long as microfiber.
What Should You Look for in a Car Wash Mitt?
If you’re thinking about buying a wash mitt for your vehicle, you’ll notice there are a lot to choose from.
But it’s important to remember that they’re not all the same. Some are definitely better than others, and it won’t all be down to price. There’s much more to think about than how much a car wash mitt actually costs.
So, let’s have a look at some of the key things you should take into consideration when shopping around.
The Material
One of the most important decisions you’re going to have to make is what material you prefer. This is why we went through all the different options in detail in the previous section.
As we’ve explained, a lambswool mitt is usually going to be the most effective at cleaning your vehicle. It’s also going to be the least likely to damage your paint job.
Synthetic wool is going to last longer than natural wool, but won’t be as plush.
A microfiber mitt is also a good choice for lifting away dirt, but an important thing to keep in mind is the density of the microfiber. Generally speaking, you’ll want to get the highest density possible, as a lower density – which is often cheaper – might damage your paint.
If you decide to go with microfiber, you ideally want a ratio of either 70/30 or 80/20 polyester to polyamide for the most effective cleaning.
The Size and Fit
When we talk about size and fit, we mean in relation to your hands, and not your vehicle. Ideally, you want your car wash mitt to fit like a glove.
Most products will list the measurements, so be sure to pay attention to those before you buy anything.
You can often find ones that have an elasticated cuff, which can help it to stay on your hand, even if it’s a bit bigger than you need.
In addition to the fit, also consider the overall size of the mitt. Are you someone who thinks of washing your car as a fun activity? Even so, you probably don’t want to be out there cleaning all day.
For the most efficiency, look out for products that work on both counts. One that fits you well, and can cover a good amount of surface area at the same time.
Durability
You’re probably going to be cleaning your vehicle often, especially if you use it to commute almost every day, so you’ll want a product that’s up for the job and durable.
As we’ve discussed, material is the primary factor that dictates durability.
Microfiber material is usually the most durable and is also most likely to be the best choice when it comes to cost-efficiency. Synthetic wool tends to be more durable than real wool, but still won’t last as long as microfiber.
Machine Washable
Once you’ve got your car dirt-free and looking all sparkly, there’s still some more cleaning to be done. Now the products you’ve used during the actual washing of the vehicle need to be cleaned themselves. It’s usually simpler to choose a mitt that’s machine washable; that way you can toss it in the machine and not have to worry about scrubbing it yourself.
Of course, it’s not the end of the world if the product isn’t machine washable. Truth be told, hand-washing doesn’t take that much time, but it just might not be as convenient for you.
How Often Do Car Wash Mitts Need to Be Replaced?
The answer to this question is going to depend on how often you use it. It’s also going to be dictated by the type of material yours is made from, and how well you take care of it.
As a rough estimate, you could enjoy using real wool mitt for around one year. A microfiber one, on the other hand, may last a few years if taken care of properly.
Signs that it may be time to replace your car wash mitt include wool falling out and bald patches appearing. Microfiber can also lose its softness, and some marks and stains may not wash out as effectively anymore.
How Often Do Car Wash Mitts Need to Be Washed?
To make sure your car wash mitt doesn’t transfer dirt back onto your vehicle, it has to be washed on a regular basis – or else you’ll end up making a dirty car, well, even dirtier.
Ideally, this should be done after every time you use it and when it becomes grubby. You need dirt and grime to be washed out of the material before you use it on your vehicle, so it can’t cause swirl marks and scratches.
How to Clean a Car Wash Mitt?
By now, you already know that some of the best car wash mitts can be machine washed, so you can just throw these ones right into your washing machine.
With that being said, there are a few things you still need to keep in mind.
- It’s best not to mix your mitt with any of your personal clothing.
- Avoid using any fabric softeners.
- Before you put your mitt in the machine, wring it out and remove all the soapy water and suds. If you decide to hand wash it, this is an essential step. After wringing, use clean water to flush out the dirt from the mitt. Keep doing this until the water runs clean and you can’t see any dirt. The final step is to wring it out one last time, and then allow it to air dry.
Conclusion
Using a car wash mitt is going to keep your ride in fantastic condition, and is going to make your life a whole lot easier when cleaning it yourself. It’s an investment that’s definitely worth it – and one that’s not at all too costly, either.
Wondering what our favorite car wash mitt is? If we had to choose just one, we’d select the Mary Moppins Pure 100% Lambswool Wash Mitt. While microfiber may be more durable, we believe that there’s no beating the softness and effectiveness of genuine lambswool.
Do you have a favorite car wash mitt? Or would you like to post a word of caution to others about certain products you’ve tried that didn’t work out that well for you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
