Microfiber wash mitt

RobD

New member
Recently tried a microfiber wash mitt similar to the mitt CMA sells. I think they're both made by SM Arnold. While the mitt does clean well, the problem I have with it's performance is it picks up and holds on to debrit too well. So well, that it won't release the larger dirt particles in the rinse bucket. This causes a problem since the pile isn't that deep and these particles, IMO, are too close to the paint and will scratch as you continue washing. I actually had a problem picking them out with my fingers (mitt wet or dry). This mitt is like velcro! I think it's great for dusting, but I'd use it carefully as a wash mitt. RobD
 
I don't like em' either. I ordered two from CMA, and while there is nothing wrong with the product it just does not perform like a natural sea sponge. Neither does the 100% cotton chenille for that matter. Neither holds enough water, and I get way way more suds out of the sea sponge.



I have learned my lesson. Nothing but sea sponges for me! :up
 
I also have the same problem with mine. I've got the white one from CMA. It is really plush and the stuff gets jammed way far back in there... It is like stuck against the backing of the washmit. I've tried machine washing it, hand washing it, driving over it, beating it with a hammer, and shooting it with a 1500PSI pressure washer and that stuff still doesn't come out. ONly way to get it out is to pull it out with your fingers.



I may have to get a sea sponge. My cotton wash mitt is hanging on to it's last part of its life.
 
Intel486 said:
I may have to get a sea sponge. My cotton wash mitt is hanging on to it's last part of its life.



I thought I had missed the boat when I learned how many folks here are using chenille mitts, but having used all three (sea sponge, MF mitt, chenille mitt) the sponge is definitely the best performer IMO. They hold up really well, and since a sponge is basically a pump, you can flow tons of water through it to really clean out the dirt.



The only drawback with mine is washing the headlights. Mine have these three points that stick out (left on by manufacturing process), and I have to be careful or they will tear the sponge. No problems anywhere else. I order mine through CMA and have been very happy with the quality.





:xyxthumbs
 
I got one of those mits from CMA too. I accidently dropped it in my yard, and if was full of junk when i picked it up. And you're right, you can't get that stuff out at all! I think that's why they were on sale!
 
My vote goes to the genuine sheepskin washmitts I got from CMA, although I haven't tried the natural sea sponge yet. Because of the same problems mentioned above, I limit my MF wash mitts to my tires, wheels & wheel wells.
 
I love my Mf mitt....I do not have the problem of stuff getting trapped .....I guess cause I rinse the big stuff off first...
 
Intel486 said:
How long do sea sponges last? I need something that will last a good time being used everyday.



CMA claims about 6 months I believe. I have had mine longer than that, and it is still fine. I use mine weekly on at least two vehicles, YMMV. I believe that they are at least as durable as a good quality cotton mitt, if not a bit more.
 
I never tried the natural sea sponge, but many of you seem to use them. I was always curious how they measured up against the better wash mitts. Do you guys feel there's enough area for the dirt to go within the sponge so you're not dragging it along the paint? I've always used a wash mitt because they lift the dirt away from the paint. What advantages do you find using the natural sea sponge? Also, I heard it's hard to get (all of) the sand out of them, true? Sand on paint is a :nono RobD
 
laynlow said:
Mine have these three points that stick out (left on by manufacturing process), ...
Those nubs are not part of the manufacturing process, but so that a device used to aim the headlight can be attached. Newer headlights don't use them since the aiming is done with screws behind the headlight unit.



I never knew this until I saw a mechanic adjust the headlights on my mom's car.
 
jimwh said:
Those nubs are not part of the manufacturing process, but so that a device used to aim the headlight can be attached. Newer headlights don't use them since the aiming is done with screws behind the headlight unit.



I never knew this until I saw a mechanic adjust the headlights on my mom's car.



That's cool. I didn't know that! Learned something new today.
 
I'll try to answer a few questions.



How long do sea sponges last?



Going on 2 years now, which I think is pretty amazing. I purchased it from Top of the Line. Even 2 years ago I remember I spent at least $30 if not more, but it's worth every penny.





Do you guys feel there's enough area for the dirt to go within the sponge so you're not dragging it along the paint?



Yes, never had a problem.





I heard it's hard to get (all of) the sand out of them, true?



Not at all, if the car is really dirty what I'll do is rinse out the sponge with a hose before soaping up again.



This is the only sponge I've ever used on my 2000 Maixima, and so far after 2 years, no sponge induced imperfections in the paint.
 
I LOVE my Pinnacle MF wash mits!



The dirt rinses right out of them.



I use three buckets when I wash my car. The first one is just plain water. I dunk the dirty mit in it and scrape it with my fingertips. This removes the large majority of the dirt.



The second bucket has a strong concentrate of soap and water. I dunk the wash mit and scrape it with my fingertips. At this point, all the dirt is gone.



The third bucket has a regular concentration of soap and water. I scoop some out with the mit and attack the next dirty panel on the car.



The point is, I have Viking cotton wash mits and they seem to trap dirt in the mit. The dirt is easily removed from the Pinnacle MF ones though.



Perhaps you're using another brand of MF wash mits.
 
I have the CMA wash mitt.. Yep. that thing holds on to dirt like a stalker holds on to it's poor prey.



After washing the car, I just rinsed, soaked it in a heavy concentration of dawn and water for a few days and scrapped it out a bit and done.. Maybe I find it easy because I have used anything else... other than an old wet cotton T shirt.....



Hmmn, that could explain my scratches... LOL
 
Has anybody tried the natural sea sponges that places like paint stores, Home Depot, etc. sell (typically for home painting effects) to wash their cars? Any problems with them?
 
Boongie said:
Has anybody tried the natural sea sponges that places like paint stores, Home Depot, etc. sell (typically for home painting effects) to wash their cars? Any problems with them?



Yes, and no, no problems at all.
 
Boongie said:
Has anybody tried the natural sea sponges that places like paint stores, Home Depot, etc. sell (typically for home painting effects) to wash their cars? Any problems with them?



They are much too small, and since they are not packaged for automotive use they may contain more sand and shells than those used for washing.
 
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