How to Avoid Micro-Scratches: Two-Bucket Car Wash

What You Need

It’s not complicated. The two-bucket car wash method only requires these items:

• High-quality car wash soap
• Wash mitt
• Water
• Two buckets (of course)

An optional Grit Guard gives you an additional level of protection. The Grit Guard is a plastic device that stands a few inches above the bottom of the bucket. The tiny holes in the guard help trap the dirt below it, reducing the risk of dirt getting into the wash mitt. This simple device is another option to minimize the dirt in the clean wash bucket.

The Method

The first bucket holds the car wash soap and clean water. The second bucket is for rinse water. We usually add a small dash of soap to the rinse bucket to help release the dirt from the wash mitt. The rinse bucket can also use a second Grit Guard or a similar device. Avoid direct sunlight.

• Rinse the car off with fresh, clean tap water.
• Soak the wash mitt in the first bucket with the soapy car wash and water mixture. Start at the top of the car and use the soapy water from your mitt to gently cover the vehicle and release the dirt that was clinging to the car.
• Go to the rinse bucket and fully submerge the car wash mitt. Shake the mitt in the water to remove all the dirt and grime.
• With the wash mitt completely clean and free of the smallest dirt particles, put it back into the clean, soapy water bucket. When the mitt fills with clean, soapy water, apply it to another part of the car.

Here’s the main idea: The first bucket should always stay clean and free of dirt that might damage the paint. The second bucket with the rinse water removes the dirt from the wash mitt.

Remember, the area below the vehicle’s belt line typically contains the most grit and grime, so wash the top half first and repeatedly rinse off the mitt.

After washing the dirt off the vehicle, rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a high-quality microfiber drying towel. When finished, make sure you thoroughly rinse the buckets and wash mitt. After everything is dry, store your car washing materials in a clean spot.

Many of the car care suppliers on eBay carry quality car wash soaps, the Grit Guard, and microfiber drying towels. Some vendors even have a complete kit for the two-bucket car wash method.

With some caution and quality products, the two-bucket car wash method should reduce the number of swirls you find in your paint.