I just ordered a couple of these from detailedimage.com.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Lake-Co...t-Sponge-P293/

On my previous car, I used these microfiber gloves to wash the body and wheels of my car (separate gloves). They were the ones that had those string-like microfiber ends. I never really liked them much and felt like they were responsible for alot of the swirls I had on my car.

Does anyone have good experiences with these blue grout sponges or maybe can recommend something different?

 

I personally don't have any but it is not something that I would be using on the body of my car. The only think that I would be using on my paint would be a sheepskin mit which I had accually picked up from DI as well. Their sheepskin I highly recommend and would not use anything else on my G. However I do intend on picking up a couple of grout sponges to use on my wheels.

 

Grout sponges are safe to use on paint assuming they are used correctly. You definitely want to invest in a Grit Guard bucket insert if you don't already have one. One of the nice features of a grout sponge over a sheepskin wash mitt is it actually releases contamination easier than the sheepskin mitt, especially as you glide it over the GG insert.

The more contaminated the paint is, the more often you want to rinse off the grout sponge. It will hold more suds and water than a sheepskin wash mitt, so load it up, squeeze a little out, and gently work your way around your vehicle. If you have a foam gun, pre-soak the vehicle prior to washing for optimal results and to minimize chances of adding swirls.

Grout sponges will definitely out last a sheepskin wash mitt as well and can easily be demoted to wheel and tire / lower panels / etc. after it sees some age.

Hope this helps.

George

 

Thanks for the re-assurance. I do have grit guards (2 in one bucket) but I do not have a foam gun. I will look into picking one of these up as well.

I asked only because it looks very different from the other sponges I've used. Do you have a sponge type that you prefer or is the blue grout what you'd use on your car?

 

I'm trying to be cautious as well. I like the sheepskin mits but I feel like they end up holding alot of dirt and I'm worried about swirling up the car.

 

The Loqw's Proline Grout sponge is better.

 

Personally, I still use a sheepskin mitt, but I change them out pretty frequently. The problem with sheepskin mitts is that they are made of natural fibers and it only takes one catch on an emblem or the corner of a panel to create a small rip, which can cause the mitt to start to shed and deteriorate.

A lot of detailers prefer a grout sponge over a mitt when using something like Optimum No Rinse rinseless wash because the sponge holds a lot more water than the sheepskin mitt will.

It really boils down to personal preference IMO. Most of the damage comes from improper technique, not so much the wash mitt or sponge you choose.

Hope this helps,

George