Do Grit Guards Actually Work?
Grit guards sound smart in theory, but modern wash techniques have made them mostly obsolete. Here’s what you should be doing instead.
What Is a Grit Guard Supposed to Do?
Grit guards sit at the bottom of a wash bucket to trap dirt below your wash mitt—so you don’t reintroduce grit to your paint. In theory, they reduce scratches during washing.
Here’s the Problem…
Most people don’t agitate the mitt properly. And worse, the two-bucket method itself is outdated. You’re still dunking dirty water over and over again, even with a grit guard.
Modern Wash Techniques Are Better
We now know the safest way to wash isn’t with two buckets—it’s with better tools and a smart pre-rinse process:
- The Super Soaper to loosen dirt before contact
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel to safely lift grime
- One rinse bucket with clean water (optional)
So, Do Grit Guards Work?
They’re not harmful—but they’re not essential either. They’re a band-aid for an outdated process. With proper pre-foaming and the right towel, you don’t need to rely on a plastic screen at the bottom of a bucket.
Pro Tip:
If you’re still using two buckets and a grit guard, try switching to a foam pre-soak method with The Super Soaper. You’ll reduce swirl risk and wash faster with better results.
