5 Car Washing Mistakes That Cause Swirls (and How to Avoid Them)
Swirl marks ruin the look of your paint—and most of them come from bad washing habits. Here are the top 5 mistakes and how to avoid them.
Swirl marks are those annoying spiderweb-like scratches that show up under sunlight. They’re not usually deep, but they dull paint and make even a clean car look neglected. The truth is, most swirl marks come from bad washing technique. Avoid these five mistakes and you’ll keep your paint looking flawless.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Pre-Soak
Going straight to hand washing without a pre-soak drags dirt across paint. Always start with a foam pre-soak using a product like The Super Soaper to loosen dirt before touching the surface.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Towels or Mitts
Old bath towels or cheap sponges are swirl machines. Always use soft, dedicated microfiber products like the Orange Wash Microfiber for safe contact washing.
Mistake #3: Washing in Direct Sunlight
Washing under the sun can cause soap and water to dry too quickly, leaving behind residues that require more wiping—and more wiping = more swirls.
Mistake #4: Not Rinsing Towels/Mitts Frequently
Even the best microfiber collects dirt. If you don’t rinse or switch towels often, you’re grinding that dirt back into the paint.
Mistake #5: Skipping Drying Towels
Air drying or using the wrong towel leaves water spots and requires buffing, which causes swirls. Use a Massive Drying Towel for safe, streak-free drying.
Quick Comparison – Mistakes vs Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Skipping pre-soak | Pre-soak with foam cannon + Super Soaper |
| Using wrong towels | Switch to high-quality microfiber |
| Washing in direct sun | Wash in shade or early morning |
| Not rinsing mitts/towels | Rinse often, rotate clean towels |
| Skipping drying towels | Use dedicated drying towels |
Q&A – Washing Mistakes and Swirls
What causes swirl marks when washing?
Improper washing—dragging dirt across paint with bad tools or poor technique.
Are swirls permanent?
No, but they require polishing to fully remove. Prevention saves your clear coat.
Is the two-bucket wash enough to prevent swirls?
It helps, but modern methods like foam pre-soak and quality microfiber are more effective.
What’s the best way to dry without swirls?
Use a large, plush drying towel like the Massive Drying Towel or a blower.
⭐ Wash Without Swirls
Protect your paint by using the right products—Super Soaper, Orange Wash Microfiber, and Massive Drying Towel.
Buy Super Soaper Buy Orange Wash Microfiber Buy Massive Drying Towel