What Are The Best Car Wash Sponges? – 2022 Reviews

Best Car Wash Sponges

A simple washing sponge or wash mitt can make a big difference in the appearance of your car. Wash sponges are a neccessity. A good rub down with a solid washing sponge will have your car looking bright, shiny, and new all over again, drawing the eye of everyone you drive by. You might think all washing sponges are basically the same, but choosing the best car wash sponge can make a world of difference when it comes to cleaning your ride. It is an essential piece of the automotive care puzzle to get your car looking it’s best.

The right washing sponge is a worthwhile investment to get, because it keeps your car looking good, which in turn keeps you feeling good. While it may seem difficult to parse out the exact ways that each is different, this helpful guide will open your eyes and help you ge to grips with just how much better a washing sponge can be, depending on your specific needs. Check out our reviews.

2022 Car Wash Sponge Reviews

Our #1 Choice
Relentless Drive Car Sponge (1 Pack) – Microfiber Sponge, Ultra Soft, Lint and Scratch-Free,...
Runner-up
Waterproof Car Wash Mitts - 2 Pack Extra Large Size Automobile Detailing Gloves - Premium Chenille...
Honorable Mention
Viking Car Care 424001 Easy Grip Sponge
Relentless Drive Car Sponge (1 Pack) – Microfiber Sponge, Ultra Soft, Lint and Scratch-Free,...
Waterproof Car Wash Mitts - 2 Pack Extra Large Size Automobile Detailing Gloves - Premium Chenille...
Viking Car Care 424001 Easy Grip Sponge
Our #1 Choice
Relentless Drive Car Sponge (1 Pack) – Microfiber Sponge, Ultra Soft, Lint and Scratch-Free,...
Relentless Drive Car Sponge (1 Pack) – Microfiber Sponge, Ultra Soft, Lint and Scratch-Free,...
Runner-up
Waterproof Car Wash Mitts - 2 Pack Extra Large Size Automobile Detailing Gloves - Premium Chenille...
Waterproof Car Wash Mitts - 2 Pack Extra Large Size Automobile Detailing Gloves - Premium Chenille...
Honorable Mention
Viking Car Care 424001 Easy Grip Sponge
Viking Car Care 424001 Easy Grip Sponge

1. Relentless Drive Ultimate Microfiber Washing Sponge

The Relentless Drive Ultimate Microfiber Washing Sponge is one of the best multipurpose sponges and a favorite among automotive professionals. It has two uses, one when wet and another when dry, and it is equally as effective at both. When wet, this tool can be used to wash away dirt, and when dry, it is great for trapping and picking up dust and lint. Either way, you will find at least one great use for this one.

The Relentless Drive is not the most durable automative tool, and can sometimes fall apart earlier than you would expect. However, it will not leave behind lint or scratches when used to wash or dust. On top of that, it comes with a one hundred percent satisfaction guarantee – simply the best. With that kind of back up, even if you cannot make it useful it is still a fine investment to get your hands on.

Pros

  • Lint and scratch free
  • Wet wash or dry dust
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Product is not the most durable

2. HIRUN Waterproof Car Wash Mitts

Next on our list of reviews is the HIRUN Waterproof Car Wash Mitts are a good to use option anyone can strap on and tackle any mess with. These wash mitts come attached to a large waterproof glove that should be spacious enough to fit most adult hands. The wash mitts are sealed so that while it gets soaked and soapy, your hand will stay nice and dry as you guide the wash mitts along. This is a wash mitt designed with paint protection in mind, a high quality wash mitt that you can rely on. With this car wash mitt, you can take your car washing game to the next level.

HIRUN wash mitts are extremely absorbent, and are the best option to suck up extremely high amounts of liquid. These wash mitts are also very durable, stitched together with exquisite materials that can stand up to the stress and filth of even the dirtiest rides. All in all, this product does the job brilliantly without much effort. What more can you ask for?

Pros

  • Waterproof gloves large enough to fit most hands
  • Very absorbent product
  • Product is durable, high quality materials

Cons

  • None

3. Viking Simple Grip Washing Sponge

The Viking 424010 Simple Grip Washing Sponge is one of the best and cheapest options with a classic look. It’s a tool that is designed to make car washing as simple as possible. It has a classic bone shape, which is designed to be gripped more easily – the best thing that you could hope for. It is large, with an expansive surface area that allows it to clean more of your car faster.

The Viking 424010 is hard to clean when compared to a lot of other sponges, but if you keep it from getting to dirty it will hold up a long time – which is why many in the automotive care industry hail it as one of the best. This durable washing tool can last for years if taken care of, which is a great deal especially considering how inexpensive it is. If you are looking for big bang for your buck, then you may want to get you hands on this. This product is one of the best around.

Pros

  • Product is shaped for simple gripping
  • Big surface area to wash larger objects
  • Very durable
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Product is hard to clean

4. AsyPets Car Wash Microfiber Sponges House Clean Sponge

One of the best sponges around, the AsyPets Car Wash Microfiber Sponge is a product that is a great option for someone looking for a durable product that will last a long time. It is big and tough, able to handle all the stress and pressure of your toughest messes and dirtiest cars. Plus, it is a breeze to clean just by tossing it in a washing machine.

The AsyPets is a product specifically built to hold more liquid, which in turn allows it to waste less cleaning solution and make the most with the products you have. It may feel rough and hard compared to some squishier sponges around, but none of them will be able to hold up against the rigors of everyday life quite like this one – it is simply the best.

Pros

  • Big and durable
  • Designed to hold more liquid and waste less
  • Product is simple to clean

Cons

  • Rough and hard

5. Viking Long Pile Microfiber Sponge

The Viking 844300 Long Pile Microfiber Sponge is as soft as they come. It’s a car washing tool like no other. This pillow like product will feel great in your hand and not rough to the touch. It is bone shaped to maximize simple gripping, so you do not have to worry about it slipping out of your hands. Dont be afraid to get it dirty – it is machine washable, so after you get it all gross and filthy a simple wash will help restore it to its softer glory.

The Viking 844300 is not perfect, as it is a little stiff and not able to bend and form to cracks and corners when trying to scrub hard to reach places. Also, you cannot choose your color preferences, so if you have your heart set on pink you might end up disappointed by this car washing tool. However, this is a great choice for a simple cleanup.

Pros

  • Super soft
  • Shaped for easy gripping
  • Machine washable product

Cons

  • Stiff
  • Cannot choose color

6. uxcell 5 Pcs Assorted Color 8 Shape Cleaning Wash Sponge

The uxcell 8 Shape Cleaning Wash pad is a very cheap option for someone who just needs product at the lowest possible price. It is very big, with a decent surface area to cover large expanses that need to be washed. It is also bone shaped, which makes it much easier to grip and maneuver.

The uxcell is very cheap, and that is why it also is not durable. After a few uses, these sponges start to fall apart rather easily. However, if you need a washing pad and want to spend as little as possible on it, this would not be a bad choice for you.

Pros

  • Large
  • Shaped for easy gripping
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Not durable, fall apart easily

7. Chenille Microfiber Premium Car Wash Mitt by Derek Home

The Derek Home Chenille Microfiber Car Wash Mitt is another easy to use cleaning option that makes car washing a breeze. It’s loved by detailers and other automotive care experts. The Chenille microfiber wash mitt comes with an elastic band that fits around your hand, allowing for easy gripping and control without worrying about dropping or fumbling the wash mitt. The Chenille microfiber pad is a wash mitt that has extra texture on it to help scrub stuck on messes better, yet it still manages to remain scratch free and is a safe wash mitt to use on any surface.

The Chenille is not perfect, it’s a wash mitt that has some trouble retaining water. This can lead to you wasting cleaning solution and having to spend more to make up for it. However, this is a useful and effective wash mitt that is great for getting those messes that are really stuck on tight.

Pros

  • Elastic band that fits on hand
  • Scratch free wash mitt
  • Wash mitt has extra texture to scrub better
  • Paint protection is maximised by this wash mitt

Cons

  • Wash mitt may not hold water

8. Greenet Cellulose Multi-Use Sponge

The Greenet Cellulose Multi-Use Sponge is the best eco-friendly option of any of the other sponges out there. It is biodegradable and retains liquid, so it makes sure not to waste any water or cleaning solution so you do not have to pay for more than what you use. It might not be the most durable washing tool, but while it lasts it will do a great job cleaning up any mess.

The Greenet is more expensive, but that is the cost of having such a green product. And even though it costs more, it comes with a full money back guarantee if you are not satisfied, so it is definitely worth the little extra risk. Overall, this is a great eco-friendly product and a really effective option for just about any use.

Pros

  • Biodegradable, eco-friendly
  • Retains liquid
  • Money back guarantee

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Not very durable

9. Viking Car Care Bug & Mesh Cleaning Wash Sponge

The Viking 845100 Car Care Bug & Mesh Cleaning Wash Sponge is another product that is designed for maximum scrubbing potential. This washing tool is capable of tackling dried on dirt, debris, or anything that requires a lot of elbow grease to dissolve. This inexpensive option is wrapped in an effective mesh that allows it to be so effective when tackling those stubborn stains. It holds liquid brilliantly, so you do not end up wasting any water, cleaning solution, or money when cleaning. Plus, it is machine washable, so cleaning is a breeze. This extends the life of the product, allowing you to get more and more uses out of it.

The Viking 845100 is on the smaller side when compared to some of these other options, but it is still able to scrub just as reliable as – if not better than – these other sponges. However, it is not the most durable, so while it might be easy to clean it still will not last a very long time.

Pros

  • Mesh removes debris better
  • Washable, easy to clean
  • Holds liquid
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Small
  • Not very durable

What To Look For In A Great Car Wash Sponge

You may think that if you have seen one sponge, you have seen them all, but that could not be further from the truth. The sponges in your kitchen would be terrible for cleaning your car, and your sponges for cleaning the car would not be able to clean your dishes effectively. That is why it is important to make sure you get the right product for you. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time scrubbing for nothing with an ill equipped tool that is getting nothing done.

When looking for a reliable sponge to clean your car, there are a number of things to focus on, primarily versatility, absorption, and durability. This section is here to help you see just how important those different characteristics are.

Versatility

A sponge can be used for a lot of different things, and that all depends on the material that of which they are composed. For one, a standard flat sponge will be good for wiping and spreading water around, but does not have a lot of other application. Sponges with mesh or textured sides have an advantage that makes scrubbing easier. And sponges with long fibers are good for scrubbing when wet and can also be used to dust when dry. This versatility can turn a simple sponge into a really useful tool.

Absorption

When purchasing a sponge to wash your car, you definitely want to find one that can absorb and retain liquid. A very absorbent sponge will not only use more water to clean more effectively, but will also be able to retain more cleaning solution. This way, whatever you are using to clean, you waste less of it and more of it ends up were it needs to – on your car, cleaning away dirt and grime. An absorbent sponge can make all the difference in buying one bottle or five bottles of cleaning solution.

Durability

Sponges take a lot of abuse when they are used. They are constantly squished, smooshed, and warped to absorb liquid and clean different shaped areas. That is why you need to make sure that you get a durable sponge that you will be able to reuse again and again. If the sponge starts tearing and crumbling apart after just a few uses, then that sponge was not a great investment. Along the same idea, if your sponge gets too dirty that it cannot be used or even cleaned, then it becomes useless, as well. That is why you need to make sure your sponge can be easily cleaned and maintained.

Wash Mitts vs Sponges

A  wash mitt may be the best choice for to protect the surface paint on your car and is a long trusted tool among those with expertise in the automtive care industry. The advantages of using a wash mitt over a sponge are obvious. For example, the Chenille microfibre wash mitt is perfect for removing dirt while minimizing the chance that your clear coat will be damaged.

A wash mitt is designed to lift dirt particles, unlike a sponge – which dislodges dirt and slides it around, potentially scratching and/or leaving swirl marks. A wash mitt can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which are better than others at removing dirt and debris from your vehicle.

You may find that a wash mitt that has caterpillar-like fabric fingers is effective when it comes to removing backed on substances. Whilst a wash mitt made from lambswool can be used to sweep over smaller dirt particles – detailers find that a wash mitt of this variety is usually long-lasting and durable.

Additionally, there are others such as a multipurpose wash mitt – good for removing dead bugs and other chunks of grease. A Microfiber Madness Incredimit wash mitt is a favorite among auto enthusiasts and is perfect for those who want to have a wash mitt that is potentially among the best.

Conclusion

Automotive care is essential. The right sponge or wash mitt seems like an easy decision, but there is a surprising amount that goes into choosing the right sponge. You want to find one that is effective at scrubbing and washing, but also can hold water and retain soap.

If a sponge doesn’t get the job done, you may want to find a good wash mitt. Despite the ability of a wash mitt to protect paintwork, it’s nice to have a sponge with versatility, but it is even more important to get one that is durable and can hold up to the test of the elements.

For show car owners and other automotive experts, a high quality wash mitt is probably the most forgiving and softest option when cleaned well. As long as you have a sponge to soak up all this information, you will have no trouble picking out the best sponge or wash mitt for you.

Brett Gordon
 

The engine behind editing at DigMyRide and the brains behind its build. During the day, Brett is a thirty-something dude from SoCal climbing the corporate ladder, but by night, he spends his time contributing to the online world of automotive tech & trends.