Tool Cleaning Guide

It’s hard to clean a vehicle if your tools and equipment are dirty! Keep your gear in top shape with regular cleaning and it’ll last a lot longer.

Tool Wash Process

Many tools will be able to be cleaned and ready for use again with a simple cleaning process. This applies to most plastic tools, such as brushes, buckets, dirt locks / grit guards, applicators, and sponges. It may also apply to other tools and tool materials – read the manual or contact the manufacturer.

1. Rinse first in clean water.
2. Soak for up to an hour in water with all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar. For non-plastic brushes, soak up to 30 minutes to avoid damaging the bristles.
3. Apply an all-purpose cleaner (APC) and scrub or agitate. Soak again if needed for tougher grime.
4. If the tool is saturated with stubborn, greasy, oily, or otherwise difficult to remove residue consider:
   • A re-wash in APC or dish soap.
   • Soak in a mixture or APC and water or dish soap and water, followed by a re-wash.
5. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
6. Dry and put away.

Using warmer water can help remove dirt, sealants, and stubborn residue, but be mindful of whether the tool can handle the temperature – contact the manufacturer when needed.

Tool Specific Recommendations

Clay Mitts and Clay Towels

These mitts are more sensitive than normal towels and require special care to get the surface clean.

1. Mix up a bucket with water and a splash of all-purpose cleaner or dish soap.
2. Wash and rub the mitt by hand, being careful to remove and debris and not let the clay side of the mitt touch the bucket.
3. Rinse fully with clean water.
4. Lay out to dry in the sun or on a workbench. Don’t let the clay side touch anything or it’ll stick.

Brushes

Use the recommended tool wash process. Instead of APC or dish soap, it is possible to use a vinegar based household cleaner which may make the brush fluffier.

Please note that some parts can be moisture sensitive, so don’t leave brushes to soak unless they can handle it – consult the manufacturer if needed.

Scrub Ninja

These can be washed like microfibers, but washing by hand using the recommended tool wash process is much more gentle on the seams.

Use either microfiber detergent or APC.

Wax Applicators

1. Wash with APC and hot water until the sealant is removed. Some pad cleaners also work well for this.
2. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Dry and put away.