{"id":42301,"date":"2024-11-21T00:00:46","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T05:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=42301"},"modified":"2024-10-29T09:23:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T13:23:58","slug":"wheel-cleaning-mitts-a-comparison-and-the-value-proposition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wheel-cleaning-mitts-a-comparison-and-the-value-proposition\/","title":{"rendered":"Wheel Cleaning Mitts: A Comparison and the Value Proposition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The introduction of dedicated mitts for wheel cleaning has become increasingly popular.\u00a0 It has been demonstrated on social media by professionals how much more efficiently effective it is to clean behind a wheel with a microfiber towel or mitt versus creatively reaching around with a brush.\u00a0\u00a0 These mitts are somewhat smaller than your traditional mitts.\u00a0 There is great irony from the evolution of using wheel cleaning brushes designed for intricate areas to now using microfiber products due to the difficulty of thoroughly cleaning intricate wheel areas.<\/p>\n<p>The Wheel Woolies and traditional brushes are great at agitating and releasing grime from the intricate and often extremely dirty wheels.\u00a0 But there is a caveat.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-28752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/20191026_2312030-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"DI Wheel Cleaning Brush\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/20191026_2312030-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/20191026_2312030-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/20191026_2312030-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Traditional wheel tools (particularly brushes) are also inferior at picking up grime not rinsed off, compared to mitts.\u00a0 Ideally the typical brushes excel at initial agitation where microfiber is great for cleaning and a following up drying or secondary cleaning.\u00a0 For drying, historically I have used regular wash mitts and microfiber towels that I dedicated for wheel, tire, and undercarriage use.\u00a0 I have used dedicated old and (different colored) mitts that I have dedicated for wheels.\u00a0 The Rag Company and Autofiber (two great microfiber towel brands) recently released dedicated wheel mitts.\u00a0 I wanted to test and share my experience with these two products.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-42475\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Wheel Mitts\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/20240121_161415-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/The-Rag-Company-M99\/The-Cyclone-Ultra-Wheel-Mitt-2-pack-P2849\/\">Rag Company Cyclone Wheel Mitt<\/a> (pictured below)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43072\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Rag Company Wheel Mitt\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161622-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Autofiber-M126\/Wheel-Fingers-Microfiber-Rim-Wheel-Half-Mitts-4-pack-P3139\/\">Autofiber Wheel Fingers Mitt<\/a> (pictured below) <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43073\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Autofiber Wheel Fingers\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240121_161843-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I recommend using nitrile gloves.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43074\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Nitrile Gloves With Autofiber Wheel Fingers\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175843-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I believe we should be wearing nitrile gloves for many detailing activities.\u00a0 The circumstances coupled with the fit of these gloves, makes this a prime example of when to use nitrile gloves underneath.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Rag Company Wheel Mitt in action\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rag-Company-Wheel-Mitt-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Wheel Finger In Action\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wheel-Finger-In-Action-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Rag Company Cyclone Wheel Mitt I instantly loved working with.\u00a0 I INITIALLY was not a fan of the AutoFiber wheel mitt at all, due to the rigidity of the mitt upon first use.\u00a0 Although still determined to explore ways to use the Autofiber Wheel Fingers, I had really struggled to find a meaningful place for them in terms of wheel cleaning or drying.\u00a0 I enjoy using both Autofiber and Rag Company microfiber products.\u00a0 I cannot imagine going without some of the newer Autofiber products.\u00a0 I was shocked at how difficult the Autofiber mitt was to work with.\u00a0 Maneuvered and positioned to your desire, it will make for a good drying towel.\u00a0 I believe a part of this probably has something to do with the design coupled with being 550 GSM.\u00a0 The lack of flexibility makes using them a very awkward experience.<\/p>\n<p>I reached an epiphany via a third wash of the wheel mitts.\u00a0 The microfiber was more pliable.\u00a0 The act of washing the Autofiber wheel mitts, breaks in the mitts.\u00a0 It makes it more workable, improving the user experience.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-43041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Wheel Fingers broke in\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/20240417_175945-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I believe this is also an important time to remind you to take my opinion as personal preference versus gospel for these mitts.\u00a0 For products like this, it is often going to come down to preference.\u00a0 If I had to pick between the two, I would choose the Rag Company Mitt.\u00a0 I found myself using and (eventually) appreciating having both mitts in my arsenal.\u00a0 For rinseless washing and drying specifically, I may give a marginal edge to the Autofiber mitt.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever you are debating using to clean wheels with (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Wheel-Tire-C22\/Wheel-Cleaner-SC34\/\">Cleaners<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Wheel-Tire-C22\/Wheel-Brushes-SC144\/\">Brushes<\/a>), a huge determinant may also be your wheel cleaning chemicals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wheel Cleaning Mitts: A Comparison and the Value Proposition<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":44242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,44,46],"tags":[3797,3798,387],"class_list":{"0":"post-42301","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-washing-drying","8":"category-wheel-care","9":"category-wheel-well-care","10":"tag-autofiber-wheel-fingers","11":"tag-rag-company-cyclone-ultra-premium-wheel-mitt","12":"tag-wheel-cleaning"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Wheel-Cleaning-Mitts-A-Comparison-and-the-Value-Proposition.jpeg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1kPO7-b0h","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42301"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44240,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42301\/revisions\/44240"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}