I haven't washed my S2K yet, (just got it Saturday)... can anyone recommend the best spong/drying cloth pair that has been known for leaving the least "swirl marks". I know this sounds ainal, but I want to keep the car looking it's best...

 

Everyone has a favorite sponge, but a good trick is to rinse your sponge in clean water before dousing it again into the soap bucket. That way at you get rid of the gritty stuff that leaves some of the swirl marks.
Drying: Once again everyone has a favorite, but the consensus seems to be clean prewashed 100% cotton towels for the final dry. I use a real chamois to get the majority of the water followed by the towels. Same for wax or polish which ever you decide to apply. My personal fav is Zaino.

 

I use a cotton mitt to wash. For drying I use the P21S synthetic drying towel for most of the body. I use a Miracle towel for the top and other smaller places to pull the water out (ie. gas tank lid, where lights hit the body, door handles, etc..).

Jim

 

I've had good luck with the California Water Blade, but I prefer (when time allows) to use a blower to force water out of the crevices... I have hard water where I live and I have a black S2000, NOT a good combination. You find white water spots where ever you neglected to dry. For example, the door jambs, hood jambs, trunk jambs...

 

i also use cotton gloves (yes more than one- i work top to bottom, and the bottom is always dirtier than the top- so it ususally needs a new one) for washing. also use the calif water blade for the large areas as well as a chamois and several very soft cotton cloths for drying...

 

WireJock,
I'm real interested in the Zaino products. How often do you do the clay bar procedure?

 

For washing I use disposable cotton waxing pads available from Pep Boys along with a good carwash soap like Meguiar's. Use several for each wash job. For drying I use a wonderful product called the Absorber from Walmart. It's a faux chamois that soaks up an amazing amount of water. I often use a detailing spray like Meguiar's Quick Detailing Spray after giving the stook a bath in order to spiff up the wax job.

 

I use one of those lambskin hand mits. They are recommended by the pros because they don't trap dirt so readily, or leave swirl marks like most other mits. Don't forget to rinse frequently though.

I can't say enough about using the Absorber for wiping down. (Thanks to Greg Stevens for the tip.) They're a cross between a wipe down towel and a chamois. I use four of them around the house, and they'll be great for giving away as small Christmas gifts!

 

Wozman: At the risk of sounding like an employee of Griot's Garage,( neither I nor any member of the family is), I can't recommend highly enough their products. My family gave me a cleaning kit last year after I picked up my S2000, and all of the products are fantastic. Best of the Show Wax is easy-on, easy-off with deep shine. Their wheel cleaner is really good (endorsed by wheel mfgr. BBS.) "Starter Car Care" Kit, (#11131) www.griotsgarage.com 1(800) 345-5789. Catalogue has sheepskin mits, which I also use, lintless towels, and more. Enjoy. dgl1 Originally posted by wozman:
I haven't washed my S2K yet, (just got it Saturday)... can anyone recommend the best spong/drying cloth pair that has been known for leaving the least "swirl marks". I know this sounds ainal, but I want to keep the car looking it's best...[/QUOTE]

 

I claybar the wife's V6 to get the finish clean before the application of Zaino. After that I doubt I'd have to do it more than once or twice a year. Visit the Zaino brothers site for some very good infomation. http://www.zainobros.com/files/application.htm