Microfiber wash mitts FTW. Sponges, cotton mitts, microfiber mitts, sheepskin mitts, as long as they're 100% clean and in good shape(no stray threads or fraying material) are all good and safe to use, the key(in my experience) is to rotate(using the other side)the washing device(mitt/sponge) to create a clean surface to use against your car's finish. Thoroughly soak your washing device(removing all traces of debris and grime) in the suds as you continue to wash your car(remembering to rotate mitt/sponge).
Experiment with what works best for you, just keep anything going up against your car's finish clean.
I also am a proponent of Meguiar's NXT line of products(love the NXT tire dressing!), although I am really intrigued by the Chemical Guys line of products and will be ordering from them as soon as I exhaust my inventory(I detail on the side).
Hope this helps, good luck!

 

I bought two 25 packs of Microfiber towels from Sam's Club. With 5 Fords, you can't have enough Microfiber towels for washing, drying and detailing.

 

Industrial power washer. Had the guy that washes the bread trucks wash it for me.

 

I'm a Meguiar's fanatic and use all of their products, except for some interior products.

As for washing the car, I use a microfiber sponge, or a very delicate wash mit (usually microfiber as well). I use Meguiar's car wash soap as well and love it. When it comes to wax I am a huge fan of Meguiars Gold Class Wax and Meguiars NXT Wax. The best way to prevent swirling is always hand wax your car and always keep a good coat of wax on the car so when you do use a wash mit even if it is microfiber it will protect from scratching your clear coat.

For a clay bar I would go with the Mother's Clay Bar Kit all the way and even use their wax since it is free with the kit.

-Jeff

 

Actually, I have never really "washed" the stang (i.e., used soap and waterhose). For the least 13 months all I haveuesed is the waterless stuff sold by Juztang (Obesssive Detail).

 

this is total blashpemy, but I just go to the coin-op...I'm lazy like that lol...

 

http://www.autogeek.net/klasse.html

http://www.autogeek.net/p2concarwax.html

AMAZING products. Use both the Klasse polish and sealant together once every 4 or 5 months, then apply the P21s as often as you would like because there are no cleaners in it, just pure carnuba. The best combo i have every seen, it is amazing.