Soft99 Pro Car Wash Sponge

Yes. The open-cell foam is soft enough for use on ceramic coatings and PPF. Just make sure you follow the two-bucket method and rinse the sponge thoroughly between passes to avoid dragging contamination across the surface.

Any quality pH-neutral car shampoo works well. High-lubricity shampoos are the best pairing - they help the sponge glide across the paint rather than dragging. Avoid using dish soap or alkaline degreasers as a regular wash medium, as they strip any wax or sealant protection you have in place.

We recommend keeping this sponge dedicated to paint only. Wheel and tyre surfaces carry heavy brake dust, iron particles, and tyre rubber that can contaminate the foam. Use a separate brush or sponge for wheels and tyres to avoid cross-contamination onto your paint panels.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out excess water - do not wring or twist the foam as this can tear the cell structure over time. Allow it to air dry fully before storing.

Yes, the two-bucket method is exactly how you should be using it. Load the sponge from your shampoo bucket, work one panel, then rinse the sponge in your rinse bucket before reloading. This keeps contamination out of your shampoo solution and reduces the chance of introducing swirl marks.

Wash mitts, particularly microfibre or lambswool, generally carry more lubricity and are considered the safer choice on heavily corrected or dark paint. That said, the Soft99 Pro sponge is notably softer than standard cellulose sponges and works well when used with plenty of lubrication and a clean rinse bucket. For show-level finishes, pair it with a high-lubricity shampoo for best results.

Yes. The sponge fits comfortably over a grit guard insert in a standard wash bucket. Dragging it across the grit guard before reloading helps dislodge any trapped particles from the foam face, which is good practice on every pass.

With proper care - thorough rinsing, gentle squeezing, and full drying before storage - the sponge holds up well over repeated washes. Avoid leaving it sitting wet in a closed bucket between sessions, as this accelerates breakdown of the foam cell structure.