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BY Daniel Rika , Quincy Miller / LAST UPDATED ON March 17, 2021

If you really want to make your ride stand out after a bath, you need the proper equipment. A good car wash mop can be the difference between a streaky vehicle and one that positively gleams.

These tools make it easy to get every last speck of dust and grime off your vehicle, and they do so without scratching the paint. If you want to make your next car wash both faster and more effective, you’ll want to have one of these close at hand.

A long aluminum alloy handle makes it possible to reach the tops of taller vehicles with ease. The lint-free construction ensures it won’t leave a mess behind as you clean.

This mop features a telescoping 48-inch extension pole with an absorbent chenille microfiber mitt. The wash mitt is also removable for spot treating your vehicle.

This mop extends up to 62 inches, and the mitt is detachable, so you can use it to clean your vehicle's interior. The mitt is also washable.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

Carrand was founded in 1982 and is based in Carson, Calif. The company has designed over 200 different cleaning tools for the home and automotive purposes, including the Carrand Long Chenille Microfiber Wash Mop.

Chemical Guys, based in Southern California, has over 40 years of experience in the detailing and car care segment. It produces a wide range of products, from buffing pads and machines to car care chemicals and wash accessories, including the Chemical Guys Premium Chenille Microfiber Car Wash Mop and Extendable Pole Kit.

Based in Chicago, Ill., Chief's Way was founded by firefighter Chief Roger T. Bobb, who runs a tight ship and wants to make sure that everything is spit-polish clean. The company produces a wide range of products, such as wash and gloss, detailing spray, and the Firefighter's Way Microfiber Mop.

It's important to consider the size of the mop head. If it's too large, it won't get into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. You want to make sure that it's large enough so you can quickly and effectively wash your vehicle but not too large that it can't reach smaller spots. Many mops have extendable handles, but if the handle is too long it can be harder to control the device.

Not all wash mops are built the same way. Some are higher-quality than others, and it's really important that you find one that doesn't break the first time you use it. Many are made of aluminum and/or plastic parts, so make sure they can withstand repeated use. Also, check that the microfiber mop head is durable and will last more than a handful of washings.

The best car wash mops feature microfiber or wool mop heads. These types of mops clean a car's finish really well. Another option is a mop with soft bristles. This is ideal if you need to clean a vehicle with more significant dirt buildup. Just make sure the bristles are soft, so you don't scratch the vehicle. Also, stainless steel handles are better than wooden ones, which can rot over time.

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This kit includes a mop, replaceable mop head, and a drying squeegee. The mop's long aluminum alloy handle makes it simple to reach the tops of taller vehicles. It's also lint-free and safe for glass and paint. The mop is designed to leave behind a clean and streak-free surface area.

The mop is lightweight, extends 44.5 inches out and has a 180-degree cleaning angle. The mop's super absorbent strings soak up water and reduce drying time. The mop also detaches from the pole, so you can also use it to clean the interior of your vehicle.

However, the plastic handle has quite a bit of give, so you may have to wring the mop out thoroughly before each use. Also, there's no way to lock the swiveling head in place. Another problem is the plastic parts may break after a short period of use.

Car collectors and professional details use this mop. It features a telescoping 48-inch extension pole and a super-absorbent chenille microfiber mop head. It's designed to gently clean dirty surfaces, and the wash glove is removable, so you can use it by hand to better concentrate on certain areas of the vehicle.

The microfiber mitt is thick and soft. It absorbs the cleaning fluid really well and adequately diffuses it. The pole reaches every spot on a passenger car, even if you're a small person. Also, the head and pole are articulated with a hinge, so they can move freely and adjust to the shape of your vehicle.

One issue is that the removable mitt may fall off during operation. You need to secure it tightly using the adjuster string, which is not really easy to do. Also, it's a little flimsy, so you shouldn't scrub too hard when you're using it.

This car wash mop is designed for RVs, trucks, SUVs, and cars. It extends up to 62 inches and features a two-in-one detachable design, so you can use the mitt separately to clean your vehicle's interior. The absorbent chenille microfiber mitt is washable and produces a lint-free and swirl-free look.

It's easy to assemble and features a non-slip grip handle and 180-degree rotation capability, so you don't have to bend, stretch, or twist your back to access hard-to-reach areas. You can also choose how long you want the handle to be, depending on your needs.

However, there have been some complaints that the mitt can lose its form over time, and in the washing machine it may get knotted up and become unusable. Also, it's a little flimsy and may break after a short period of use.

This car wash mop has a thick stainless steel handle for a better grip. Its bristles are wider and denser than competitors, making it easier to clean your car. Its Velcro design ensures the entire mop stays together so nothing accidentally falls off and scratches your car. It comes with detachable car wash gloves that can be used on the outside and inside of your car. This mop is great for all surfaces and will not scratch your vehicle. The handle can be extended to 39 inches so you can easily clean the roof of your car. It’s bright colors also make it a visually appealing mop. Only weighing a pound and a half, it is a breeze to maneuver. 

While it might be a bit pricier than its competitors, it is still an all-around affordable product. The handle may extend, but it still is on the shorter side. If you have a particularly large vehicle, such as a truck with an extended bed or a high-top cargo van, it will be hard to clean.

Coming from a well-known brand within the industry, this car wash mop from Chemical Guys is worth the extra price. The pole is made of lightweight aluminum and can extend to over five feet in length. This makes it ideal not only for small cars, but also for RV’s, large trucks, and even buses. The mop head itself is 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, so you can cover a larger surface with each sweep. It comes in a bright blue color. The mop-top can be removed in case it wears out over time or you want to switch to a fresh one during a wash. 

This is definitely more expensive than other car wash mops you’ll find. Chemical Guys is a well-known brand, but does that make it worth the extra cost? With the extra long handle and mop size, it just might. There are reports of the head breaking off, particularly when the handle is extended all the way during washing. 

Many will, yes. They’re especially good for clearing dust, pet hair, and other debris off the dash and upholstery. Just look for one that’s designed for both wet or dry use.

A well-made mop will clean your car without chipping, scratching, or otherwise harming your paint job. Do your research before buying, however, because some have edges on the head that can scratch the finish if you’re not careful.

If all you’re trying to do is wash your car, then a mop and a bucket full of suds is all you should need. However, if you want to take your wash to the next level, you can invest in waxes, tire polishes, chrome shines, and more.

The long aluminum handle on the GreatCool 2 in 1 Car Wash Mop Mitt makes it both durable and versatile, which is why it earned our top honors. Its incredibly absorbent bristles will even reduce the time you have to spend scrubbing your car to perfection.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Carrand Long Chenille Microfiber Wash Mop.

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