The problem we kept having was the
foam filter floats and kept popping the washboard/strainer to the top of the
bucket. Dirtguard claims their system will work with any 3-1/2 to 5 gallon
bucket but we could not keep the two parts secured to the bottom of our
5-gallon wash bucket.
Dirtguard graciously sent us one of
their four gallon buckets and that solved the problem. The washboard and
filter stayed securely in place. The buckets we used initially were either
too wide or of a material that prevented the washboard/strainer from
gripping the sides effectively. While Dirtguard does offer the filter and
washboard separately, we strongly recommend consumers purchase the Dirtguard
wash bucket to avoid any disappointments.
Now that the washboard and filter
would stay in place the question is, "Does the system work?" The answer is
an unqualified YES. The lower, 4-gallon wash bucket is actually an advantage
when using the sloped washboard. You don't have to soak your arm up to your
elbow when you brush your wash mitt or wash pad over the washboard. It also
doesn't require hard "scrubbing". I used my favorite washmitt,
the ULTIMITT, and just brushed the foam over the ribs on the washboard.
My testing was done in the desert just outside of Phoenix where blowing sand
is a huge problem. I was able to wash my entire car with one bucket and did
not observe any washing swirls on my car's paint.
Comparison to Grit Guard
System: Since the Dirtguard filter/washboard system is
significantly more expensive than the Grit Guard Insert I currently use,
it's only fair to ask if the Dirtguard-duo is worth the extra money. To
answer this question, I washed two cars, side-by-side. On one I used my
standard Grit Guard Insert and on the other I used the two-part Dirtguard.
Both systems washed the cars swirl free. The Grit Guard Insert was
noticeably faster. It did take more time to brush my wash mitt against the
washboard as opposed to just dipping it in the bucket. When I emptied the
wash water and examined the amount of dirt in the buckets, it was about the
same. But wait, I hadn't washed the filter in the Dirtguard Bucket. Turning
the washboard/strainer upside down, I placed the filter inside the strainer
and flushed it with a jet of water from a garden hose. Whoa, all kinds of
crud and grit came out of the filter! I would have to say that the Dirtguard
system easily removed twice as much dirt, sand and grit from the wash water.
While both systems produced a swirl-free wash, I'm switching to the
Dirtguard system. If you own a dark color vehicle and/or are annoyed by
washing swirls, the Dirtguard system is definitely worth the extra
investment.
Kit of one four (4) gallon bucket
with a filter and washboard/strainer.
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