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Best Grit Guards UK (Reviews) of 2024

Last Updated on July 9, 2022 by

Best Grit Guard

If you’re big on washing your car regularly, then you’ll know that the last thing you want to do is cause any sort of scratching on the car. A grit guard provides a barrier at the bottom of your car wash bucket to help prevent any dirt or debris from getting picked up by your wash mitt as you clean the car.

Grit guards are straightforward to use and only need to be fitted at the bottom of your chosen wash bucket, usually an inch or so from the bottom, ensuring that they stay in place to keep all the dirt and debris trapped at the bottom.

We have researched the top grit guards available to use with your car wash bucket for eliminating any scratching when detailing.

Best Grit Guards in the UK Reviewed


#1. Meguiar’s X3003 Professional Car Wash Grit Guard

Meguiar's X3003 Grit Guard

The Meguiar’s grit guard is a highly durable option which has full dimensions of 55 x 41 x 28 cm. It is designed to fit perfectly in an accompanying yellow Meguiar’s bucket. This particular grid is divided into four separate quadrants which catch dirt and debris of all sizes to reduce scratches and swirls on the surface of your vehicle.

One of the most significant features of this model is the radial agitation grid, which removes dirt and debris from your wash mitt. You can rub your mitt along the surface and then continue scrubbing, confident that no more debris is clinging to the material.

This is one of the sturdiest grit guards, and it is also easy to clean. You just need to rinse it off when you are done. You do not need to worry about the plastic splintering or the paint washing away. If there is a potential downside, it is that you need to have the accompanying Meguiar’s bucket, which could mean spending more money at the outset.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Cleans your wash mitt
  • Catches debris of all sizes
  • Sturdy plastic

Cons

  • Need the matching bucket


#2. Scratch Shield Car Valeting Aid

Scratch Shield Car Valeting Aid

The Scratch Shield Car Valeting Aid Creates a protective barrier in the bottom of the bucket so you do not pick up dirt and debris with your sponge or scrubbing mitt. This reduces the chances of scratching your paint and also stops dried swirls of material becoming trapped to the surface of your vehicle.

This is a black grit guard with full dimensions of 24.5 x 24.5 x 1.6 cm. It is moderately durable and includes baffle plates, so you don’t create a vortex in your bucket that dislodges the material you have already removed from your vehicle. This is an affordable option and truly a great value since it is useful for numerous washes.

One downside is the plastic is a little thinner than other grit guards, so it is more likely to break if you apply too much pressure while washing. Just have a gentle hand and it will turn out alright.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Fits in most buckets
  • Includes baffle plates

Cons

  • Thinner plastic


#3. Hyfive Car Wash Grit Guard

Hyfive Car Wash Grit Guard

The Hyfive Car Wash Grit Guard is a great option for large buckets because of its dimensions, which are 40 x 30 x 30 cm. This model is only available in black and can sit at the bottom or top of a bucket so you can access clean water no matter what. The plastic is thick and highly durable, and also includes some agitators so you can easily wipe off a sponge or mitt. It works well with neutral pH soap, as the paint on the surface can thin or tear when mixed with acidic cleaners.

Since this is such a simple model, there is little to consider about buying it. The only potential con is how large it is, since it might not fit in the bucket you currently have. Keep this in mind before purchasing.

Plus, this model is one of the most affordable since it is manufactured by a smaller company and you don’t have to worry about buying special equipment like a matching bucket.

Pros

  • Includes surface agitators
  • Durable
  • Great for large buckets

Cons

  • Sits high in the bucket
  • Not good with acidic soaps


#4. Grit Guard GG Insert

Grit Guard GG Insert

The Grit Guard GG is the original insert for buckets, hence the name. As one of the first models ever produced, it continues to stand the test of time by being stable and fitting most buckets. It has a reinforced bottom to prevent the small plastic insert from floating and is made of some of the most durable plastic available.

The Grit Guard is divided into quadrants to better trap debris and includes agitators once again to catch debris off of your sponge, washcloth, or cleaning mitt. The full dimensions are 26.5 x 26.5 x 6 cm. and it is easy to see all of the dirt and debris because the insert is white.

This Grit Guard will last you a long time and works with all types of soaps and cleaner. It even can withstand high pressure, so don’t worry about it cracking from the force of your hand.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Reinforced bottom
  • Works with all soap types
  • Stable

Cons

  • Lightweight


#5. KKmoon Grit Guard Bucket Insert

KKmoon Grit Guard Bucket Insert

The KKmoon Grit Guard Bucket Insert is quite simple and is one of the only options available which includes a high, reinforced bottom to trap more debris. You can wipe off the surface of your cleaning object on the top and don’t have to worry about the heavy plastic floating in the water while you clean.

This guard is available in yellow or red and has a radial pattern to trap all types of materials. A potential downside is the thinness of the plastic, but it is still quite durable.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Thick bottom
  • Radial pattern

Cons

  • Thin plastic


Guard for Grit and Dirt Buying Considerations

There is little you need to consider before buying a grit guard. In fact, many people just buy the first one they see and get a bucket which is appropriately sized for it. If you already have a bucket you want to use or are particular about the type of debris you want to trap, you’ll want to take a look at the different dimensions and patterns of the guard.

Dimensions

Knowing the dimensions of your bucket and the guard are essential to having a proper fit. If the guard does not reach the sides of the bucket, it will not be able to trap all of the debris and you will be stuck with dirty water once more. To get an accurate measurement of your bucket, measure the circumference, length, and width. You can compare these numbers to the available measurements of the grit guards.

Height is not important when thinking about dimensions. Most guards are not tall enough to affect how much water will be in your bucket.

Pattern

Another feature to consider is the pattern on the guard. Some options, such as the Meguiar’s Professional Car Wash Grit Guard, have specific quadrants designed to trap as much debris as possible. Others will be straightforward and just have a plain grid pattern. For the best results, choose a guard which has been engineered to target and trap as much dirt as possible.

Durability

Finally, take a look at durability. There is no point in buying a guard if it is made of brittle plastic and will break after a couple of uses. The five models chosen for this list are all made from more durable material, but there are many other options on the market which use cheap materials that won’t last. 

Final Verdict

If you wash cars often or would like to show your neighbours that you are serious about vehicle maintenance, then you need a grit guard. These simple and straightforward pieces of plastic will trap any dirt and debris at the bottom of your wash bucket, so you don’t have to worry about scratching your paint or developing swirls on the exterior.

Out of these models, perhaps the most beneficial is the Meguiar’s Professional Car Wash Grit Guard, especially since you can get a matching bucket. But there are options for buckets of all sizes.

Just remember to rinse when you are done for the best results.