A grit guard insert for a bucket may not be top of your list when it comes to assembling a proper car washing kit and it kind of makes sense to prioritise the big things like a good pressure washer.
I mean it's just a bucket, something you can pick up for a quid from the supermarket and keep until it can no longer hold water. My dad even once used the same bucket he mixes cement in to wash the car, much to the horror of anyone who likes a car with paint still on it.
But did you know that a bucket (or two as any good detailer will know) fitted with a good grit guard can help protect your paint from scratches making it look better once clean? A grit guard works by letting these contaminants sink down to the bottom of the bucket, underneath the guard and away from your wash mitt, stopping you from dragging little pieces of grit across your car. We've found the best examples of grit guards online (and the buckets they fit) so you can keep your car as scratch-free as possible.
The best grit guard for buckets
The best grit guard and bucket
Meguiar's is a go-to brand for car detailing so this bucket and grit guard set will be perfect for washing your car. The bucket can hold a massive 18.9 litres of water making it ideal for cleaning even the largest of 4x4s with ease. The grit guard will collect small bits of dirt which will not only protect your paint but also keep the water cleaner for longer.
Pros
- Both a bucket and grit guard
- Good quality
Cons
- Two sets will clean your car better
The best grit guard kit
A premium offering from Gtechniq, this 20-litre bucket ships with a nice grit guard that'll filter away those nasty bits of debris. The standout feature of this bucket is the included gamma seal lid which will provide an air-tight seal for the bucket. This not only means no dust and debris will fall into the bucket while it's not in use, but it also means that the bucket can quite easily be used to store your cleaning equipment. It can even transform the bucket into a stool.
Pros
- Covers all bases
- Doubles as storage
Cons
- Pricey
The best simple grit guard
Already own a good 20-litre bucket and simply want an excellent grit guard to slip inside? If so the Grit Guard from Autoglym should be more than capable of protecting your car's paintwork. The universal fit means it should fit a standard 20-litre bucket easily. With more than 200 slots, it'll ensure dirt and debris are trapped underneath it.
Pros
- Simple but effective
- Quality build
Cons
- You'll need a bucket
The best grit guard for grit removal
An unusual-looking option from Chemical Guys, this dirt trap makes use of 297 dirt cyclones to capture as much dirt and grit as possible, with Chemical Guys claiming it'll keep your water cleaner for longer. It's incredibly effective at capturing dirt but is designed to fit 12-inch buckets (5-US gallons), worth bearing in mind.
Pros
- Effective at sifting grit
- Quality construction
Cons
- Designed for US buckets
The best grit guard accessory
Taking grit guards to the next level, this washboard attaches to a compatible grit guard to give you an easy surface to wash your wash mitt against, removing any leftover grit a regular grit guard may miss and making sure you don't accidentally marr your car's paint.